Last month, the Department of Family and Community Medicine asked its primary care providers timely questions about common health issues. Check out what they had to say.

How can I prevent diabetes?  

Erin DeLaney, M.D.As a part of National Diabetes Awareness Month, Assistant Professor and Medical Director of UAB Hospital-Highlands Erin DeLaney, M.D., discussed four possible ways to prevent a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

DeLaney first recommends people who meet certain criteria discuss their risk with their primary care doctor.

“You may be at risk for diabetes if you have a first-degree relative with diabetes, have overweight or obesity, were diagnosed with diabetes during pregnancy, have high blood pressure or have ever been diagnosed with pre-diabetes,” DeLaney explained.

DeLaney also said exercise, nutrition and sleep might help to reduce risk.

“Start with an achievable exercise routine and work up to 30 minutes of exercise five days a week, as you are able,” said DeLaney. “Make sure to include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, beans, tree nuts and low-fat meats in your nutrition. Limit sugar-sweetened beverages and foods made with refined sugars and white flour. It is also important to get 7-8 hours of sleep a night."

She says those with a BMI above the healthy range might also lower their risk from losing some extra pounds, namely “5-7 percent of your total body weight.”

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving Potluck 2022Last month, the UAB Department of Family and Community Medicine celebrated what they are grateful for this Thanksgiving. This department is full of faculty and staff who work continuously to ensure their patients get the best care and their students get the best education.

Read this letter from the department’s chair and primary care provider, Irfan Asif, M.D., to see what he has to say about his esteem for the people who make up the department.

How can I recover from the flu?

As those who have had to cancel plans and suffer through the potentially serious illness can attest, flu season is alive and well.

Sameera Davuluri, M.D., assistant professor and medical director of the UAB Hoover Family Medicine clinic, explained the best practices to follow to help people with the flu recover.

Sameera Davuluri, M.D.Davuluri recommended people with certain limitations meet with their primary care doctor about receiving antiviral medication early on in their illness to help lower the chance of health problems caused by the flu.

“Certain high-risk groups, such as people > 65 years, those with an underlying illness, pregnant patients, children under 2 years, etc., who can be at increased risk for complications from the flu and would benefit from treatment with an antiviral drug,” said Davuluri.

Depending on the individual’s symptoms, Davuluri also suggests different types of medications, She recommends discussing with a doctor first about some of the medications.

“Tylenol or Ibuprofen can help relieve fever or body aches and can be taken as needed. If you have nasal congestion or a runny nose, cough medications such as antihistamines, decongestants and antitussives will help and should be taken as needed. Be sure to discuss with your primary care doctor before you take them.”

Davuluri mentioned several restorative and hygienic practices such as handwashing, drinking water, “cover[ing] your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze,” remaining home, and resting as much as possible.

She said someone can return to the office or school once they have been without a fever (without the use of medication) until at least 24 hours have passed.

Keep an eye out for more Ask a Provider advice by following the department on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter!