Blog Archive

The holidays bring families and friends together, typically over a table laden with yummy delights and treats. For the 60-70 million Americans who have a digestive disease, that same table often represents potential landmines that can leave them feeling less than merry. To help you navigate the holiday feasting this...

We're going to kick off this discussion with some eye-opening numbers. First, elevated cholesterol affects about 86 million Americans aged 20 and older, and about 25 million of them have high cholesterol. About 7% of kids ages 6-19 have high cholesterol, too. The reason these numbers are alarming is because...

The date on your calendar is looming — your child’s appointment with one of our pediatricians —  and you’re not all that keen to get there, thanks to your child’s reaction. We assure you, this is normal.  One poll among parents of kids between the ages of 2 and 5...

The most important thing to know about skin cancer is that it is, far and away, the most common form of cancer. About 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70, and you don’t have to live in a sunny state like Florida to be...

You’re noticing some behavioral or mental health changes in your teen, and you want to figure out whether these changes are simply part of growing up or whether they might signal a more pressing issue. You’re right to worry. Even before the global pandemic struck, rates of mental health issues...

Women are no strangers to urinary tract infections (UTIs). The lifetime incidence rate is about 50%-60% among adult women. If you suspect that your number has come up and you have a UTI, you want to know what to do next.  The short answer: Come see us for confirmation and some...

It starts out slowly enough. Your big toe begins to lean over toward your second toe and a small bump appears at the base of the toe. All too soon, the deformity worsens and you have full-on bunions.  When you look down at your feet, you need to realize one...

While we dislike using scare tactics to open a conversation about your health, when we’re discussing heart disease, it’s hard to avoid them.  For starters, heart disease is responsible for 1 of every 5 deaths in the United States and a person dies every 33 seconds from cardiovascular disease. Now,...

Each year in the United States, more than 1 million women begin their journeys through menopause, which can be a bumpy ride for many thanks to unwelcome side effects. Topping the list of complaints are hot flashes, which affect a whopping 75% of women. If you’re looking for ways to turn down the...

Sure, you might find some comfort knowing you’re not alone with your high blood pressure, seeing as how nearly half of adults (47%) in the United States are in the same boat. We’d prefer that you get out of the boat altogether and find dry land when it comes to your blood...

More than 37 million people (about 11.3% of the population) in the United States have diabetes, placing them at risk for a host of serious complications that range from lower limb amputation to vision loss.  And these risks aren’t uncommon — nearly 8 million Americans over the age of 40 have diabetic retinopathy, which...

While it might seem like summer has only just begun, the start of the next school year is around the corner, so it might be time to schedule your child’s school physical exam.  New York State requires a school health exam for new entrants into a school system, any child playing...

About 70% of Americans encounter athlete’s foot at some point in their lives. If you’re lucky, the experience is quick, and you only go through it once. For some, though, athlete’s foot can be awfully stubborn and highly problematic. As part of the extensive health care services here at LaSante...

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has called family planning, which is the ability to achieve birth spacing and family size, one of the top 10 public health achievements of the 20th century.  At the heart of family planning are the many different options in birth control. In...

It’s rare to find someone who gets through life without developing tooth decay and, as a result, a cavity or two. In fact, nearly 90% of people ages 20-64 have decay in their teeth and at least one cavity. At LaSante Health Center, our multidisciplinary team includes dental experts who...

Arthritis — this one little word has some very surprising numbers attached to it. For starters, about 58.5 million American adults have been diagnosed with arthritis. By 2040, this number is expected to jump to nearly 78.5 million. This means that up to a third of our population is going to be...

The odds are good that you know someone with diabetes, since this chronic condition affects about 1 in 10 people in the United States. The odds are even better that you know a few people — maybe including yourself — with prediabetes, which affects a third of American adults.  Unfortunately, of the...

Nearly 20% of adults in the United States (about 40 million) have an anxiety disorder, making it the most common mental health issue in the country. Beyond excessive worry, what many of these people have in common are physical health problems that are the result of ongoing and untreated anxiety. To help...

March is Women's History Month and LaSante will be celebrating all women at our "Good Morning Gorgeous event"!    Our very own Ofiong Okon FNP-BC will be there to discuss how to live your life golden by protecting your mind, body and soul.    Come join us for an insightful...

We’re going to kick off this blog with three eye-opening statistics: Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; 90% of heart disease is preventable; and nearly half of people in the US (47%) have high blood pressure. As a major contributor to heart disease, hypertension, or high blood pressure,...

A minor problem in your foot, such as a blister, can have a disproportionately large effect on your life, as the simple act of walking becomes painful. Large or small, any time you're dealing with a problem in your foot, you need answers, and relief, as quickly as possible. At LaSante...

While the collective mental health of the United States took a hit during the pandemic, the reality is that issues like depression were already on the rise. Today, approximately 21 million American adults are diagnosed with major depressive disorder, as well as 3.2% of kids and teens. One of the drivers of the...

From the moment you open your eyes in the morning, they’re hard at work helping you navigate the world around you. Your eyesight is important, which is why you should take steps to preserve the health of your eyes, and that starts with regular eye exams. Among the many areas...

Thanks to the recent global pandemic, vaccinations have held the spotlight for the last couple of years, and as a result, a fair amount of misinformation has been making the rounds.  Unfortunately, this has caused parents to question whether childhood vaccines are a good idea. Now we’re seeing rises in...

A woman’s overall wellness is, in large part, dictated by her reproductive wellness, which is why women require a different standard of care. This care helps women navigate every stage of their lives, from puberty on through menopause and beyond. At LaSante Health Center, our team of health care providers...

There’s nothing quite like taking to your feet, only to be met by stabbing pain in the soles of your feet and in your heels. This pain, which often occurs in the morning when you first get out of bed, is the hallmark of a condition called plantar fasciitis.  The...

Pain of any kind is an unwelcome development, but tooth pain has a way of hijacking your life, which makes finding relief a top priority.  The best way to find this relief is to come see us, as your pain is likely the result of a problem in your teeth...

Pills, patches, condoms, sponges, rings — there are any number of ways in which you can prevent an unplanned pregnancy. In fact, the sheer number of options may seem overwhelming. To help you make better sense of your choices so you can make an informed birth control decision, our team...

In 1958, only 1.6 million people were diagnosed with diabetes in the United States. Today, more than 37 million have this chronic disease, to say nothing of the 96 million adults in the US who have prediabetes.  This alarming trend is what fuels our next statistic: Diabetes is the leading...

Approximately 6 million kids ages 3-17 in the United States have been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and boys outpace girls by more than 2-to-1. Most kids have bouts of hyperactivity or struggle with paying attention, which can make ADHD difficult to identify and diagnose. That’s why you should seek...

When was the last time you heard of someone having polio or tetanus? The odds are good that you haven’t, and that’s largely due to vaccination efforts in the United States, which protect against some very serious diseases. As the recent global pandemic showed, vaccinations can save lives, so stay...

Over 6.3 billion medications were dispensed in 2020 in the United States, and while some drugs are short courses 一 such as a 10-day course of antibiotics to treat a sinus infection 一 many people take medications regularly to control chronic conditions. You may take medications for an indefinite time...

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a highly prevalent condition impacting nearly half of all adults in the United States. Concerningly, many people are unaware they have it until serious complications start to happen.  Our multispecialty team at LeSante Health Center in the Prospect Lefferts Gardens area of Brooklyn, Flatbush...

The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered dramatic changes throughout everyday life — and in the medical community as well. Not only are providers across the country postponing elective procedures, but many are also encouraging people to avoid in-office appointments to reduce their risk of exposure to this highly contagious coronavirus.But what...

December 6th through 12th is National Influenza Vaccination Week. National Influenza Vaccination week is a great time to bring awareness to the flu and remind people to get their yearly flu shot.  On average, the flu effects between five to 20 percent of the U.S. population each year. Peak flu...

December 1st through 7th is National Handwashing Awareness Week. In the two years, the importance of handwashing has become even more prominent with the rise of COVID-19. And with flu season being right around the corner, there's many reasons to stay on top of keep your hands clean. While we're...

World Aids Day takes place each year on December 1st. This day is an opportunity for everyone to come together and show support for those living with HIV or those who have lost their life or a loved one to HIV. HIV is a virus that attacks the body's immune...

With approximately 500,000 new cases of Alzheimer's disease in America each year, and 5.3 million Americans diagnosed overall, Alzheimer's is a fast-growing epidemic in the United States. November is National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, which is a time to bring awareness to the disease and help people understand what it...

There's a sexually transmitted infection on the rise around the world, which means people in the United States need to be aware of it as well. Granuloma Inguinale, or Donovanosis, is a bacterial infection that causes sores on the genitals. It spreads mainly through sexual contact, and very rarely through...

If you have itchy, dry feet, it could be a sign of athlete's foot. Athlete's foot is a common fungal infection that usually occurs on your feet. It's most common in people who have become very sweaty while wearing tight fitted shoes, hence the name.  Symptons of athlete's foot can...

Did you know, 34.2 million Americans currently have diabetes? People of Color, Black and Indigenous communities are at a higher risk for developing or having diabetes. American Diabetes Month brings awareness to the disease, especially because so many people do not realize they have it. Diabetes is a debilitating and...

The influenza vaccine, or flu shot, has a lot of myths surrounding it. Many people are too scared to get the shot or are convinced it doesn't work. Doctors urge everyone to get the shot each year because the flu can make you very sick and in some cases be...

October 17th - 23rd is National Healthcare Quality Week. This week is a great time not only to recognize our staff at LaSante Health Center, but for our patients, or anyone else reading this, to make sure they're receiving the best quality of healthcare. LaSante Health and our staff has...

Whether you have been trapped at home since the beginning of the pandemic, or working in the middle of it as an essential worker, COVID-19's impact has been felt by almost everyone worldwide. During the pandemic, about 4 in 10 adults in the United States reported symptoms of anxiety or...

One in eight women and one in 833 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. While these numbers may not seem too worrisome, breast cancer was classified as the most common cancer worldwide in 2021. October is used every year as a time to raise awareness on breast...

While COVID-19 has ravaged the world, many other health problems have gone unnoticed, leaving many doctors to wonder what the lasting implications will be for those who haven't been able to get the treatment they need. Whether you have been scared to go to the doctor for fear of catching...

Did you know there's a link between foot problems and people diagnosed with diabetes? Although it can be severe in some cases, there are things you can do to prevent the following feet issues. Diabetic neuropathy is nerve damage caused by diabetes. It can cause tingling and pain, and even...

Did you know that HIV can not only be prevented before exposure, but after it as well? PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, and PEP, or post-exposure prophylaxis, are medications designed to stop the spread of HIV. PrEP and PEP are crucial drugs for those participating in activities that could lead to...

September is Sexual Health Awareness Month, which makes it the perfect time to discuss uterine fibroids in women. While uterine fibroids can affect women of all race and ages, women are more likely to develop fibroids during child bearing years, and black women are diagnosed roughly three times as frequently...

Are you at risk of transmitting or being exposed to HIV? It's time to find out. Our HIV Specialist Ofiong Okon can help you reduce your chance of contracting HIV or passing it on to someone else. There are various options for you should you be exposed to or have...

The lives of children all over were turned upside down when schools shut down and began online school in March 2020, and even though many kids are back to in person learning now, they could still have lasting effects from their year of learning online. Not only did kids spend...

If you're in need of a doctor's visit but don't have insurance, don't worry. LaSante Health can get you signed up for Medicaid right here in our office. Our Medicaid specialist, Samantha Noel, schedules appointents with patients so that she can assist you throughout the entire process. If you need...

If you’re looking for a reason to get your child’s eyesight checked, look no further, August is National Children’s Eye Health and Safety Awareness Month; and here at LaSante Health Center, caring for our patients is our top priority. Our optometrists, Dr. Jeffrey Hilowitz and Dr. Vanessa Mostofsky, are both exceptional doctors who are...

Immunization is one of the most cost-effective methods of preventing diseases. Every year, around 300 children and 42,000 adults die from vaccine-preventable diseases. CDC emphasizes the role of parents in improving immunization rates. Every year, the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) rolls out new information during August, the...

The optometry profession is a combination of public health, service delivery, practice management, educational, and legal initiatives specific to every country's educational, regulatory, and cultural frameworks. WCO aims to establish a common standard of global optometric care for the public's well-being. Optometry may extend far beyond correcting the refractive error,...

Oral Health: Dental Management and Care for Diabetics Diabetic patients are vulnerable to several health complications, including their teeth and gums. However, with the right management and care, you can improve your oral health if you are a diabetic patient. Regardless of your diabetes type, it is essential to control...

The dental industry raked in $138 billion in revenues this year. And considering all the work they do to keep our mouths clean and smiles bright, it’s no wonder. Getting your teeth cleaned is pretty important. But how often should you get your teeth cleaned? Does that age-old adage about seeing your...

77% of Americans say they have experienced foot pain. However, only a third of those would seek expert care from a podiatrist. Leaving yourself to suffer through foot pain can have a major impact on your quality of life. In fact, it can restrict your activities, such as walking, playing, working,...

One-third of people in America suffer from high blood pressure. This is a dangerous condition that can lead to heart disease or strokes. But did you know that only 54% of people who suffer from high blood pressure have their condition under control? Fortunately, it’s possible to keep an eye on your blood...

Did you know that an estimated 17.3 million American adults suffer from depression at least once in their lifetime? This is a troubling statistic. But thanks to the increasing awareness about mental illness, people no longer have to suffer alone. If you think that your loved one might be depressed — or...

If you’re reading this article, chances are that you need prescription contacts or glasses. That’s because 75% of adults need prescription contacts or glasses. While some people like to have both options at their disposal, there are many out there who prefer to just go forth with one type of prescription. When...

Diabetes is a major cause of kidney failure, blindness, stroke, heart attacks, and lower limb amputation. In fact, it’s one of the leading causes of death in the United States! A metabolic disorder, it occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or isn’t able to use it efficiently. As a result,...

Did you know that almost 97% of people who undergo LASIK surgery end up with 20/20 vision or better? That’s because this procedure is extremely safe and accurate nowadays, thanks to new advancements in medical equipment. But is LASIK good for you as well? How do you know if you meet the...

When you’re a parent, protecting your children is your main priority. Ensuring their five senses remain intact is part of the job. Vision problems appear between the ages of 18 months and four years of age, according to WebMD. Common eye issues include crossed-eye and uneven focus. So it’s crucial to...

How to Take Insulin for Diabetes: Everything You Should Know Knowing how to take insulin is very important for diabetics. Click here for a comprehensive guide with everything worth knowing. Did you know that diabetes is one of the leading causes of death in the United States? While the condition itself won’t...

Are you wondering how do you know if you have PTSD? If yes, click here for some helpful information of the different symptoms. About 7 to 8% of the U.S. population have PTSD at some point in their lives. Meanwhile, about eight million adults have PTSD during a given year. However, even more people...

STD testing is very important and it is vital to understand how they work. Click here for some information about STD testing. Every day, over 1 million sexually transmitted infections are acquired worldwide. And each year, there are 376 million infections acquired worldwide.  While there’s a lot of stigma around STDs, it’s...

It isn’t the easiest thing to manage diabetes—but it can be simpler. Here are tips for diabetics that make managing it a little less complex. Diabetes is a serious disease that affects people of all ages. With proper management, coping with diabetes can be made much simpler for an easier,...

How often should I get blood work done? What determines if I should get it done? Get answers to the most asked questions about routine blood work. Blood can tell you about your organ function, diet, metabolism, illnesses, and if you have certain diseases. It can tell you hundreds of...

How Often Should Adults Get a Physical: Frequency and and Appointment Is it really necessary for adults to get biannual or yearly checkups? The answer may surprise you. Here’s how often to get a physical as an adult. As an adult, it’s up to you to visit the doctor on...

Why You Should Pay Attention to Diabetes and Foot Pain People who suffer from diabetes are prone to neuropathy and issues in the feet. Discover here why you should pay attention to diabetes and foot pain. Do you have diabetes and sometimes feel a tingling or numb sensation in your...

Foot health is an important aspect of overall wellbeing. Find out here the symptoms and causes of an ingrown toenail infection. In 2012, 17% of adult Americans reported their feet being in poor health or bad condition. Whether it’s due to bunions or ingrown toenails, almost a quarter of Americans suffer from...

Healthy Parents Guide to Finding the Best Pediatric Dentist Pediatric dental care sets the stage for your child’s future dental health. Read this healthy parents guide to finding the best pediatric dentist. Good oral health is important for everyone, regardless of age, and healthy habits start young. Taking your child...

Newborn Care: What Happens at Your Baby’s First Doctor Appointment Having a new baby brings lots of excitement in the home. But don’t neglect care for them. Find out here what happens at your baby’s first doctor appointment. If you’ve recently had a new baby, you know how overwhelming it...

Hammertoe starts out pretty harmless but it can soon escalate into something more serious. Find out more about hammertoe surgery and if it’s really necessary. Hammertoe is a medical condition where the middle joint of one or more toes becomes bent upward. This bend causes the toe tip to rotate downwards...

Ingrown toenails are a common problem but that doesn’t mean you should ignore them. Take heed of the warning signs to avoid developing an infected toenail. Does every step leave your foot aching in pain? You may want to get that checked out. 20% of people who see a doctor about...

Aching feet can be a symptom of something more serious that needs urgent treatment. Find out what’s behind your foot pain and how to get relief here. 75% of Americans will experience foot problems at some point in their lives. We rely on our feet for movement and other essential tasks....

Around 100 million people have some form of diabetes and pre-diabetes. The condition is becoming a problem in the U.S., and everyone should be aware that it isn’t going away soon. If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes, you could experience serious health risks. One of those health risks involves the eyes, and...

Are you wearing glasses right now? With over 177 million Americans needing some kind of vision correction, you’re not alone. Eyeglasses are important, whether it’s to read, work, drive, or watch your favorite movie. That’s why it’s good to keep them as clean as possible so that your vision is never obscured or blurry....

Relying on your vision is something that most of us need to do to get through our everyday lives. However, when we run into issues that make it difficult for us to use our eyes efficiently, it begins to put a damper on our days. And sometimes we don’t even...

You might be right: if you’ve been experiencing foot pains and don’t know what’s going on, you could have sprained your ankle or have put too much strain on it walking.But the issue could be more serious than that, too. Plantar faciitus is a condition where the plantar fascia, a muscle in...

The average child will get sick upwards of 12 times in their first year of daycare. While these are normally common colds, children can also experience fevers, pink eye, and stomach bugs. If your child is starting to display fever symptoms, you may begin to worry. And this is completely normal! Although...

Over 64% of adult Americans wear eyeglasses, which is about 159.2 million people. With such high numbers, there’s a good chance that you and your loved ones need vision correction. Not only is an eye exam important for getting the most accurate and up-to-date prescription, but it’s also vital in detecting any...

Vector-borne diseases, such as West Nile virus, Zika, Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever, account for nearly a fifth of all infectious diseases around the globe, robbing an approximate 700, 000 people of their lives every year. A good deal of these disease-carrying little things can be easily found in or...

Going to the eye doctor only to get a little puff of air in your eye isn’t fun. But did you know that little puff of air can keep you from going blind? If someone in your family history had glaucoma, you may also be at risk for the condition. High...