Riverwoods Physician Recommends Taking Health Precautions for onset of Spring

As Chicago winter melts away, spring brings with it a variety of medical concerns that need attention.

Riverwoods physician Robert J. Wolf, MD, who is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, warns that Influenza A may spike toward the end of its infectious season. While vaccination efforts have ended, it doesn't mean that patients no longer should be concerned about the flu. Patients may still experience high fever, severe muscle aches, malaise, and cold symptoms.

"Allergies start to cause trouble, leading to itchy eyes, sneezing, and coughing. Those with respiratory conditions need to be alert as complications and flare-ups may occur. Watch if your use of inhalers increases or you start a cough," according to Dr. Wolf, whose approach to comprehensive disease management and preventive health care encompasses his scope of practice .

Dr. Wolf adds that spring holidays are accompanied by family gatherings where dietary precautions are sometimes overlooked, including ingestion of saltier foods that can make the high blood pressure patient and heart patient more susceptible to trouble. Watch for uncontrolled symptoms of breathing, leg swelling, and chest pain and higher blood pressure readings.

Longer sunny days bring out emotional instability with those suffering with bipolar disease and depression. Heightened irritability, decreased need for sleep, and overactive busy minds may be a sign of worsening mental health.

"Enjoy Spring but always be alert to your own well-being and call your physician if you have any concerns and changes in your condition," concludes Dr. Wolf, whose practice is at 240 Saunders Road in Riverwoods.