Some of the conditions we treat

In Diabetes type I, the pancreas completely stops making a hormone called insulin. Insulin is responsible for taking sugar (or glucose) from the blood and putting it into body tissues and organs so that it can be used for energy. Without insulin, glucose builds up in the blood while the body tissues and organs become deprived of glucose. This leads to various symptoms, including lightheadedness, dizziness, frequent urination, extreme thirst, hunger and fatigue. Without proper treatment, the level of glucose in the blood becomes dangerously high and can even be life threatening.

In Diabetes type II, the body tissues develop resistance to insulin and do not use insulin as effectively as they should. The pancreas releases more and more insulin to try and make up for this resistance. The level of sugar (or glucose) in the blood becomes dangerously high without treatment. The elevated blood glucose causes various symptoms and can eventually become dangerous or even life-threatening. Eventually, the pancreas may stop producing insulin altogether.

If left untreated, diabetes type I and II can lead to significant changes and complications including: heart disease, heart attacks, kidney damage, nerve and blood vessel damage (especially to the feet), eye or vision problems, sexual dysfunction, increased risk of infections and poor wound healing.

At Paloma Primary Care, we discuss the many options available to diabetic patients, including medications, lifestyle changes, and dietary changes. We understand that many patients can not afford certain diabetic medications and work very hard to come with a realistic plan that the patient is able to afford. We are also happy to fill out financial aid applications for many of the newer diabetic patients which enable many patients to get certain medications for free.

High blood pressure causes extra stress on the heart and blood vessels. When the pressure in a person’s blood vessels is high, the heart has to push (or pump) against the pressure in order to get blood throughout the body. Over time, high blood pressure increases a person’s risk for heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, poor circulation, and many other issues. Diet, exercise, and sometimes medication help to reduce blood pressure, and ultimately reduce a person’s risk for the many potential complications of high blood pressure.

The thyroid gland, located to the front part of the neck, makes thyroid hormones and releases them into the bloodstream to be used by the body. Thyroid hormones play a vital role in regulating the body's metabolism. Thyroid hormones control how the body uses energy, affect the rate at which cells and tissues function, and influence numerous physiological processes, including heart rate, body temperature, and energy expenditure.

The thyroid can be overactive, releasing too much thyroid hormone (called hyperthyroidism) or underactive, releasing too little thyroid hormone (called hypothyroidism). Hyperthyroidism can lead to symptoms like a rapid heart rate, anxiety, and weight loss. Hypothyroidism can lead to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. Autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's and Graves' disease are common causes of thyroid dysfunction. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are diagnosed and monitored with blood tests. Hypothyroidism is usually treated by replacing the thyroid hormone with medication. Hyperthyroidism is treated in a variety of ways, including medication or sometimes partial or total removal of the Thyroid gland.

Thyroid nodules are another common thyroid condition. Depending on the size and appearance, some thyroid nodules can be monitored with an ultrasound every year or every couple of years. Nodules that are large or have suspicious characteristics seen on an ultrasound usually require a biopsy done with a very small needle.

Abdominal pain can have various causes, ranging from mild and/or temporary issues to severe medical conditions. Common causes of abdominal pain include reflux or GERD, constipation, ulcers, and urinary tract infections. Each of these problems may be isolated or could be a sign or symptoms of a more serious disease. Another common cause of poor digestion and abdominal discomfort is a low level of good gut bacteria. Infections, like gastroenteritis, H. Pylori, or kidney infections, can also lead to abdominal pain. In more serious cases, abdominal pain may be due to conditions like appendicitis, gall bladder stones or inflammation, kidney stones, or inflammatory bowel diseases (Crohn’s disease and Ulcerative Colitis). Celiac disease, severe food allergies, and eosinophilic esophagitis are examples of conditions causing abdominal pain/digestive problems that often go on for years before being diagnosed. Depending on the suspected cause, a person with abdominal pain may require imaging, blood tests, urine or stools tests, or a more urgent medical evaluation to make a diagnosis. Treatment is usually focused on the cause of the abdominal pain and may include lifestyle changes, deity changes, medications or supplements. Testing for most of the issues named above are done in the office at Paloma Primary Care. , severe food allergies, and eosinophilic esophagitis are examples of conditions causing abdominal pain/digestive problems that often go on for years before being diagnosed. Depending on the suspected cause, a person with abdominal pain may require imaging, blood tests, urine or stools tests, or a more urgent medical evaluation to make a diagnosis. Treatment is usually focused on the cause of the abdominal pain and may include lifestyle changes, deity changes, medications or supplements. Testing and treatment for most of the issues named above are done in the office at Paloma Primary Care.

Joint, back, and Neck pain are common complaints that can affect people of all ages and result from a variety of causes. Common causes include injury (like a sprained ankle or fracture) and overuse. Symptoms that last more than a couple weeks, are severe, or symptoms that keep coming back, can be caused by old injuries, osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Gout, and Infection. Proper diagnosis usually requires a full physical exam, but may also require imaging or lab tests. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications, muscle relaxant medications, medications for specific causes (like gout or autoimmune diseases), lifestyle modifications and depending on the cause and severity, referral to physical therapy or a pain specialist.

Obesity is a complex issue with many contributing factors, including genetics, diet, physical activity, and environmental effects. While obesity is most commonly influenced by lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity, there are some medical conditions and medications that can contribute to or exacerbate weight gain. Medical conditions that may cause or worsen obesity include hypothyroidism, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), depression and anxiety, insomnia, diabetes (particularly type II), injuries or mobility issues, and a genetic predisposition.

Obesity in turn increases a person's risk of various health issues, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, certain cancers, and musculoskeletal problems.

Obesity and weight loss visits at Paloma Primary Care include a full discussion of current weight, weight loss goals, a diet/exercise regimen, strategies for weight loss and recommendations for testing for potential causes like hypothyroidism. We will also discuss and potentially prescribe medications for weight loss (oral and injections) depending on the patient’s current weight, their weight loss goals, and the presence of any coexisting medical conditions.

We do prescribe Ozempic/Wegovy (Semaglutide) for weight loss. Give us a call or send a message for more information. We look forward to helping you reach your goals!

We treat a variety of mental health complaints including: Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment disorder, Bipolar Type II, OCD, and Grief. We discuss the risks versus benefits of prescription medication, as well as the different types of medications available and how each medication works. We also discuss other disorders that may be causing or contributing to mental health complaints (like hypothyroidism, low vitamin B12, and heart disease) and provide recommendations or whether or not to perform testing for these issues.

A note on ADHD: While we do prescribe several medications for ADHD, we do NOT prescribe Adderall, Vyvanse or Ritalin. We are happy to provide a referral to a psychiatric provider for patients in need of Adderall, Vyvanse, or Ritalin.

We perform Paps exams and testing and discuss and order preventative screenings including mammograms. We discuss and treat menstrual cycle related symptoms like pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, and cycle irregularity. We also treat women for menopause related symptoms including hot flashes, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. We can do blood tests to check hormone levels right in the office. We thoroughly discuss treatment options, including lifestyle changes, medications, supplements, etc., as well as whether the patient would benefit from imaging or referral to a specialist.

We offer intramuscular and topical testosterone replacement therapy for men with medically low testosterone. We treat a variety of issues including erectile dysfunction and frequent urination. We also perform the blood test used as a screening for prostate cancer, the Prostate Specific Antigen, or PSA, right in the office.

At Paloma Primary Care, we see children ages 4 and older.

In addition to seeing children due to acute and chronic illnesses, we also perform well child check ups. At well child check ups we discuss age-related mile stones, recommendations for preventative screenings and vaccines, and complete a full physical exam. We do not require our patients to be vaccinated. We are happy to discuss risks versus benefits for each recommended childhood vaccine, as well as discuss which vaccines may be more or less beneficial depending on each individual patient.

We also perform sports physicals, which include a full physical exam and completion of the paperwork for the physical exam.

We offer evaluation, testing and treatment for short term and long term respiratory illnesses and disorders including the flu, Covid, Strep throat, Pneumonia, Asthma and COPD.

While we may recommend a Covid test depending on a patient’s symptoms, we never require them.

We treat issues relating to falling or staying asleep as well as sleep apnea.

More information coming soon.

We treat anemia and blood related abnormalities.

More information coming soon.

We treat rashes and mild to moderate eczema and psoriasis.

We also perform the incision and drainage procedure for skin abscesses right in our office.

More information coming soon.

We treat headaches and migraines at Paloma Primary Care. We discuss potential triggers/things to avoid, lifestyle changes, natural supplements, and the wide variety of prescription medications that help many people with headaches and migraines.

More information coming soon.