Health in a Minute
Q. I’ve heard that Mohs surgery has very high cure rates and excellent cosmetic outcomes. Is it better than other treatment options?
A. Mohs surgery is widely considered the gold standard treatment for many common skin cancers. During the procedure, the surgeon examines 100% of the cancer’s margins, ensuring complete removal while preserving as much healthy skin as possible. This approach provides the highest cure rates available – up to 99% for many skin cancers – and often results in the smallest possible scar. Compared with topical treatments, radiation therapy, and standard surgical excision, Mohs surgery offers the best combination of cancer cure and cosmetic outcome.
Jonathan Miller, MD, FACMS, FAAD
Board-Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon, Uderm
Q. My daughter was bitten by a tick a few days ago, and now she has a rash around the bite and a fever. Will over-the-counter antibiotics help, or should we consult a doctor?
A. Commonly, there will only be a local reaction at the sites where a tick may have bitten you or embedded. That will look like some redness around the site or occasionally some spotty red rash near the bite or elsewhere. Those are usually handled with antihistamines. The rashes and bites to worry about are related to Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) here locally. The Ixodes tick is the carrier for Lyme disease, and the rash can present anywhere from three to 30 days after the bite. The rash will be mostly red around the bite and sometimes have an area of clearing, making it look like a bullseye. When you see that, it is time to get to the doctor. The Dermacentor tick transmits RMSF. These will show two to four days after fever onset as small red spots that appear on wrists, ankles, and forearms. This illness is the most dangerous of all tick-borne illnesses. All of the significant illnesses do not have an over-the-counter answer! If you have any questions about tick bites or other problems, stop in at one of our 12 Tennessee locations for an evaluation.
Todd Rudolph, MD, CMO
Chief Medical Officer and Medical Director, AFC Urgent Care of East Tennessee and Dalton, GA
Q. I read that LASIK surgery can reduce my dependency on glasses and is a quick procedure with a short recovery time. Is this true?
A. Yes, it’s a remarkable surgery! LASIK uses a precise laser to reshape your cornea – the clear front surface of your eye – correcting how light focuses on your retina. The procedure takes a few minutes, and most people experience dramatically better vision within 24 hours, allowing many to return to work quickly. In this short time frame, just as you mentioned, it can significantly reduce or eliminate a dependency on glasses. However, results may vary based on your prescription and individual anatomy, so a thorough consultation is essential to give an individualized recommendation and an expected outcome of the surgery.
Josh Hendrix, MD
Ophthalmologist, Professional Eye Associates
Learn More: LASIK Eye Surgery
Q. I have an office job, and my neck and shoulders often feel tight after work. Are there stretches or exercises that can help?
A. There are multiple ways to address this tension and tightness; let’s highlight some of the uncommon routes to relief. First, ensure your office setup is ergonomic by sitting back in your chair, bringing yourself into the desk, and positioning your computer screen at eye level. Another route is to focus on your breath throughout the day. Intentionally take a three- to five-second deep breath break between meetings to cleanse your mind and body. The third element – that goes hand in hand with the breathing tactic but is often overlooked – is your jaw and tongue. The muscles controlling your jaw and tongue are intimately related and connected to your neck and shoulders. During your cleansing breaths, move your tongue, jaw, neck, and shoulders around to release the built-up tension settling there. Proper hydration is a key component in releasing body tension and another starting point for this journey. Lastly, find a great hands-on practitioner to assist in creating a more individualized plan that ensures relief.
Callie Lance, DC, MS, CCSP, ART
Owner/Chiropractic Physician, Chattanooga Sports Chiropractic Institute, PLLC
Q. For years, my husband has dealt with chronic sinus problems and is constantly coughing to try to clear his throat. Nothing helps, including allergy medications. What else could be going on?
A. Persistent sinus congestion, drainage, and frequent throat clearing are often blamed on allergies, but they’re not always the cause. Based on the symptoms described, especially chronic throat clearing and the sensation of something stuck in the throat, I would suspect a type of acid reflux known as silent reflux. Unlike classic GERD, silent reflux doesn’t always cause heartburn. Instead, it often causes chronic throat clearing, hoarseness, or a lump-in-the-throat sensation. A trial of Pepcid twice daily may help determine if reflux is contributing. If symptoms persist, an evaluation by a board-certified allergist/immunologist can help identify the underlying cause and allow them to recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Marc Cromie, MD
Board-Certified Allergist/Immunologist and President, Chattanooga Allergy Clinic
Meet the Author
Kristen Dee, BS, MA, Summa Cum Laude
Kristen Dee is a graduate of Winthrop University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in integrated marketing communications, with the distinction of Magna Cum Laude and IMC Student of the Year. Following Winthrop, Kristen earned a Master of Arts in Communication from Wake Forest University. Prior to joining CMC Media & Marketing Group as editor, Kristen successfully fulfilled roles involving internal corporate communications. Today, Kristen leads ideation, conceptualization, and development of numerous health, wellness, business, sports, and lifestyle articles published in print and online for HealthScope®, CityScope®, and Choose Chattanooga® magazines – premier publications serving S.E. Tennessee and North Georgia.
