Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder in which people have recurring, unwanted thoughts, ideas or sensations (obsessions) that make them feel driven to do something repetitively (compulsions). The repetitive behaviors, such as hand washing, checking on things, or cleaning, can significantly interfere with a person’s daily activities and social interactions. OCD often begins in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood. Afflicting some 2.2 million Americans, OCD is equally common in men and women and across social classes and ethnicities.Michael Likier, Ph.D. is here to discuss OCD its symptoms and treatments.

Although allergies are thought to cause headaches, the two are different conditions. Allergies can cause sinus congestion, which can then lead to headache pain.Two types of headaches are linked to allergies: sinus headaches and migraines. Lisa Joseph, M.D., Summit Medical Group internist, shares insight into the link between allergies and headaches, including allergy headache triggers, symptoms, and how to get relief.

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is one of a group of behavioral disorders called disruptive behavior disorders (DBD). Even the best-behaved children can be uncooperative and hostile at times, particularly adolescents, but those with ODD show a constant pattern of angry and verbally aggressive behaviors, usually aimed at parents and other authority figures. The most common behaviors are; defiance, spitefulness,negativity, hostility and verbal aggression. Approximately between one and 16 percent of children and adolescents have ODD.Listen in as Melissa Breslin, MA discusses ODD, its symptoms and treatments, so as a parent, you don't have to go it alone in trying to manage a child with ODD.

A common condition of heel pain, plantar fasciitis affects about 2 million people per year. Its painful, but in most cases, can be treated with out surgery or non-invasive procedures.Marco Ucciferri, DPM , discusses common causes of plantar fasciitis, symptoms and treatment as well as how to prevent the occurrence of this condition.

Cats and dogs, gerbils and hamsters; fish, frogs, and turtles  – we LOVE our pets!  Research shows that the bond between humans and animals is strong and can contribute to overall emotional and mental health.  But how can families stay physically healthy while caring for household pets?  Dr. Jill Gora, board-certified family medicine practitioner with Summit Medical Group, shares expertise and insight into the types of human illnesses that can be triggered through pet ownership and how, with proper attention,  families can stay healthy and enjoy their pets.

All women face the threat of heart disease. However, the risks and symptoms are different for women. In fact, more women die each year from heart disease than men. Learn the unique but serious signs of heart attack and heart disease in women, as well as prevention advice, from Nirmala Akkapeddi, MD, Summit Medical Group internist.

Foot and ankle surgeons diagnose, treat and help people manage disorders of the foot and ankle.They can provide comprehensive medical and surgical care for a broad spectrum of foot and ankle conditions and injuries that affect people of all ages. Foot and ankle surgeons are uniquely qualified to detect the early stages of diseases that exhibit warning signs in the lower extremities: diabetes, arthritis and cardiovascular disease.Tony Distefano, SMG foot and ankle surgeon, discusses how foot and ankle surgeons help manage these conditions and others which may pose an ongoing threat to a patient’s overall health.

Diabetes can affect a person’s eyesight in many ways. The American Diabetes Association reports that diabetics are 40% more likely to develop glaucoma, 60% more likely to develop cataracts and they are also susceptible to additional sight complications such as macular edema and retinopathy. Summit Medical Group board-certified ophthalmologist Monica Khalil, MD, discusses these conditions and the critical importance of eye care – including an annual eye exam – for people with diabetes.

Glaucoma is an eye condition that builds up pressure inside the eye.According to the Glaucoma Research Foundation, glaucoma is a complicated disease in which damage to the optic nerve leads to progressive, irreversible vision loss. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness. Hamed Bazargan Lari, MD, Summit Medical Group ophthalmologist, presents the facts about glaucoma to help those affected take care of their eyes and take charge of their health.

When you have diabetes, the importance of foot health and annual foot exams cannot be underestimated. Research conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that diabetes often causes problems with feet and legs, and these problems can be severe. According to the CDC, amputations in people with diabetes account for more than 60% of the amputations of legs and feet not resulting from an injury. Additionally, people with diabetes were eight times as likely to lose a leg or foot to amputation as people without diabetes.  Marco Ucciferri, podiatrist with Summit Medical Group, explains how diabetes affects foot health, discusses warning signs of failing foot health in diabetics and what  the diabetic patient must do to keep their feet protected and healthy.