Skip to main content
Call Us

Blog Articles

South Plains Rural Health Blog View all posts
Don’t Procrastinate Your Pap Smear, It May Save Your Life

Don’t Procrastinate Your Pap Smear, It May Save Your Life

It’s a quick test, but if you’re like most women, you may place your Pap smear at the bottom of your to-do list. But since January is National Cervical Health Awareness Month, there’s no time like the present to get your screening.
Jan 1st, 2025
Seasonal Grief: Handling the Holidays Without Your Loved One

Seasonal Grief: Handling the Holidays Without Your Loved One
People often associate the holidays with joy and festivity, but this time of the year can be overwhelming for those navigating grief. Everyone experiences loss differently, but still, some steps can make it easier to handle the holiday season.
Dec 1st, 2024
Do I Have COVID-19, the Flu, a Cold, or Something Else?

Do I Have COVID-19, the Flu, a Cold, or Something Else?
At the onset, symptoms of a cold, the flu, and COVID-19 may be similar, making it difficult to know which you have. However, a few pro tips from our medical team can help you discern among these typical fall and winter illnesses.
Oct 24th, 2024
How Can a Family Medicine Doctor Help Me?

How Can a Family Doctor Support My Health?
A family medicine doctor is your partner in health. Read on to learn the wide range of high-quality, personalized services that cover the full spectrum of medical care from prevention to treatment.
Sep 11th, 2024
Improve Your Cholesterol Levels and Protect Your Heart Health

Improve Your Cholesterol Levels and Protect Your Heart Health
What’s the leading cause of death in the United States? Heart disease. Managing your cholesterol levels plays a big role in protecting your heart. Read on for important steps that help improve your cholesterol levels to protect your heart health.
Jul 1st, 2024
Who Should Have a Colorectal Screening and How Often?

Who Should Have a Colorectal Screening and How Often?
Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide, but it's also highly preventable and treatable when detected early through screening. Here’s when you should schedule these screenings and how often to plan for them.
Jun 1st, 2024
5 Benefits of Routine Gynecologist Exams

5 Benefits of Routine Gynecologist Exams
Routine gynecologist exams are essential for maintaining optimal reproductive health and well-being. Here, we present just five of the primary benefits of scheduling your annual exam.
May 13th, 2024

Prevent Cavities With Dental Sealants
Some areas of your teeth are harder to clean and more prone to decay. These surfaces benefit from dental sealants, which prevent bacteria from getting into the grooves and causing cavities. Learn why you should consider sealants for your family.
Apr 3rd, 2024
How (and Why) to Lower Your Sodium Intake

How (and Why) to Lower Your Sodium Intake
Sodium is an essential mineral and a delicious way to add flavor to food. Too much sodium, though, can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease and stroke. Here’s how you can reduce your sodium intake and how it will help your health.
Mar 7th, 2024

5 Important Ways to Reduce Suicidal Thoughts
If you’ve been or are experiencing suicidal thoughts, feelings, or intentions, read on. We’ve outlined five important steps you can take to help you stay safe and get support to reduce harmful thinking.
Feb 1st, 2024

How to Lower Your Risk for Asthma Complications
Asthma doesn’t have to get in the way of your daily life. Read on to learn how to reduce your risk of experiencing complications from this inflammatory disease that affects your airways. 
Jan 12th, 2024

5 Signs of a Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a sign of an infection that threatens your oral health. You need care right away for the condition. Here are five signs that indicate you have a dental abscess.
Dec 2nd, 2023

My Pap Smear Results Were Abnormal: Now What?
An abnormal Pap smear result is unnerving, but it can be a common occurrence and often has a benign explanation. If your Pap smear comes back abnormal, here are some of the next steps your provider may take to determine the reason.
Nov 1st, 2023
5 Ways to Prevent a Severe Asthma Attack

5 Ways to Prevent a Severe Asthma Attack
If you have asthma, preventing a severe asthma attack is crucial for your respiratory health and overall well-being. Changing your environment and avoiding triggers are important strategies. Here are five specific ways to help manage your asthma.
Aug 1st, 2023
Are My Teen's Rapid Mood Swings Normal?

Are My Teen's Rapid Mood Swings Normal?
The teenage years are a time of massive life changes. Hormonal shifts, peer relationships, and school pressure all affect mood and behavior. Rapid mood changes are normal in adolescence, but here’s when to be concerned.
Jun 1st, 2023
5 Key Benefits of Having an Annual Physical Exam

5 Key Benefits of Having an Annual Physical Exam
When you feel well, an annual physical exam may feel like an extra inconvenience in an already busy schedule. This is not an appointment to skip, however. Here’s why the annual physical exam is important to your long-term health and well-being.
Apr 3rd, 2023
Understanding the Role of Insulin in Your Body

Understanding the Role of Insulin in Your Body
Insulin regulates many metabolic processes. A healthy body tightly regulates its production of insulin. Here’s what you should know about this hormone and what to do if you need help managing it.
Feb 8th, 2023
My Loved One Is Having Severe Mood Swings

My Loved One Is Having Severe Mood Swings
It’s normal to experience changes in mood during the day or throughout the week. If these swings start to affect relationships, they’re of concern. If you have a loved one with extreme swings in their moods, here’s what you can do to help them.
Jan 18th, 2023
Do You Have One of These Common Allergies?

Do You Have One of These Common Allergies?
If you have unexplained sneezing, a runny nose, a rash, or digestive distress, it could be an allergic reaction. Here are some of the most common allergies, their symptoms, and treatments.
Dec 1st, 2022
Why More People Are Seeking Out Counseling Services

Why More People Are Seeking Out Counseling Services
Demand for counseling services has increased in the past few years. Here’s why the demand is rising and why you too just might benefit from mental health support for issues that run the gamut from depression to anxiety.
Nov 1st, 2022
I Have High Blood Pressure. Now What?

I Have High Blood Pressure. Now What?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, silently does damage to your body, especially when unmanaged. If you have been diagnosed with hypertension, here are the steps you should take to avoid serious complications.
Oct 5th, 2022
Why Do You Need a Family Doctor?

Why Do You Need a Family Doctor?
Relying on urgent care or an emergency room for all your care is not a viable long-term way to manage your health. Here’s how enlisting regular care from a family doctor can support your entire household’s health.
Sep 14th, 2022
Prenatal Habits You Can Embrace Today

Prenatal Habits You Can Embrace Today
Good prenatal habits increase the odds that you’ll have a healthy, positive pregnancy experience. If you are trying to conceive, think you might be pregnant, or just confirmed you’re expecting, here’s what you can do today to support your pregnancy.
Aug 9th, 2022
Can a Root Canal Save My Tooth?

Can a Root Canal Save My Tooth?
Root canals have a bad reputation for being a miserable experience. These procedures, however, can actually save you from pain and preserve your tooth. Here’s why you should get a root canal if you need one.
Jul 7th, 2022
The Danger of Drug Interactions and How to Prevent Them

The Danger of Drug Interactions and How to Prevent Them
Medications effectively control symptoms of chronic disease and illness. But these drugs can interact with each other, affecting their effectiveness and possibly causing dire reactions. Here’s why you should be aware of drug interactions.
May 1st, 2022
Common Spring Allergies in Texas

Common Spring Allergies in Texas
You’ve waited all winter for your favorite season. However, spring allergies can turn this beautiful season into a sneeze fest. Here are some common allergens to which Texans should be alert and what to do about them.
Mar 1st, 2022
Resolve to Lower Your Blood Pressure — Here's How

Resolve to Lower Your Blood Pressure — Here's How
Keeping your blood pressure under control is important to your long-term health since high blood pressure can lead to an array of problems. Medical and lifestyle changes can help you lower high levels. Here’s what we recommend.
Jan 1st, 2022
Why an Annual Medical Exam Is So Important

Why an Annual Medical Exam Is So Important
Scheduling an appointment for a medical exam can feel like a hassle and unnecessary when you’re feeling just fine. But an annual medical exam is a critical part of your preventive health. Read on to learn why you shouldn’t skip out.
Dec 1st, 2021
How Often Should I See My Gynecologist?

How Often Should I See My Gynecologist?
Women have special healthcare needs that require regular screenings and check-ups. Read on to learn how regularly you should make your gynecology appointment to optimize your reproductive and pelvic organ health.
Nov 1st, 2021
Are You Brushing Your Teeth All Wrong?

Are You Brushing Your Teeth All Wrong?
Brushing your teeth seems pretty simple, but the type of brush you use, the length of time you brush, and the angle of action all matter. Here’s some tips on how to get the most out of your at-home oral hygiene.
Oct 1st, 2021
What You Don't Know About Fall Allergies

What You Don't Know About Fall Allergies
Seasonal allergies aren’t reserved for the spring only. Sneezing, watery eyes, and an itchy throat may affect you as the leaves start to turn color and the air gets cooler. Here’s why and what you might not know about fall allergy season.
Sep 5th, 2021
The Benefits of Comprehensive Rural Healthcare

The Benefits of Comprehensive Rural Healthcare
If you’re among the 46 million Americans who live in a rural area, access to healthcare can be a challenge. Here’s how comprehensive rural healthcare improves your quality of life and health outcomes.
Aug 5th, 2021

Could You Have High Blood Pressure and Not Know It?
High blood pressure is known as a “silent killer” because it doesn’t show outward symptoms until it’s reached a crisis state. Read on to learn if you’re at risk and how to get treatment.
Jul 22nd, 2021

When Do Anxiety and Depression Require Professional Help?
Everyone experiences a bout of the blues once in a while. It’s also quite normal to have anxiety before a big exam or presentation. But, if you find persistent thoughts of depression and anxiety start to influence everyday -- it’s time to seek help.
Jun 14th, 2021

Choosing the Right Birth Control for You
So many types of birth control are available, it can be hard to know which type to choose. Here are some factors to consider when thinking about your family planning goals and choosing a form of contraception.
May 1st, 2021

Allergies or Asthma: Is There a Difference?
Allergies can sometimes trigger an asthma attack, but they’re two completely different conditions. Read on to learn the distinctions and find out how you can get help for either or both.
Apr 1st, 2021

Understanding the Benefits of Behavioral Health
Behavioral health care improves outcomes related to mental illness, but that isn’t all. The benefits of behavioral health services trickle down into other areas of life and wellness, too.
Mar 14th, 2021

5 Tips for Preventing Childhood Obesity
An obese child faces immediate and future health problems as well as problems with self-esteem and social relationships. Help your child maintain a healthy, happy weight with these tips.
Feb 1st, 2021

Tips for Navigating a Flu or a Cold
When you have fatigue, weakness, and a stuffy nose, you wonder if it’s the flu or just a really bad cold. Here’s how to know the difference between the two illnesses and how to heal quickly.
Jan 1st, 2021

What Should I Expect at an Eye Exam?
You go to the doctor to take care of your health and the dentist to take care of your teeth and gums. A regular visit to the eye doctor is also essential to preserve your vision and your health. Here’s what to expect when you come in for an eye exam.
Dec 1st, 2020

Is High Blood Pressure Dangerous?
High blood pressure is known as a silent killer. It has no outward symptoms, but the condition slowly and quietly does damage to your internal organs and overall health. Read on to learn how to avoid high blood pressure.
Nov 1st, 2020

Have You Been Tested for Allergies?
If you suffer from a stuffy nose and headaches when plants bloom, have digestive distress after eating certain foods, or mysteriously develop a rash after using certain products, you may have an allergy. Get tested to know for sure and find relief.
Oct 12th, 2020

How Can a Family Medicine Doctor Help Me?
You benefit from having a practice that offers health services and gets to know the needs and dynamics of your whole family. Read on to learn how a family medicine doctor can serve these roles and help you maintain a high quality of life.
Sep 21st, 2020

The Importance of a Physical Before School Starts
A school physical provides a thorough review of your child’s health and detects or prevents problems that can cause trouble later on. Read on to learn why that physical is important, even if your child is feeling just fine.
Aug 9th, 2020

Understanding Addiction
Addiction isn’t just something to “get over.” Dependence on alcohol, drugs, or certain behaviors changes your brain and corrupts it. If you or a loved one are experiencing addiction, read on to gain some understanding.
Jul 15th, 2020

Mental Health-Counselors Available for Telehealth
Don’t put your mental health on hold so you can avoid leaving the house. Telehealth is an extremely easy, safe, and convenient way to get the counseling support you need. Read on to learn more about the telehealth mental health care available.
Jun 22nd, 2020

The Importance of Women's Wellness Exams
Women have special health needs and a regular wellness exam for women helps meet these needs. Read on to learn why you should never skip this annual check of your pelvic and reproductive health.
Mar 12th, 2020

The Many Health Benefits of Losing a Few Pounds.

Weight loss takes effort, but it’s well worth it. Losing even a few pounds improves your health status and can boost your quality of life. Read on to learn why even just a loss of 5-10% of your size can help.
Feb 10th, 2020

Am I at Risk For Glaucoma?
The intraocular pressure that builds up with the condition known as glaucoma can be devastating to your vision. Are you at risk? Read on to find out, and learn why early detection is so important.
Jan 1st, 2020

Is It Allergies or Is It a Cold?
Sniffling and sneezing are symptoms that indicate long-term seasonal allergies or a short-term cold. Read on to learn which it likely is for you and your family.
Dec 4th, 2019

How a Root Canal Can Save Your Tooth
Although it’s possible to replace a lost tooth with a denture or implant, this replacement will never feel quite like the real thing. If you can save your tooth with a root canal, don’t pass it up. Read on to learn why.
Nov 1st, 2019

The Link Between Stress and High Blood Pressure
Stress is inevitable and how you respond to it matters. Let stress literally “stress you out,” and it contributes to poor health, including hypertension. Learn how stress affects you and what you can do to manage it and your blood pressure.
Oct 1st, 2019
These tips help you keep your newly brilliant teeth from discoloring once again.

How to Extend the Results of Teeth Whitening
You invested time and money in getter a brighter, whiter smile. You want them to stay that way. These tips help you keep your newly brilliant teeth from discoloring once again.
Sep 3rd, 2019

What Is Behavioral Health (And Is It Right for You)?
When you have an issue with substance abuse or mental health that affects your health and wellbeing, seek behavioral health help. If thoughts, actions, or behaviors are negatively affecting your daily life, read on to learn how treatment can help.
Aug 16th, 2019

Deciding Between Contact Lenses and Glasses
People with healthy eyes can choose between contact lenses and glasses to correct poor vision. Which you choose is a personal decision that depends on your comfort, desired correction, and style.
Jul 1st, 2019
What Makes Family Medicine Different?

What Makes Family Medicine Different?
A family physician provides comprehensive care for you and your entire family. Read on to learn what makes seeking and receiving care at South Plains Rural Health Services different.
Jun 1st, 2019

Depression Is Normal, and So Is Seeking Help
Everyone occasionally feels blue, and it isn’t necessarily a reason for medical care. But, many people feel persistent feelings of sadness that suggest depression. Depression is nothing to be ashamed of -- seek help to feel like yourself again.
May 1st, 2019

5 Signs Someone You Know Could Be Dealing With Abuse
Being abused can leave victims feeling afraid, alone, and confused. They may be hesitant to reach out for help, which is why your help is essential. If you see the signs of abuse, you may assist them in seeking help.
Apr 1st, 2019
Colorectal Screening, South Plains Rural

Understanding Why Colorectal Screenings Are So Important

Colon cancer is one of the most common types of cancer and is treatable when caught early. Colorectal screenings can protect you from developing this potentially deadly disease. Read on to learn why you should schedule yours today.
Jan 16th, 2019
Type 2 Diabetes , prevention, South Plains Rural Health

9 Tips for Preventing Type 2 Diabetes

Simple lifestyle steps can help you reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Read on to learn how you can prevent this chronic disease from wreaking havoc on your long-term health.
Dec 6th, 2018

Why You Need a Flu Shot Every Year

A flu shot helps you avoid the miserable symptoms of the flu. You need to update your shot every year, however, to protect you from the most prevalent strain.
Nov 16th, 2018

The Importance of Having an Annual Physical
No matter how young or fit you are, an annual physical is essential to protecting your health. Take a moment to learn how yearly checkups keep you healthier by creating a solid foundation for your overall wellness.
Aug 6th, 2018