Blog Archive
From bothersome menstrual problems to marked skin changes, PCOS can do a number on your life. Fully known as polycystic ovary syndrome, this chronic condition is also the leading cause of female infertility and affects up to 12% of women of reproductive age in the United States. Thankfully, proper diagnosis...
Years of squinting and frowning can lead to wrinkles and deep lines on your forehead and between your brows. Though some people embrace these signs of aging, others try everything to cover them up to improve their confidence. There's hope if you're unhappy with your frown lines and wrinkles. Various...
Most women dread menopause and all the uncomfortable symptoms that accompany it. Between the irregular cycles, weight gain, and the dreaded hot flashes, the menopause years are incredibly bothersome to most women. Some women can bear the symptoms until they reach the post-menopausal years, but not everyone is so lucky....
When an itch strikes, you have to scratch it unless it's in a less-than-convenient area like your vagina. Many things lead to vaginal itching, some more concerning than others. The good news is that relief quickly follows as soon as you figure out the cause of the itch. From sexually...
Every woman should see an OB/GYN regularly to prevent reproductive problems and find issues like cervical or breast cancer early on. But when should you begin seeing an OB/GYN for a Pap smear? Pap smears are an essential preventive care test that can find cervical cancer cells early on –...
You know how to prevent a cold, flu, or COVID: Avoid ill people, wash your hands frequently, and use a mask in some cases. You also know that prevention doesn’t always keep you safe, though it lowers your risk and may lead to fewer symptoms. The same is true with...
A birth control method should fit into your daily life without hassles. So many different options are available today that it can be overwhelming to sort through all of the information necessary to make a decision on your own. Monique Petteys, FNP-C at The Women’s Center at Life Point Medical...
Mammograms are an essential preventive health measure for women, especially as they age. These X-ray screenings are instrumental in early detection of breast cancer, significantly improving the chances of effective treatment and survival. While the procedure itself can be a bit uncomfortable, the peace of mind and proactive approach to...
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects up to 15% of women and people assigned female at birth. When you have it, your ovaries produce too many hormones, leading to unusually high levels of hormones called androgens. As a result, PCOS can affect your health and well-being in a number of ways. Thankfully, early...
Looking to take control over your reproductive health? Choosing the right form of contraception is an important step in the right direction. You have a range of options, from barrier methods to long-acting reversible contraceptives, or LARCs. One option that’s getting more and more popular is the birth control implant,...
Since the 1950s, Pap smears have been the gold-standard screening test for cervical cancer. Though most women no longer need a Pap smear every year, it’s still a very important routine screening test. At The Women’s Center at Life Point Medical in Clayton, Georgia, Monique Petteys, FNP-C, considers the Pap smear one of...
Ovarian cysts are relatively common, affecting up to 18% of premenopausal and postmenopausal women. While most ovarian cysts exist without symptoms and disappear or shrink on their own, some can cause pain or other complications. An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms inside or on an ovary during...
Messed-up menstrual periods may be the first sign of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but they’re not the last. If you have PCOS, you need to know what to expect and how it will impact your health and your life. Knowledge is power, and the more you know, the better you’ll...
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a problem for many women. In fact, did you know that around half of all women develop a UTI at some point in their lives? In about a third of women, UTIs are a recurrent problem. Unique structural elements of women’s reproductive and urinary biology...
Trying to avoid getting pregnant when you don’t want to be can feel like a big challenge sometimes. Maybe you already know that you don’t react well to hormonal birth control options, such as the standard birth control pill. Or maybe you’re breastfeeding and don’t want the possible effects of...
You officially reach menopause when you go one full year without your period. While menopause has a firm start date, the change of life doesn’t happen all at once. In fact, the transition to menopause ― known as perimenopause ― takes months to years. Many of the symptoms women associate...
The new year makes you feel like you have a new lease on life and anything is possible. Everyone makes resolutions to exercise more, eat less, lose weight, and other health improvement-related changes. Not to sound like Debbie Downer, but only around 8% of people actually keep their resolutions. However, if your...
Sexually transmitted diseases are common, but that doesn’t make them less scary or overwhelming. If you test positive for human papillomavirus (HPV), gonorrhea, chlamydia, or another type of STD, Monique Petteys, FNP-C, at The Women’s Center at Life Point Medical can help you understand your diagnosis and customize a treatment plan moving forward...
Most women are familiar with the concept of an IUD: The intrauterine device is implanted in the uterus to slowly release birth control hormones. For women who don’t tolerate hormonal birth control well, there’s another option: the nonhormonal IUD. At The Women’s Center at Life Point Medical in Clayton, Georgia,...
A Pap smear is one of the best tools in the prevention and early detection of cervical cancer. Therefore, when results come back “abnormal,” it’s natural to worry. However, most abnormal test findings aren’t linked to cancerous cells. If your tests did come back abnormal, the next step is to...
Maybe you’ve noticed crow’s feet forming during your daily skincare routine. Or you caught a glimpse of under-eye creases in a recent photo of yourself. And now you’re wondering how you got those wrinkles. Your skin ages even with the best care. Lines develop across your forehead and around your...
Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological conditions affecting women of childbearing age. However, many women suffer from their symptoms for years before getting the right diagnosis. Monique Petteys, FNP-C, at The Women’s Center at Life Point Medical in Clayton, Georgia, understands how frustrating it is to suffer for so long with chronic...
Vaginismus is a gynecologic condition that makes vaginal penetration painful and sometimes even impossible. It occurs when your vaginal muscles contract involuntarily, and it’s a complex condition that’s linked to physical and psychological factors. Every woman’s sexual experience is unique, and experts aren’t sure why some people develop vaginismus while...
For maximum effectiveness, birth control pills must be taken on a daily basis, around the same time each day. A birth control patch is a type of contraception that delivers estrogen and progesterone, the same hormones used in many birth control pills, via the skin. When you use birth control...
Facial wrinkles like crow’s feet and frown lines are a natural part of getting older, but people of all different ages can get them, too. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, smoking, dehydration, and other environmental and genetic factors can all leave you with wrinkles. Residents of Clayton, Rabun County, and...
Sexually transmitted infections are a major health concern, and women are disproportionately affected by the long-term consequences of STIs. A woman’s anatomy makes her more vulnerable to an STI, and left untreated, these infections threaten your reproductive health. Untreated STIs cause infertility in more than 20,000 women in the United...
There’s no getting around the fact that we live in an image- (and youth-) obsessed society. Fine lines and wrinkles are among the first signs of aging, and can start to develop as early as your 20s and 30s depending on factors like your lifestyle, genetics, and where you live...
Whether you’ve had Pap smears or not, you may not think too much about them. But Pap smears are important since they’re the only way your doctor can identify changes in the cells on your cervix that may indicate you’re at risk for — or already have — cervical cancer....
Osteoporosis is a major concern for seniors; over 50% of women will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture. Post-menopausal women are particularly prone to the disease, and factors such as race can further put you at risk. The best way to prevent fractures is to prevent osteoporosis from happening in the first...
Menopause, perimenopause, and the period of change that women’s bodies go through as reproductive capability ends with age, can be difficult to get through on your own. Your hormone levels change during this period, causing uncomfortable symptoms that affect many parts of your life, from your diet to your sexuality....
About two-thirds of American women from the ages of 15 to 49 use some type of birth control. Since the 1960s, when contraceptives began to be widely prescribed in the United States, women (and men) have embraced birth control as a way of controlling their lives and their futures. Today,...
If you’re in your childbearing years, you’re familiar with the normal frequency, duration, and heaviness of your menstrual cycle. Bleeding that varies from your typical period or occurs after menopause is considered abnormal uterine bleeding. Depending on certain factors, such as your age, physical condition, and chronic medical issues, abnormal...
Choosing the right combination of cosmetic injectables is a powerful, nonsurgical way to rejuvenate and refresh your face. The benefits of Botox®, combined with the advantages of dermal fillers, can turn back the hands of time and restore your vibrant, youthful appearance. Here at the Women’s Center at Life Point...
It’s easy to skip routine checkups when you feel fine. Life gets busy, and you may feel like it’s no big deal to put off a screening. But the truth is that preventive health screenings play a vital role in keeping you healthy by detecting potential problems at the early...
The health of commercial drivers matters. As a professional licensed to drive large trucks or other heavy vehicles, you need to be fit enough to operate your vehicle safely. That's why the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) requires paperwork signed by a DOT Certified Medical Examiner stating that you're...
Sexual health is a state of well-being that makes it possible to fully engage in and enjoy sexual activity. Taking care of your sexual health is part of caring for your overall health, including your emotional and physical well-being. Family, career, social, and a host of other obligations make it...
Menopause is a natural rite of passage for women. Some women ease into menopause without much trouble. But for other women, the gradual reduction of reproductive hormones can leave them feeling off-kilter. Monique Petteys, FNP-C at The Women's Center at Life Point Medical in Clayton, Georgia, can help you manage...
Even if you’re not having the classic symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes or night sweats, you could still be affected by low levels of hormones. If you’ve gone through a period of uncontrollable weight gain, your libido’s sunk to new levels, or you’re so tired you can barely...
Your good health, in many ways, is up to you. And one important tool for staying healthy is an annual wellness exam. Here’s why. Approximately 60% of adults in the United States suffer from a chronic disease like diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, and four out of ten have two...
If you’re sexually active, here are some frightening statistics you should know. Approximately one million sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are acquired globally every day. In the United States, more than 20 million new STD cases are reported each year, with 50% of those striking teenagers and young adults under 25. ...
Birth control can help you plan your future family or prevent a pregnancy. But which type of birth control is right for you? At The Women's Center at Life Point Medical, we know that selecting a birth control method is a very personal decision. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating...
Urinary incontinence is a problem that affects both men and women and negatively impacts everyday life. Women living with urinary incontinence struggle with bladder control and leaking urine. Although lifestyle changes and medications help, what if you could improve your pelvic floor strength with a few quick treatments? With Emsella,...
Skin cancer is a preventable disease that often affects areas exposed to the sun's harmful UV rays. However, it can also happen in regions that don't typically see the sun. You must check your skin regularly to evaluate for changes indicative of skin cancer. At Life Point Medical, our team offers dermatology appointments...
Wear and tear on your joints is inevitable, but arthritis often speeds up that process. If you're living with arthritis in one or more of your joints, the pain and stiffness is sometimes unbearable. While exercise, over-the-counter medications, and other home remedies help, they're simply a band-aid for the real...
Pain is your body's way of telling you something is wrong, but it takes a toll on your life when it sticks around. Many treatments are available for various types of pain, including topical ointments like Ortho Jelly. When searching for a homeopathic pain relief treatment, Dr. Timothy Scott Beck...
The hormones in your body regulate essential bodily functions such as metabolism and reproduction. Hormones are specialized chemicals that send vital messages to your organs, allowing them to work correctly. When your hormones are imbalanced, you experience various uncomfortable symptoms which can affect your life. Dr. Timothy Scott Beck and...
When you're thirsty, your brain indicates that you need more water. Your brain works this way when it senses you're losing more fluid than you're drinking, which can lead to dehydration. Many circumstances lead to dehydration, which is why Dr. Timothy Scott Beck and the team at Life Point Medical...
During the winter, taking care of your skin is crucial to your health. Winter has arrived, meaning short cold days and dry air, both of which wreak havoc on your skin. You can take several steps to ensure your skin remains moisturized and safe throughout the colder months. The team at Life Point...
When you're overweight, you're at risk for various health problems and joint issues. However, losing weight isn't as easy as it is to put on. If you've been through diet after diet without results, Lipo-B12 injections can help. Dr. Timothy Scott Beck and the team at Life Point Medical are here to help you achieve...
Menopause is the period in your life when your hormones change, and you can no longer have a baby. During this stage in your life, your hormones are erratic, causing various uncomfortable symptoms. These symptoms can last for years, wreaking havoc on your life and activities. Hormone replacement therapy is...
The head pain, fatigue, and queasiness following a night of imbibing can put a real damper on your day. But there are ways to ease the suffering. At Life Point Medical in Clayton, Georgia, we offer care that counts. Having a few alcoholic drinks can leave you feeling less than perfect, but...
As different variants of the coronavirus continue to be a health challenge, you want to stay as healthy as possible so your body can fight the virus in case you do come down with it. Do you get a flu shot annually? It’s especially important now. The cold and flu...
Arthritis is the nation’s leading cause of disability, impacting nearly 60 million adults, as well as over 300,000 children. If you’re one of the millions living with arthritis, you know how debilitating it can be. Even more, you know all too well the stress that comes with trying to find relief. Fortunately, there...
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a relatively new and revolutionary way to treat joint pain due to issues like arthritis, tendinitis, and ligament problems. At Life Point Medical, LLC, located in Clayton, Georgia, Dr. Timothy Scott Beck wants you to know the following about PRP and how it can resolve your joint pain. Less joint...
Your reproductive hormones influence your overall health and wellness in many ways — ways often only discovered when these hormones are out of balance. When it comes to your sex life, these hormones play no small role and a drop can lead to side effects like lower libido and declining...
Your skin is your largest organ, and the most likely to develop cancer at some point. Excessive sun exposure can fuel a whole range of problems from all types of skin cancer to increased wrinkles, discoloration, sunburns, and dryness. Your skin naturally protects itself from the sun’s rays by amping...
Spring is in the air, and while spring brings beautiful flowers, warm breezes, and more daylight, it also brings seasonal allergies. If you’re one of the 60 million Americans who suffer from springtime allergies 一 such as sneezing or itchy, watery eyes 一 you might not be so pleased to say hello to...
You already know that changes in your hormone levels affect you. You lived through your teenage years and all the hormonal changes they brought your way. And if you’re a woman who hasn’t yet gone through menopause, you’re probably already bracing for the unpleasant symptoms shifting hormones will bring as...
Losing weight isn’t the easiest of tasks for most people, but with the right tools and support, you can shed excess pounds and keep them off for good. Lipo-B12 injections are one such tool that might help you get there. At Life Point Medical in Clayton, Georgia, Dr. Timothy Scott...
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are very common and typically uncomplicated. A strong urge to urinate, burning during urination, and cloudy urine are telltale signs of a UTI. Some people are prone to UTIs, and the discomfort can be distressing, interfering with your work or school day. Dr. Timothy Scott Beck...
Not only can cold weather trigger asthma symptoms, it can cause flare-ups that are difficult to manage. Cold, dry winter air can irritate your airways. Add to this that spending more time indoors during winter can aggravate existing environmental allergies. At Life Point Medical, primary care physician Timothy Scott Beck,...
Whether you’re taking a family vacation or going out of town for business, traveling can take a toll on your body. Timothy Scott Beck, MD of Life Point Medical in Clayton, Georgia. offers the following tips to five tips to help you stay healthy and safe while on the road....
When nerve tissue is damaged, the result isn’t always numbness. A damaged nerve doesn’t just shut down. It can continue to report sensations to your brain, but these may not always be sensations that have physical causes. Peripheral neuropathy, which refers to any nerve damage outside the brain and spinal...
In an effort to promote safety on the roads, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requires all commercial vehicle drivers to pass a DOT physical exam at least every 24 months. (You might need this physical even more frequently if yours shows any worrisome trends that need monitoring, like high...
Of the more than 54 million people in the United States who suffer from some form of arthritis, more than 43% report physical limitations due to joint pain and inflammation. Timothy Scott Beck, MD of Life Point Medical in Clayton, GA, Dr., wants to ensure that patients can move without...
Most people have a few — or even dozens — of moles. Even newborns may have a mole or two. But moles become more common as you age. Although most moles are benign and won’t develop into cancer, some atypical moles do. Troubling changes in existing moles or the presence...
Plenty of ailments create pain, and frequently, traditional pain management techniques aren’t effective. This may be due to side effects or resistance to pharmaceuticals, while some treatments may not be appropriate for long-term use in the case of chronic pain. Topical ointment and gels, many with cooling or heating properties,...
Under normal circumstances, you can get all the water your body needs the old-fashioned way — by drinking it. However, most people don’t drink enough daily and walk around, slightly dehydrated all the time. Besides not drinking enough, other things can dehydrate you like illness, stress, hangovers, strenuous workouts, and...
When you enter menopause, you may welcome the freedom from monthly periods and cramps, but mourn the loss of your childbearing years. Although some women have mixed feelings about this natural transition, most agree that the physical symptoms of menopause are equal to or worse than their old menstrual woes....
One of the problems with weight loss is that everyone responds differently. While the fundamental equation for losing weight requires burning more calories than you consume, it can be much easier to say it than do it. This is because below the surface, your body adjusts to changing conditions. If...
With the advent of spring warmth, everything is turning green, and all the pretty flowers and trees are budding — and releasing pollen into the air. If you have spring allergies, you may have mixed feelings about spring’s arrival because it means you’re dealing with miserable symptoms. But you don’t...
Each January, after ringing in another new year, about 40% of Americans resolve to lose weight and adopt healthier eating habits, and half of us are determined to get more exercise. If losing weight and becoming a healthier, slimmer version of yourself is part of your plan for 2021, Dr....
According to the American Diabetes Association, of the 30 million Americans who have diabetes, 7 million don’t know it. So, yes, you most certainly can have diabetes and not know it. Without treatment, diabetes can increase your risk of developing other health issues, such as kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy, or...
Regenerative medicine is becoming something of a buzzword in the medical community. Why? Because the human body is specially equipped to heal itself, and regenerative therapies tap into this powerful ability. Regenerative medicine includes treatments like exosome therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. Research around these therapies is expanding every...
When most people think of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), they think of women facing challenging symptoms during menopause. And that reputation is well earned, because HRT is a highly effective way to relieve night sweats, hot flashes, and other problems associated with a drastic decrease in estrogen. But what about...
You enjoyed last night, maybe even overindulge without meaning to. But that doesn’t mean you have to endure a hangover. Skip the spinning room, pounding head, and churning stomach by getting ahead of the game with infusion therapy. At Life Point Medical in Clayton, Georgia, our board-certified internal medicine physician,...
Water is an essential element that supports the normal function of every cell, tissue, and organ in your body. Keeping your body well hydrated not only helps maintain normal body function, but may also improve mood, concentration, and sleep. But are you getting enough fluids to maintain adequate hydration? At...
In the heart of summer, you make the most of the long days, warm temps, and fun outdoor activities. Whether you’re hitting the pool, the shore, or your backyard, you need to keep your skin in mind as you shed layers to soak up rays. While exposing your skin for...
You may not be able to control every factor that affects your health. But when it comes to heart health, your diet can serve as your best weapon against heart disease. Making changes to how you eat to improve heart health is easier than you might think. At Dr. Timothy...
It’s no secret that COVID-19 has turned the world upside down. While it may be harder to leave your home because of social distancing measures and the risk of infection, you can still get the medical attention you need with telehealth. At Life Point Medical, LLC in Clayton, Georgia, Timothy...
When you or a loved one aren’t feeling well or have an injury, getting proper care is important. But should you schedule a primary care appointment or head straight to urgent care? While there’s some crossover, as you’ll see below, primary and urgent care fulfill different needs and purposes. Learning...
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives, making it the most common form of cancer in the United States. When it’s diagnosed early, skin cancer has a high treatment success rate. Skin cancer is often easy to identify, because it’s on the outside...
You've probably heard of B12. This powerful nutrient is essential for cell and DNA production, nerve health, and brain function. If you don’t have enough B12, you can suffer from anemia, nerve damage, exhaustion, mouth sores, and blurred vision. Your body doesn’t produce its own B12, and the only way to...
Water is a big deal for humans. It makes up around 60% of your total body weight and fuels most of your bodily functions. You can go a span of weeks without food but only a couple of days without taking a drink of water without your body shutting down....
Like any complex machine, your body requires regular maintenance. That’s why you brush your teeth, exercise, and eat a nutritious diet. But if you think that’s enough to keep you healthy long term, you’re mistaken. The human body is resilient and can overcome many illnesses and injuries, but nothing beats...
Don’t have health insurance? Don't stress! 44 million Americans are in the same boat. Some can’t afford it, others choose not to pay. But either way, it becomes a problem when they need medical attention. So, what are your options? If you live in or around Clayton, Georgia, come see...
Did you know that you can develop an allergy at any point in your life? That’s right, allergies aren’t just for kids. Whether you’ve just started college or finally enjoying the retired life, if you’re experiencing itchy watery eyes, a cough that just won’t go away, or a strange rash,...
Modern medicine is one of the world’s true miracles. Advanced technology has developed life-saving drugs that have altered the medical field and lengthened the lives of millions of people. But for all the good it does, medication often has negative side effects. Whether the bad reaction is caused by the...
People want to feel great, so they exercise and try to eat right. But they still may not be getting the nutrients, vitamins, or proper level of hydration their bodies need, even when drinking plenty of water every day. If you’re feeling run down, this may be the reason why. ...
Summertime can wreak havoc on your skin. Because while you’re running, jumping, swimming, and barbequing outside, your skin is soaking up harmful rays that, over time, increase your risk of skin cancer. Dr. Timothy Beck and his team at Life Point Medical want you to have a great summer without...
Managing a chronic illness, like diabetes, can be confusing and frustrating. How often should you see a doctor? Adjust medications? Have blood drawn? Timothy Beck, MD and his staff at Life Point Medical, LLC, are chronic care experts who will help you meet the challenge of managing your chronic condition....
The health of your skin matters. Your annual skin check could prevent the spread of dangerous cancers, such as melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma. Seeing a primary care physician with dermatology experience, like Timothy Scott Beck, MD at Life Point Medical, is critical to keeping your skin...
If you’re suffering from a health-related condition, should you visit the urgent care or head to the emergency room? Both “urgent” and “emergency” sound serious, so it’s no wonder why you might be unsure which one you should go to. Don’t choose one over the other for the wrong reasons...
Between your job, your family, and everything else that places demands on your limited time, we understand that making your way to our office for an in-person visit isn’t always possible. But we don’t want your health to suffer as a result. It’s for this reason that we’re pleased to...
Whenever you’re facing a big challenge in life or a personal goal you want to achieve, it’s not always easy to know how or where to begin. Sometimes you need a positive boost to jumpstart your efforts and motivate you to keep going. The same can be said for losing...
If you don’t have health insurance, you may think there’s not much you can do to get good medical care. This isn’t true. At Life Point Medical, LLC in Clayton, Georgia, we believe everyone deserves top-notch health care, whether or not they have health insurance. If you have no insurance,...