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Blog

Please be advised that this blog is a purely informational public platform and in no way constitutes medical advice from the physicians and nurses at Infinity Medical Clinic.

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Birth control is a very personal decision that is based on several factors. Your lifestyle, health considerations, and partner can all be taken into consideration to determine the right birth control for you. Popular contraceptives include the pill, condom, and IUD, as well as the surgical methods of tubal ligation and vasectomy. At Infinity Medical Clinic, Dr. Larae Stemmerman specializes in women’s healthcare. She will consider your overall health and goals to provide guidance on different forms of birth control, including hormonal, implanted, barrier, and surgical methods.

Learn about the basics of birth control from the Mayo Clinic, and keep reading our blog to find out how you can determine the right contraceptive for you.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Am I good at taking medication?

If you are good at following instructions for prescriptions, you might consider the daily birth control pill. If not, the pill may not be right for you. However, the birth control patch and injections are other options that don’t require daily doses. Implants such as IUDs are longer-term and eventually need replacing, but once they are in place, they work for up to five years before they need to be removed.

Am I worried about side effects?

If you are worried about the side effects of birth control, be sure to ask your doctor about methods that are recommended, as some methods have more side effects than others. A few can reduce PMS symptoms and minimize your period. Condoms are simple and rarely have side effects. Do your research so you know the pros and cons of the contraceptive methods you are considering.

Do I want a long-term birth control method that I can easily stop in the future?

If you are not ready to have children, a long-term contraceptive implant may be a good choice. The IUD is one of the most effective long-term birth control methods, and it can be removed in the future. Injections are long-lasting but take time to wear off.

How can my partner assist with contraception?

Condoms, spermicide, and vasectomy are the only proactive methods in which men can be proactive in preventing pregnancy. Your partner can be thoughtful about always using condoms and spermicide. He can support your choices and consider vasectomy when your family planning is complete. Talk to your partner so you can feel confident and supported in your contraceptive choices.

Do I still want to have children?

If you do not want to have kids, permanent birth control, also known as sterilization, is the most effective method. Tubal ligation for women and vasectomy for men are very common solutions. Vasectomy is a simple procedure with a short recovery time. In many cases, it is also less costly than tubal ligation.

What birth control methods are covered by insurance?

If cost is a factor, check with your insurance provider which contraceptive methods are covered. Research contraceptive pricing where you shop and with your doctor.

Do I prefer methods I can purchase over the counter?

Some birth control methods can be found locally, which makes them convenient and affordable. Condoms, spermicides, and the newer Opill, which is also known as the mini pill, are basic contraceptives that can be found in pharmacies and other stores. The mini pill is FDA-approved, and it starts working right away. Over-the-counter contraceptives are usually kept in or near the pharmacy section of larger stores.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

    • How effective is it?
    • Is this method easy to use?
    • How does it work?
    • What are the side effects?
    • How will this affect my period?
    • Could this method help reduce my PMS symptoms?
    • Will I be able to stop this if I want to get pregnant?
    • Does this birth control method work with my other medications?

 

When you are ready to determine the right birth control method for your lifestyle, do your research and talk to Dr. Stemmerman at Infinity Medical Clinic about choices that fit your needs.


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Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, also known as OMT, is a hands-on treatment for relieving pain, especially migraines, concussions, and menstrual pain. If one of your goals is to avoid pain medications and the many unpleasant side effects, OMT is an attractive treatment option. It is gentle, natural, and non-invasive, and it can be helpful in increasing mobility in stiff muscles, managing headaches, and improving circulation.

 

Candidates for Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment

OMT is a drug-free system created to restore harmonious function of the muscles, bones, and nerves. OMT may be a good drug-free option for people who experience:

  • Migraines
  • Headaches
  • Back pain
  • Neck pain
  • Menstrual pain
  • Concussions

 

Relieving Headaches and Cramps

Infinity Medical Clinic’s Larae Stemmerman is a Doctor of Osteopathy who has been practicing OMT for 25+ years. She has found that many people who experience painful migraines and menstrual cramps have good results from the gentle massage, stretching, and resistance of OMT. OMT moves joints and muscles to release tightness and allow your body to work as it should.

Her treatment begins with a complete physical examination to develop a personalized treatment plan. OMT can be used along with medications if necessary.

Learn more about OMT for migraine relief.

 

OMT for Concussions and Post-Concussive Syndrome

Concussions are a type of brain injury that can occur from accidents, falls, and sports activities. If someone takes a blow to the head, the force may result in a concussion as well as neck pain. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, fatigue, vision issues, and increased sensitivity. If you suspect a concussion following a car accident or sports collision, seek medical attention as soon as possible and monitor symptoms for at least 48 hours.

OMT can help relieve the symptoms of concussion by addressing tension in the cranium and neck. Gentle pressure on various bones, muscles, and fascia facilitates blood flow and promotes healing and feels good.

 

Other Ways OMT Can Help You

People who are sensitive to pain medications can benefit from the natural relief of OMT. OMT provides manual relief of muscular pain in the neck, back, hips, shoulders, and other regions. If you regularly take ibuprofen or other pain relievers for body aches, Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment may be able to reduce your intake, which can enhance your quality of life.

Learn more about Infinity Medical’s approach to OMT and how it can benefit individuals with different medical issues. Contact the office today.


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If you have acne that appears along with your monthly hormonal shifts, you may have hormonal acne. This type of acne often appears on the chin or jaw area, and it can be not only unattractive but also painful. So, what is hormonal acne and what are the contributors? And, most importantly, can it be treated?

Acne Caused by Hormonal Changes

Some of us know all too well what acne entails. Many experience the agony of acne during the teenage years when the breakouts often begin. Acne is technically a breakout caused by overstimulated sebaceous glands in the skin. The pores overproduce oil, which causes eruptions of inflamed areas and makes you want to run for cover!

Hormonal acne is often identified as acne that appears when hormones change. These moments can include:

  • Monthly hormones
  • Pregnancy
  • Perimenopause
  • Conditions that change hormones
  • Stress, which can stimulate hormones

How to Know if Your Acne is Hormonal

If acne follows a pattern along with your monthly menstrual cycle or stressful times in your life, it may be hormonal acne. The condition may also accompany pregnancy or perimenopause, so even if you think you’re well past the age when zits can appear, be prepared!

In addition to showing up at the typical times when hormones change, one of the hallmarks of hormonal acne is that it appears on the chin or jaw area. Left untreated, it can cause scarring and last for weeks or months.

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Treating Hormonal Acne

While there isn’t a quick fix for hormonal acne, there are treatment options, and they vary for each person and the severity of the acne. If you think you have hormonal acne, Dr. Stemmerman will perform a complete exam and determine if hormonal testing is an appropriate step.

Hormonal testing is valuable in determining the state of the many hormones that course throughout your body. If there is another condition that is causing a hormonal imbalance, it is important to diagnose it and treat that first to prevent ongoing breakouts. As a medical cosmetic provider, Dr. Stemmerman has the knowledge and 15 years of experience to diagnose medical conditions that can be the cause of hormonal acne.

To address the unpleasant appearance of acne, topical products can be prescribed. This can include a variety of strengths of antibiotics, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoid products. Daily cleansing with the right products also helps improve acne. The goal will be to minimize the acne and prevent acne scars.

You don’t have to suffer with the embarrassment and painful bumps from acne of any kind. There is hope for your acne! Seeking treatment that identifies the cause of the acne can help you have clear skin throughout your life. Make an appointment at Infinity Medical Clinic to learn more.


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Have you noticed celebrities’ remarkable weight loss stories and started wondering how you can achieve healthy weight loss? Have you been unsuccessful at losing weight, even though you modified your diet and started exercising? Do you have a chronic condition that has been difficult to manage? Medical weight loss may be something to consider. Medical weight loss is physician directed and science-based to help patients achieve a healthy weight, sustain it, and improve their overall health.

“We try to make people healthy so people can lose weight to be healthy,” said Dr. Larae Stemmerman, who has many years of experience helping patients manage weight loss medically. “You can’t keep it off if you have underlying medical issues that are preventing weight loss.”

She said certain conditions, like sleep apnea, can make weight loss difficult. Diabetes and other conditions can also make losing weight more challenging. It is important to know a person’s baseline health and possible causes of weight gain to provide effective weight loss treatment.

 

First, Have a Complete Physical

The best way to know if medical weight loss is right for you is to learn more about it and get a comprehensive exam by a doctor who specializes in physician-directed weight loss. At Infinity Medical Clinic, the goal is sustainable weight loss, and that can only be achieved after identifying and treating underlying medical conditions.

Dr. Stemmerman takes the time to get your complete health and medication history and perform blood tests to rule out medical conditions. Following the initial exam, she will educate and coach patients toward long-term weight loss success on the path they choose. This may include prescribing appropriate medications for health conditions as well as weight loss.

The initial medical exam is usually covered by insurance to some degree. Patients should check with their insurance for coverage details. Ask about the coverage of additional treatment and prescriptions, as coverage varies.

 

Who Benefits Most from Physician-Directed Weight Loss

People who are overweight and have difficulty losing weight and keeping it off are the people who can benefit from medical weight loss. The guideline indicates that individuals who have a body mass index (BMI) of 27 or more can benefit the most from medical weight loss treatment. BMI is calculated based on gender, height, and weight. Dr. Stemmerman states that her goal is to get patients down to a BMI of 27 or less.

People with undiagnosed problems or chronic health conditions can receive the extra medical direction they need during the weight loss process. For example, women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or diabetes can feel more secure about their health when under a physician’s care. Over the years, Dr. Stemmerman has directed weight loss for women with PCOS, diabetes, and hormonal imbalances. She treats the underlying conditions and prescribes medications while also guiding the patient’s exercise and nutrition plans to help patients lock in healthy habits.

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Weight Loss Benefits

Over time, excess weight can take a toll on your body and stamina. Some of the benefits of sustained weight loss include:

  • Enhanced health stats
    • Blood pressure
    • Blood sugar
    • Cholesterol
  • Relief on knees, ankles and feet
  • Increased energy
  • Better self-esteem and mood
  • Modeling healthy activities for your family
  • Establishing healthy habits

Losing weight can be a difficult journey for people who have multiple medical conditions to manage. Today’s weight loss medications are much safer and more effective than diet drugs people took decades ago. Through physician-directed, medical weight loss, patients can have peace of mind about their health during the weight loss process and receive guidance and prescriptions personalized to their needs.

To schedule a medical weight loss consultation, contact Infinity Medical Clinic.


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Have you been looking for a medical cosmetic provider to help you feel great about how you look? Are you concerned about the quality and effectiveness of cosmetic skin procedures? Researching medical cosmetic providers can help you find a good fit for your skin treatment needs. We’d like to share three tips for researching these providers:

  1. Look into their medical cosmetic services
  2. Consider their training and experience
  3. Ask questions

Follow along as we take a moment to address each tip!

 

Look Into Medical Cosmetic Services

The first thing you will want to research is which cosmetic services they provide. Review their website to learn about their services and their approach to medical cosmetic procedures. If you are interested in chemical peels to help remediate sun damage, check for that option. If you are curious about Botox treatments for frown lines, see what they have to say about that service. Many medical cosmetic providers, including Dr. Stemmerman, provide information about their services on their websites and in their blogs.

 

Consider Medical Cosmetic Training and Experience

Another important factor is the provider’s training and experience with medical cosmetic procedures and products. Their comfort and expertise in providing these services translates into greater comfort and confidence for you.

Providers range in training from physicians with additional medical cosmetic education to nurses with esthetics training. Depending on their degree, most nurses receive from two to four years of college, while physicians must complete four years of undergraduate education, four years of medical school, and three to seven years in a residency. In addition, physicians are directly responsible for patient care.

As an example, Dr. Stemmerman has 25+ years of experience as a family physician and more than 15 years as a medical cosmetic provider. She received extensive Botox training and has personally performed Botox injections, chemical peels, dermal fillers, and other medical cosmetic procedures. In addition, she is a Doctor of Osteopathy in a private practice, so she is attentive to each patient’s overall health and their goals for feeling as great as they look. With her specialization in medical cosmetics, she can treat the source of cosmetic skin problems, such as acne, and monitor medical issues such as hormonal imbalances and other women’s health factors.

 

Ask the Provider Questions

Once you decide to make an appointment, be sure to ask the provider and/or their staff about medical cosmetic treatments. How do they approach cosmetic issues in general? Do they often provide services to people with your specific problem (e.g. acne scars, worry lines, or dark spots)? Are the products they use backed by scientific research and FDA approved? When was their most recent continuing education in medical cosmetic services? These questions and others will help guide your cosmetic care and confirm the provider has the tools needed to provide quality care.

Ensure your confidence in the medical cosmetic provider you choose by researching their experience, services, and training. Ask questions and listen closely to their answers so you can feel at ease with the provider you choose.

To learn more about Infinity Medical Clinic’s cosmetic medical solutions, contact Dr. Stemmerman today!


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November 15, 2022 metro_adminOMT Treatment

Migraines are a widespread problem, affecting millions of people. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) offers a natural, noninvasive treatment for migraines and tension headaches. OMT helps manage migraines, reducing headache frequency, intensity, and duration. Dr. Stemmerman has practiced OMT for more than 25 years, helping patients find relief from migraines, cluster headaches, and other pain.


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If you’re in your late 40s or early 50s, you may begin experiencing symptoms of perimenopause, the lead up to menopause. Menopause is marked by the absence of menstrual periods for a full year. Perimenopause can last for months or years as hormones change. The process of menopause typically takes place from age 40 to age 60, although the average age of menopause is 51, according to The Mayo Clinic. Premature menopause can occur before age 40.


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It’s no secret that doctors frequently recommend exercise for patients who are experiencing depression and anxiety. But why? What is it about physical movement that helps us mentally and emotionally? Research has demonstrated that physical activity helps improve mood and decreases sleep complaints. In short, when you move your body, it releases endorphins—the feel-good chemicals that are just waiting to be set free. Aerobic exercise raises your heart rate and core body temperature—it is especially good at releasing endorphins.


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