Hi, I’m Dr. A of OasisRock Medical Centre, and welcome to our ‘Ask Dr. A’ Holiday Edition!’
"How can I avoid alcohol-related risks during parties?”
Drink responsibly, alternate alcoholic beverages with water, and avoid driving if you’ve consumed alcohol. Safety first!
Visit oasisrockmedical.com or call 682-882-6060 to schedule your next appointment today. Share this video and follow for more tips!
Cholesterol is often viewed as something harmful, but the truth is more complex. It is a waxy, fat-like substance that plays a vital role in keeping your body healthy. Every cell in your body contains cholesterol, and it is essential for producing hormones, vitamin D, and substances that help digest food.
While cholesterol is necessary for normal body function, having too much of certain types can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Cholesterol is a type of lipid (fat) that circulates in your bloodstream. Your body naturally produces most of the cholesterol it needs in the liver. The rest comes from the foods you eat, particularly those high in saturated and trans fats.
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) – "Bad" Cholesterol
LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad cholesterol" because high levels can lead to the buildup of fatty deposits, known as plaque, inside your arteries. Over time, plaque narrows the arteries, making it harder for blood to flow. This condition, called atherosclerosis, increases the risk of:
Heart attack
Stroke
Peripheral artery disease
Lowering LDL cholesterol is a key goal in reducing cardiovascular risk.
High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) – "Good" Cholesterol
HDL cholesterol is known as "good cholesterol" because it helps remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and carries it back to the liver, where it can be broken down and eliminated from the body.
Higher HDL levels are generally associated with a lower risk of heart disease.
Triglycerides
Although not a type of cholesterol, triglycerides are another important blood fat. High triglyceride levels, especially when combined with high LDL or low HDL, can further increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
High cholesterol usually develops without causing noticeable symptoms. Many people are unaware they have elevated cholesterol until it is detected through a routine blood test.
If left untreated, high cholesterol can contribute to:
Coronary artery disease
Heart attack
Stroke
Reduced blood flow to the limbs
Because it is often symptom-free, high cholesterol is sometimes called a "silent risk factor."
Several factors can increase cholesterol levels, including:
Diet high in saturated and trans fats
Lack of physical activity
Being overweight or obese
Smoking
Excessive alcohol consumption
Diabetes
Chronic kidney disease
Family history of high cholesterol
Increasing age
Some people inherit a genetic condition called familial hypercholesterolemia, which causes very high cholesterol levels even with a healthy lifestyle.
A lipid profile is a blood test used to measure cholesterol levels. It typically includes:
Total cholesterol
LDL cholesterol
HDL cholesterol
Triglycerides
Healthy lifestyle habits are the foundation of cholesterol management.
Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
Focus on:
Fruits and vegetables
Whole grains
Beans and legumes
Nuts and seeds
Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Healthy fats such as olive oil and avocado
Limit:
Fried foods
Processed meats
Sugary foods and beverages
Foods high in saturated and trans fats
Stay Physically Active
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week. Activities such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing can help improve cholesterol levels and support heart health.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Even modest weight loss can improve cholesterol levels and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Avoid Smoking
Quitting smoking can improve HDL cholesterol and significantly lower the risk of heart disease.
Limit Alcohol Intake
Excessive alcohol consumption may increase triglyceride levels. Drinking in moderation, if at all, is recommended.
Lifestyle changes alone may not be enough for everyone. Cholesterol lowering medications may be recommended if:
LDL cholesterol remains high despite lifestyle changes.
You have diabetes.
You have established heart disease.
Your calculated cardiovascular risk is high.
You have inherited high cholesterol.
In many cases, yes. A balanced diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding tobacco, and having regular health checkups can help prevent or delay the development of high cholesterol.
For individuals with inherited cholesterol disorders, early diagnosis and treatment are especially important.
*Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations regarding cholesterol testing and management.
Visit us at oasisrockmedical.com/schedule to schedule a primary care preventive visit and get your cholesterol checked or call us at 6828826060 to make an appointment.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, affects millions of people worldwide and is one of the leading causes of heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and premature death. What makes hypertension particularly dangerous is that it often develops without noticeable symptoms, earning it the nickname "the silent killer."
Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps. It is measured using two numbers:
A normal blood pressure reading is generally considered less than 120/80 mmHg.
Over time, elevated blood pressure damages blood vessels and vital organs throughout the body. Uncontrolled hypertension can increase the risk of:
The higher your blood pressure and the longer it remains uncontrolled, the greater the risk of complications.
Several factors can contribute to high blood pressure, including:
In many cases, multiple factors work together to raise blood pressure over time.
Many people with hypertension may feel completely normal especially at the onset. However, severely elevated blood pressure may sometimes cause:
A diagnosis is usually made after multiple elevated readings taken on different occasions. Home blood pressure monitoring can also provide valuable information and help identify patients with white-coat hypertension or masked hypertension.
Lifestyle modifications can significantly improve blood pressure and overall health.
A low sodium diet can help lower blood pressure.
Even modest weight loss can have a meaningful impact on blood pressure control.
Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity like walking each week.
Focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
Excessive alcohol intake can raise blood pressure and increase cardiovascular risk.
Smoking damages blood vessels and significantly increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, adequate sleep, and regular physical activity can help reduce stress-related blood pressure elevations.
For some individuals, lifestyle changes alone may not be enough. Blood pressure medications can effectively reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other complications.
Common medication classes that help treat high blood pressure include:
Your physician will determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on your overall health and individual risk factors.
Take Control of Your Health Today. If you need help with controlling your blood pressure visit us at oasisrockmedical.com/schedule or call 682 882 6060 to schedule your primary care appointment.
Acne is often associated with teenage years, but for many people, breakouts continue well into adulthood. One of the most common types of adult acne is hormonal acne - a condition closely linked to fluctuations in hormone levels. From painful cysts along the jawline to recurring breakouts before a menstrual cycle, hormonal acne can be frustrating and emotionally draining.
Hormonal acne occurs when hormonal fluctuations increase oil (sebum) production in the skin. Excess oil mixes with dead skin cells and bacteria, clogging pores and causing inflammation. Unlike typical teenage acne, hormonal acne often appears in adults between their 20s and 40s and tends to follow recurring patterns.
It commonly affects:
The lower face
Jawline
Chin
Neck
Sometimes the cheeks and back
Hormonal acne can range from mild whiteheads and blackheads to painful cystic acne deep beneath the skin.
Hormonal acne is primarily driven by androgens, a group of hormones that includes testosterone. When androgen levels fluctuate or become elevated, the sebaceous glands produce more oil, increasing the likelihood of clogged pores and inflammation.
Common Triggers Include:
1. Menstrual Cycles
Many women notice breakouts a week or two before their period due to shifts in estrogen and progesterone levels.
2. Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) formerly known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PMOS can cause excess androgen production, leading to acne, irregular periods, and excessive hair growth.
3. Pregnancy
Hormonal changes during pregnancy may either improve or worsen acne depending on the individual.
4. Stress
Stress triggers cortisol production, which may indirectly stimulate oil production and worsen breakouts.
5. Menopause
Declining estrogen levels during menopause can lead to hormonal imbalances that trigger adult acne.
6. Diet and Lifestyle
High-glycemic foods, dairy products, poor sleep, and smoking may contribute to inflammation and hormonal imbalance in some individuals.
Hormonal acne often has distinct characteristics, including:
Deep, painful cysts
Recurring breakouts in the same areas
Acne concentrated around the jawline and chin
Flare-ups linked to menstrual cycles or stress
Oily skin and inflammation
Unlike surface pimples, hormonal acne lesions are often tender and slow to heal.
Treating hormonal acne usually requires a combination of skincare, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medical intervention.
1. Topical Treatments
Retinoids
Retinoids help unclog pores, reduce inflammation, and speed up cell turnover.
Benzoyl Peroxide
This ingredient reduces acne-causing bacteria and inflammation.
Salicylic Acid
Salicylic acid penetrates pores to remove excess oil and dead skin cells.
2. Hormonal Therapy
Birth Control Pills
Certain oral contraceptives regulate hormone fluctuations and reduce oil production.
Spironolactone
This medication blocks androgen receptors and may be prescribed for women with hormonal acne.
3. Oral Medications
Antibiotics
Short-term antibiotics may reduce inflammation and bacteria in moderate to severe cases.
Isotretinoin
For severe cystic acne, isotretinoin may be recommended under medical supervision.
4. Lifestyle Changes
Manage Stress
Practices like meditation, exercise, and quality sleep may help balance hormones.
Improve Diet
Some people benefit from reducing sugar, processed foods, and dairy intake.
Maintain a Gentle Skincare Routine
Overwashing or harsh products can irritate the skin and worsen acne.
A simple, consistent routine is often most effective.
Morning
Gentle cleanser
Lightweight moisturizer
Non-comedogenic sunscreen
Night
Cleanser
Treatment product (retinoid or salicylic acid)
Moisturizer
Avoid picking or squeezing acne lesions, as this increases the risk of scarring and pigmentation.
Acne leaves scars
Over-the-counter products are ineffective
Breakouts are severe or cystic
You have symptoms of hormonal imbalance such as irregular periods or hair loss
Hormonal acne is a complex condition influenced by internal hormonal changes and external lifestyle factors. While it can be stubborn, patience and consistency are key, as hormonal acne often takes several weeks or months to respond to treatment.
Clear skin is possible with the right approach. Call us at 6828826060 to schedule a primary care appointment or click on the SCHEDULE NOW button on the home page here at oasisrockmedical.com
Subclinical hypothyroidism is a frequently encountered endocrine disorder in clinical practice. It is often identified incidentally on routine blood tests and presents a management challenge due to its subtle nature and variable clinical significance.
Subclinical hypothyroidism is defined biochemically by:
Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Normal free thyroxine (T4) levels
Patients typically have no obvious symptoms or only mild, nonspecific complaints.
Pathophysiology
The condition reflects early or mild dysfunction of the thyroid gland, often due to:
Autoimmune thyroid disease, especially Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Partial thyroid failure
Recovery phase after thyroiditis
Iodine imbalance (deficiency or excess)
Epidemiology
More common in women than men
Prevalence increases with age
Seen in up to 5–10% of the general population
Higher risk in individuals with autoimmune disorders or family history of thyroid disease
Most patients are asymptomatic, but some may report mild symptoms resembling overt hypothyroidism:
Fatigue
Weight gain
Cold intolerance
Constipation
Dry skin
Because these symptoms are nonspecific, diagnosis relies heavily on laboratory findings.
Diagnosis is based on thyroid function tests:
Test | Finding |
TSH | Elevated (usually 4.5–10 mIU/L, sometimes higher) |
Free T4 | Normal |
Anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies | May be positive |
Repeat testing after 6–12 weeks is recommended to confirm persistence.
Clinical Significance
While often mild, subclinical hypothyroidism has been associated with:
Increased risk of progression to overt hypothyroidism
Cardiovascular effects (e.g., dyslipidemia)
Possible association with coronary artery disease
Neuropsychiatric symptoms in some patients
However, not all patients require treatment.
1. Observation (Watchful Waiting)
Appropriate for many patients:
TSH <10 mIU/L
Asymptomatic
No significant risk factors
Monitor TSH every 6–12 months.
2. Pharmacologic Treatment
Treatment with Levothyroxine is considered if:
TSH ≥10 mIU/L
Presence of symptoms
Positive TPO antibodies
Pregnancy or planning pregnancy
Cardiovascular risk factors
3. Special Populations
Pregnancy: Lower threshold for treatment due to fetal development needs
Elderly: More conservative approach due to risk of overtreatment
Children: Managed case-by-case
If untreated in certain cases:
Progression to overt hypothyroidism
Lipid abnormalities
Cardiovascular risk
Reduced quality of life
Subclinical hypothyroidism is defined by high TSH with normal T4
Often asymptomatic and detected incidentally
Not all patients require treatment
Decision to treat depends on TSH level, symptoms, and risk factors
Subclinical hypothyroidism highlights the importance of individualized care in medicine. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, management should balance biochemical findings with clinical context, patient preferences, and long-term risk considerations.
Feature | Type 1 | Type 2 | Type 1.5 (LADA) |
Autoimmune? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
Insulin resistance? | ❌ | ✅ | Sometimes mild |
Age at diagnosis | Often childhood | Usually adults | Adults (30+) |
Immediate insulin required? | Yes | Not always | Eventually yes |
Your health is your greatest asset—and we're here to help you protect it. Whether you need routine care, chronic condition management, wellness screenings, or same day appointments, OasisRock Medical is your trusted partner for comprehensive, compassionate care.
Dr. Eberechi Anozie
