Blog Archive

A physical exam is a comprehensive look at various parts of the body. It may involve feeling for lumps, looking for growths and lesions, checking your pulse, and listening to your heartbeat.  During a physical, you can expect the following tests: Height and weight measurement  Blood pressure measurement Reflex examination ...

Breast cancer is the second most common type of cancer in American women. Researchers don’t know for sure what’s causing the breast cancer epidemic, but they tend to believe that radiation exposure, postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy, obesity, and regular alcohol consumption could be contributing factors.  There’s also some evidence that...

Emergency Care (ER) is best suited for those who are at risk of losing a limb or those who are experiencing life-threatening symptoms.  If you’re experiencing symptoms or an injury for which treatment can’t be delayed until the next day, urgent care is the best choice. Twisted ankles, strains, minor...

Family physicians treat a variety of conditions, from colds and infections to diabetes. The education of family physicians includes training in emergency care, gynecology, obstetrics, and urology, to name a few fields. Family physicians are often the first point of contact with a medical expert, and they’re trained to care...

Pap smears, also known as pap tests, are screening procedures used to detect infections, inflammation, and cancerous cells in the cervix. However, they aren’t used to detect STDs.  During a pap smear at Casa de Salud, you lay down as one of our specialists introduces a brush through your vagina...

Approximately 1 in 5 Americans carry an STD. That said, since many people who have STDs don’t experience any symptoms, they never get tested or treated and can spread it to their partners.  A common myth about STDs is that if your partner gets diagnosed with one, it’s an indication...

Allergic reactions, accidents, and infections are part of life. However, when symptoms escalate, many people find themselves wondering what type of medical attention they need.  Our experts at Casa De Salud provide urgent care medical services at their two offices in Los Angeles, California. Read on to learn the difference...

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disease that impairs movement. If your parent has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, you may notice them exhibiting symptoms such as hand tremors, an expressionless face, slurred words, and poor coordination.  Your loved one is suffering from a dopamine deficiency. In Parkinson’s sufferers, the part of...

According to California State law, all students must have a complete record of their immunizations. In addition, certain schools recommend students get a physical exam before attending classes.  A yearly physical can uncover a number of problems that may arrive unexpectedly, such as unexpected weight gain or poor growth. It...

Breast cancer can be treated successfully, especially when found early. Mammograms are X-ray pictures of the chest that specialists use to detect abnormal growths.  If a mammogram detects a growth, a specialist may also recommend a biopsy to determine if the growth is cancerous.  Our specialists at Casa De Salud,...

Regular prenatal visits are key to having a healthy pregnancy. Sometimes this early care even helps prevent problems, especially in women who have underlying health conditions, like high blood pressure.  During prenatal care visits, we monitor your health and your baby’s growth and development. We can also help you navigate...

Aging increases a person’s chances of developing painful joints, but many seniors manage to avoid joint pain by staying active and eating a healthy diet. The most common causes of joint pain in seniors are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.  Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear, often as a result...

Pap smears are tests used to detect cancerous cells on the cervix that can result from human papillomavirus (HPV). Every year, about 35,900 new cases of cancer are caused by HPV. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection. In the general population and immunocompromised people, it can cause a...

Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. Dementia is an umbrella term for cognitive issues, whereas Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia.  If you’re concerned about a loved one exhibiting symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer’s, read on. Our team at Casa de...

A primary care doctor is trained in diagnosing and treating a large array of conditions, illnesses, and injuries. Primary care physicians offer both management of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, and testing and treatment for acute health issues, such as ear infections, the flu, and injuries.  Our...

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are on the rise. They’re so common that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 20% of people in the United States have an STD at any given time.  While many people can carry an STD without exhibiting any symptoms, those with immune...

In the 1980s, a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis among children was rare. However, almost 6,000 children and adolescents in the United States were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes between 2014 and 2015.  Preventable heart problems are also on the rise. The number of deaths among middle-aged Americans caused by heart...

Many people associate old age with symptoms such as pain and weakness. Although the passing of time does indeed take a serious toll on the body, not all unpleasant symptoms are a normal part of aging. We asked our medical specialists at Casa de Salud about aging. They pulled together...

At Casa de Salud, we help patients prevent and treat STIs and STDs, and we understand how difficult it is for some people to discuss these topics with their practitioners. STIs and STDs are simply medical issues, and you shouldn’t be ashamed of wanting to stay healthy.  Although the terms...

Do you suffer from itchiness, redness, or blistering on your skin? Perhaps you’re worried that your rash could be a sign of something serious.  Rashes are seldom an indicator of a serious illness. However, if they’re left untreated, they can cause a lot of discomfort, especially if they itch and...

Cholesterol plays a vital role in your body. It helps build healthy cells, and it works as a precursor to vitamin D and steroid hormones. However, balance is key. Both low cholesterol and high cholesterol can lead to complications. There are several types of blood cholesterol, with the most notable...

The COVID-19 pandemic reminded many people about the dangers of viruses. Although the novel coronavirus is on everybody’s lips at the moment, you shouldn’t ignore the seasonal flu, which can be just as dangerous for people with a dysfunctional immune system. At Casa de Salud, our team’s mission has always...

One of the main reasons that schools require annual physicals is so your children’s vaccines are up to date to prevent them from contracting a contagious illness and spreading it to other students. Doctors say the best time to come in for your child’s physical exam is in the summer...

Sometimes a cut is just a paper cut or a shallow scrape that heals on its own with a simple bandage. But there are other instances where a cut can be quite serious and may require sutures to close the wound. Luckily, there are a few things you can look...

If you’re considering your birth control options, you’re not alone. An estimated 65% of American women aged 15-49 use some form of contraception to lower their chances of becoming pregnant. Here at Casa de Salud, Dr. Afshin Akhavan and our compassionate primary care medical team, can help you pick a...

The second week of May is National Women’s Health Week, making May the perfect time for you to schedule your first well-woman exam. Nervous? Don’t be. This is an annual exam designed to keep you safe and healthy. At Casa de Salud in Los Angeles, California, our physician, Dr. Afshin...

If you have a medical problem, you should visit a doctor that understands it. This is why specialists like dermatologists and allergists exist. When you get older, you might need a specialist of your own, and geriatricians are experts in the field of senior medicine.  Casa de Salud in Los...

Whether you’re a first-time parent or you’ve been through it before, when your little one has a fever, it can be a scary feeling. When should you call the doctor? When should you rush your child to the emergency room or urgent care?    Dr. Afshin Akhavan, a parent himself,...

In the last four years, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States hit an all-time high, with gonorrhea, syphilis, and chlamydia being at the top of the list. While over the last decade, Americans are reportedly having less sex, the risk of contracting an STD has clearly increased.  At...

If you’re thinking about getting pregnant, or are already pregnant, you’ve probably put serious thought into how your life will be once your baby arrives. You may have be thinking about how you can make sure your home is safe and nurturing, the ways your life will change once your...

Are you above the age of 65 and experiencing worsening brain fog? Are you a senior who feels increasingly confused, but you presume it is merely part of age-induced mental decline? Are you doing your best to cope with fatigue or exhaustion on a recurring basis, but see no improvement?...