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Bright Star Health & Wellness, 163 N Main Street, North Brookfield, MA (2025)

12/03/2025

HIV/AIDS Awareness Month is December, and it begins with World AIDS Day on December 1st (today). This month is dedicated to raising awareness about the virus, supporting those living with HIV, and fighting stigma through education, research, and advocacy.

Primary Infection (Acute HIV)
Within 2-4 weeks of exposure some people may experience flu-like symptoms that can last up to several weeks. However some people at this stage may feel completely normal. Other possible symptoms may include fever, rash, cough, weight loss, headache, diarrhea, swollen lymph nodes, painful mouth sores, sore throat, joint pain, muscle aches, or night sweats. Often symptoms are so mild they go unnoticed, however the viral load in your bloodstream is high at this stage, allowing for the infection to spread easily.

Clinical Latent Infection (Chronic HIV)
At this stage, HIV is in the body and white blood cells, however many people do not feel symptoms. This stage can last for years if the person is not getting ART treatment. For some people it may get more severe sooner.

Symptomatic HIV Infection
The virus continues to destroy the immune system cells and multiply resulting in mild infections or long term symptoms such as fatigue, diarrhea, swollen lymph nodes, fever, pneumonia, Shingles, Thrush, or weight loss.

Progression to AIDS
The development of better antiviral treatments have reduced AIDS deaths greatly worldwide. However untreated HIV will often become AIDS within 8-10 years. Having AIDS means that the immune system has been greatly damaged and raises the risk of developing other diseases that may not have happened with a healthy immune system, also called opportunistic infections or opportunistic cancers. Symptoms of said infections may include chills, recurrent fever, ongoing diarrhea, swollen lymph glands, sweats, weakness, skin rashes or bumps, rapid weight loss, constant fatigue, or constant white spots or lesions on the tongue/mouth.

Without treatment, people living with HIV infection can also develop severe illnesses such as:
- tuberculosis (TB)
- cryptococcal meningitis
- severe bacterial infections
- cancers such as lymphomas and Kaposi's sarcoma.
HIV can make other infections, such as hepatitis C, hepatitis B and mpox, get worse.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiv-aids/symptoms-causes/syc-20373524
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids #:~:text=Human%20immunodeficiency%20virus%20(HIV)%20is,cells%2C%20weakening%20the%20immune%20system.
https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/about-hiv-and-aids/who-is-at-risk-for-hiv

12/01/2025

HIV/AIDS Awareness Month is December, and it begins with World AIDS Day on December 1st (today). This month is dedicated to raising awareness about the virus, supporting those living with HIV, and fighting stigma through education, research, and advocacy.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) is a chronic condition and is caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and occurs at the most advanced stage of infection. HIV causes damage to the immune system so the body is too weak to fight infections and diseases. When HIV is not treated it may take years before it becomes AIDS, however now in the US most people never get AIDS. HIV is caused by a virus that destroys white blood cells, CD4 T cells. The fewer CD4 T cells you have the weaker the immune system becomes as these cells play a large part in helping the body to fight diseases.
HIV is spread through:
- sharing needles and syringes for illicit drugs
- s*xual contact such as va**nal and a**l s*x, oral s*x carries less risk
- contact with affected blood such as a blood transfusions or open wound to open wound
- can also be passed to a child from the mother during childbirth or breastfeeding
- bodily fluids (blood, semen, re**al fluids, va**nal fluids, and breastmilk)
It cannot be passed by casual contact like hugging, handshakes, sharing food, kissing, or shaking hands. It also cannot be spread through the air, water, or insect bite.

Anyone of any age , race, s*xual orientation, or s*x can contract HIV/AIDS, but you may be more at risk if you have unprotected va**nal or a**l s*x, inject illicit drugs, unsterilized medical equipment or procedures, or have STI's that cause open sores.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hiv-aids/symptoms-causes/syc-20373524
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hiv-aids #:~:text=Human%20immunodeficiency%20virus%20(HIV)%20is,cells%2C%20weakening%20the%20immune%20system.
https://www.hiv.gov/hiv-basics/overview/about-hiv-and-aids/who-is-at-risk-for-hiv

11/28/2025

In order to diagnose and detect stomach cancer it may be required to do a procedure called an upper endoscopy, a thin tube with a camera on the end is passed down the throat to the stomach. This allows the provider to look for signs of cancer. If something appears to be cancer a biopsy, removal for testing, can be done during the procedure. Once a tissue sample is collected it is sent to the lab.

Treatment is very dependent on the location of the cancer within the stomach and its stage.
-Surgery has the goal of removing all the cancer; for small stomach cancers it may be the first treatment. However if it is deeper in the stomach wall or spreads to the lymph nodes, options for surgery may include: endoscopic mucosal resection (removing small cancers from the stomach lining through an endoscopy), a subtotal gastrectomy (removes the cancerous portion of the stomach and a small amount of healthy surrounding tissue), removing the lymph nodes in the stomach to test them for cancer, a total gastrectomy (removal of the stomach and all surrounding tissue, then connecting esophagus with the small intestine), or in advanced cases surgery just to remove part of the stomach to relieve symptoms when no other treatments have worked
-Chemotherapy is a drug used to kill cancer cells using chemicals and can include: systemic chemotherapy (chemo traveling all over the body) or hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, HIPEC, (done after surgery when the stomach cancer is removed, chemo medicines are put directly into the belly for a specific time then drained). It is not needed for stage 1, and often used before surgery for stages 2 & 3.
-Radiation therapy uses beams of high-powered energy to kill cancer cells; these beams come from protons, X-rays, or other sources. Often is done at the same time as chemotherapy, often referred to as chemoradiation. A radiation treatment is given by a machine to precise areas of the body.
-Targeted therapy uses medicines to attack specific chemicals present in cancer cells. Cancer cells must be tested to see if is an option for you. It is often used in conjunction with systemic chemotherapy and is typically used for advanced cases.
-Immunotherapy uses medicine that helps the body's immune system kill cancer cells by helping immune system cells find and kill cancer where they would usually hide. It is sometimes used to treat advanced cases.
-Palliative care is a type of special health care that helps you feel better when seriously ill; palliative cancer care can help relieve pain along with other symptoms.

Lower your risk of stomach cancer by:
- eating lots of fruits and veggies
-reducing your intake of smoked and salty foods
- quit smoking
- let your provider know if it runs in the family

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stomach-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352438
https://nostomachforcancer.org/about-stomach-cancer/signs-symptoms-of-stomach-cancer/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stomach-cancer/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352443

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving!🦃

11/26/2025

Stomach Cancer, commonly also known as Gastric Cancer, occurs when there is a growth of cells starts in the stomach. It can happen in any part of the stomach, however it is most common in the main part of the stomach, the stomach body. The gastroesophageal junction is the most common starting place for stomach cancer in the U.S.

The causes of stomach cancer is unclear. Some experts believe it is caused when something hurts the lining inside the stomach. When the stomach cells are hurt the cells change their DNA, which tells instructions to the cells for their job. The changes tell the cells to multiply quickly and these cells live while healthy ones die. This causes an excess of cells in the stomach and may form together to become a tumor.

While there is no for sure cause of stomach cancer, there are factors that can increase the risk. These risk factors include:
- diet of low fruits and veggies
- diet of salty and smoked food
- smoking
- family history of stomach cancer
- gastroesophageal reflux disease, stomach acid backing up into the esophagus
- noncancerous cell growths (polyps) in the stomach
- gastritis, irritation or swelling of the inside of the stomach
- infection in the stomach caused by Helicobacter pylori, a germ
- family history of genetic syndromes, such as Lynch syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, hereditary diffuse gastric cancer, juvenile polyposis syndrome, or familial adenomatous polyposis, that increase the risk of stomach cancer

A good rule of thumb is "if your symptoms are persistent, then you should be too"
Early stomach cancer does not often produce symptoms and may or may not present with vague GI symptoms. However if you experience symptoms they may include:
- loss of appetite
- unexplained weight loss
- constipation or diarrhea
- difficulty swallowing
- indigestion, heartburn, or other ulcer-type symptoms
- nausea/vomiting
- bloating after meals
- sense of fullness after eating a small portion
- pain in the abdomen
- vague discomfort above the navel
- weakness and fatigue
- vomiting blood/blood in the stool
- symptoms mimicking other conditions such as GERD, gastritis, or peptic ulcer

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stomach-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352438
https://nostomachforcancer.org/about-stomach-cancer/signs-symptoms-of-stomach-cancer/

11/24/2025

Stomach Cancer, commonly also known as Gastric Cancer, occurs when there is a growth of cells starts in the stomach. It can happen in any part of the stomach, however it is most common in the main part of the stomach, the stomach body. The gastroesophageal junction is the most common starting place for stomach cancer in the U.S.

Stomach cancer is the 5th most common type of cancer around the world, affecting 1 in 111 men and women. There are over a million new cases globally each year. It is estimated stomach cancer was the cause of 11,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2020.

There are several types of stomach cancer and the type of cancer depends on where it started.
- Adenocarcinoma stomach cancer begins in the mucus producing cells. It is the most common type of stomach cancer and nearly all cancers that begin in the stomach are adenocarcinoma stomach cancers.
- Carcinoid Tumors are described as cancers that begin in the neuroendocrine cells and are a type of neuroendocrine tumors. These cells are found all over the body and primarily do some work of the cells that make hormones and some nerve cell functions.
- Lymphoma is cancer that starts in the cells of the immune system, which fights germs. It may start in the stomach if immune system cells are sent to the stomach to perhaps fight an infection. Most that start in the stomach are a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors, or GIST, begins in special nerve cells found in the stomach wall and other digestive organs. It is a soft tissue sarcoma.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stomach-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352438
https://nostomachforcancer.org/about-stomach-cancer/stomach-cancer-statistics/

11/20/2025

While November is a huge observer for Diabetes and Diabetic Eye Disease, there is another topic that deserves observance for the tiniest of humans, so this week we are highlighting Prematurity Awareness.

Premature birth occurs more often to African American and Indian/Native Alaskan mothers more than white mothers. It also is more common in mothers under 18 and over 35. Lifestyle choices such as smoking, illegal drug use, drinking alcohol, late or no prenatal care, domestic violence, long hours of standing while working, stress, exposure to environmental pollutants, and stress can also increase your risk of preterm labor or birth.

Risk factors for preterm labor are unfortunately endless, because we have not found them all yet. However health care providers may consider women high-risk for preterm labor or birth for reasons such as women who have already delivered a preterm baby, being pregnant with more than 1 baby, using assisted reproductive technology, and/or women who have reproductive anomalies (shortened cervix).

Certain medical conditions can also increase the risk for preterm labor and birth, some that only occur is pregnancy, such as: STIs, high blood pressure, UTIs, va**nal infections, va**nal bleeding, IVF pregnancies, fetal developmental anomalies, under/over weight prior to pregnancy, less than 6 months between delivery and another pregnancy, diabetes, gestational diabetes, blood clotting problems, risk of uterine rupture, and placenta previa.

What causes preterm labor and birth is only partly understood, very complex, occurs for numerous reasons. There are 3 main situations where preterm labor and birth may occur:
1. A non-medically indicated preterm delivery can result from inducing labor or having a cesarean delivery by choice, however it is not recommended. Research shows babies born at 37-38 weeks are at a higher risk for poor health outcomes than those born 39+ weeks.
2. Medically indicated preterm birth may occur if there is a serious health condition, such as preeclampsia. There are often other steps taken to avoid preterm delivery, however if it is needed, steroids may be given to improve outcomes for the babies health.
3. Spontaneous preterm labor and birth is unplanned, unintentional delivery prior to 37 weeks. The cause is usually unknown.

https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preterm/conditioninfo/treatments
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preterm/conditioninfo/who_risk
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preterm/conditioninfo/causes

11/19/2025

While November is a huge observer for Diabetes and Diabetic Eye Disease, there is another topic that deserves observance for the tiniest of humans, so this week we are highlighting Prematurity Awareness.
Premature birth is defined as babies who are born alive before prior to 37 weeks during pregnancy. Premature birth is the leading cause of infant disability and death worldwide; its estimated to be responsible for 900,000 deaths in 2019. Prematurity is also the leading cause of death of kids under 5. It was estimated in 2020 that 13.4 million babies were born before 37 weeks; that is 1 in 10 births.

Preterm labor and birth have no definite way to predict them, however there are certain instances when it is known that preterm labor is highly likely. A Shortened Cervix happens naturally as you progress into late pregnancy, however in some women it happens prematurely (around month 4-5) and increases the risk. It may be recommended to measure the cervix (especially if there is prior preterm labor or birth) using ultrasound. An Incompetent Cervix occurs when the cervix opens early, before a baby is ready to be born, where as typically in pregnancy it stays closed. Cervical opening is often painless and unnoticeable with no labor cramps or contractions.

There are limited options for treatment of preventing preterm labor and birth, often due to the fact that the cause is unknown.
- Cerclage is a surgical procedure done by placing a stitch around the cervix to keep it closed to increase the likelihood of full term birth. It may be used for women with an incompetent cervix or those who have experienced early pregnancy loss due to painless cervical opening.
- Hormone Therapy uses progesterone is though to prevent preterm labor and birth. "NICHD’s Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network found that progesterone given to women at risk of preterm birth due to a prior preterm birth reduces chances of a subsequent preterm birth by one-third, when started at 16 weeks of gestation and continued to 37 weeks of gestation."
- Bed rest; however it cannot prevent it for sure and it can have the opposite affect for some.
Risks and benefits should be discussed with healthcare providers for all treatment options to find the right fit for the mother-to-be.

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/preterm-birth
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preterm/conditioninfo/predict
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preterm/conditioninfo/treatments

11/18/2025

While November is a huge observer for Diabetes and Diabetic Eye Disease, there is another topic that deserves observance for the tiniest of humans, so this week we are highlighting Prematurity Awareness.
Premature birth is defined as babies who are born alive before prior to 37 weeks during pregnancy. Premature birth is the leading cause of infant disability and death worldwide; its estimated to be responsible for 900,000 deaths in 2019. Prematurity is also the leading cause of death of kids under 5. It was estimated in 2020 that 13.4 million babies were born before 37 weeks; that is 1 in 10 births.

Preterm labor has 3 sub-categories based on gestational age:
- moderate to late preterm is anywhere 32-37 weeks
- very preterm is between 28 and 32 weeks
- extremely preterm is anything less than 28 weeks

Signs and symptoms you may experience if you are in preterm labor (labor occurring between 20-36 weeks) can include:
- abdominal cramps or diarrhea
- low, dull back pain
- a feeling of pressure in the pelvis area
- leaking fluid or blood from the va**na
- contractions or tightening every 10 minutes or more
- cramps similar to menstrual cramps
Uterine contractions are normal during pregnancy but should not occur frequently, like 6 or more times per hour.

Preterm labor can be diagnosed by doing an evaluation. The evaluation may include a pelvic exam to check for rupture of the membranes, if the cervix is opening, and/or if the cervix is thinning. An ultrasound and electronic monitoring of any contractions and fetal heart rate may also be done. A test known as a Fetal Fibronectin (fFN) test can be sued to detect if fetal fibronectin protein (the biological glue between the membrane around the fetus and the uterine lining) is present. Typically this protein is only present at the beginning (up to 22 weeks) and at the end (37-40 weeks) but not during 24-34 weeks, therefore if it is present it can indicate preterm labor. If it is negative it is unlikely the woman will deliver within the next 7 days.

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/preterm-birth
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preterm/conditioninfo/symptoms
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/health/topics/preterm/conditioninfo/diagnosed

11/14/2025

Last week we brought awareness to Diabetes, so this week on a related note we are bringing awareness to Diabetic Eye Disease.
Prevention breaks down to managing diabetes effectively, not smoking, limiting alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight, and having regular eye exams.

Diagnosis is typically made by an eye exam. To look closely at the retina a OCT, optical coherence tomography. A Fluorescein angiography (done with yellow dye, fluorescein) or OCT angiography (a newer technique that does not require dyes) may also be done to help view what is happening with the blood vessels in the retina.

A big part of managing and treating diabetic eye disease is monitoring blood sugar levels, managing diet, getting exercise, properly taking medication that's prescribed, regular physical exams, and regular eye exams. Eye treatments that focus on managing vision, managing eye symptoms, and limiting or slowing retinal damage. Treatments for diabetes-related retinopathy may include medications, laser surgery, and other eye surgeries.

You should call or see your provider if you notice any gradual vision changes like:
-vision loss or trouble seeing as well as you used to
-blurred or distorted vision
-areas in your vision that look dim, faded or different from how you saw before

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/diabetic-eye-disease
https://ophthalmology.wustl.edu/diabetic-eye-disease-awareness-month-what-is-diabetic-eye-disease/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8591-diabetic-retinopathy -and-tests

11/13/2025

Happy National Nurse Practitioner Week to our favorite Nurse Practitioner Dr. Lorraine Bock!!👩‍⚕️💉

11/12/2025

Last week we brought awareness to Diabetes, so this week on a related note we are bringing awareness to Diabetic Eye Disease.
Diabetic Eye Disease affects millions. It is predicted that the number of those with Diabetic Retinopathy will double between 2010 and 2050 (7.7m to 14.6m).

Symptoms of Diabetic Eye Disease may include:
-distorted or blurred vision, especially in the central field of vison
- spots, small speckles, of floaters in your vison field
- loss of color vison, colors less distinct or vibrant
- trouble seeing at night or in low-light conditions
- in advanced stages, loss of sight can occur and may not be reversible

While the main cause of Diabetic Eye Disease is consistently high blood glucose (sugar) levels, there are additional risk factors that increase the chances of development even more.
-poorly controlled blood sugar, with fluctuations
- pregnancy can develop or worsen Diabetic Eye Disease
- high blood pressure can exacerbate the effects of diabetes on the eyes
- high cholesterol can contribute to progression of the condition
- the amount of time the person has had diabetes

Diabetic Retinopathy often does not have symptoms till it is in a more advanced stage. Regular eye exams are crucial for this purpose.

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/diabetic-eye-disease
https://ophthalmology.wustl.edu/diabetic-eye-disease-awareness-month-what-is-diabetic-eye-disease/

Bright Star Health & Wellness

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