February 2024 newsletter

Take care of your heart

February is American Heart Month. It’s a reminder to prioritize our heart health. Per the CDC, about half of all Americans have at least 1 of 3 key factors for heart disease. The circulatory system depends on a healthy heart. Good circulation helps to promote cell regeneration and tissue repair as it relates to wound recovery. Read more.

Patient Recognition Week Feb. 1-7

The goal of Dr. Novikov Wellness and Skin Care has always been to provide high quality, patient-centered care. National Patient Recognition Week is February 1-7. The focus is to remind us as healthcare providers that patients are the most important aspect of the healthcare industry. Patients are people – all with unique needs and backgrounds.

Patients are the most important members of our practice. Our focus is to help one patient at a time. Our commitment is to helping others and prioritize the human aspect of the profession. We strive to provide a positive patient experience and find areas to improve.

Importance of preventive health care

In a world where health is paramount, the importance of preventive health care and early intervention cannot be overstated. When it comes to maintaining overall well-being, one aspect that often takes a backseat is skin health. Adopting a proactive approach to skin care can play a pivotal role in curbing future medical costs. Be sure to include preventive skin and health care in your routine.

• Get your annual skin check. Preventive skin care is the foundation for preserving your body’s largest organ. Early detection is key in successfully treating many skin issues, often requiring less invasive and more cost effective interventions compared to advanced stages of diseases.
• Early wound care management can prevent the progression of wounds to a severity that necessitates hospitalization. Costs may be higher if severe wounds require rehabilitation and ongoing care. It is much more cost effective to be seen by a wound care physician in an office setting versus a hospital setting.

Understanding Arterial Ulcers with Kimmy Nguyen, PA-C

Physician Assistant Kimmy Nguyen highlights information for a better understanding of arterial ulcers.

Arterial ulcers develop due to lack of blood flow to the tissues. Arterial insufficiency is most commonly associated with atherosclerosis. Buildups of fatty and fibrous deposits slowly clog up the arteries, making the space inside them narrower. This narrowing limits the flow of blood through the arteries. Additionally, when the skin and underlying tissue are deprived of oxygen, the tissue becomes ischemic and forms an open wound. Understanding treatment and prevention measures are crucial for managing this condition. Read more.

Staff newsletter question of the Month: What is your favorite soup?

Here’s how our staff responded:

• Dr. Novikov: tomato soup
• Emily: tomato soup
• Kimmy: pho
• Joy: butternut squash soup
• Henry: clam chowder
• Connie: Yuan Du Xian (Shanghainese salted pork soup with bamboo shoots, tofu)
• Ellen: cheddar and broccoli soup
• Michael: tomato basil soup with lots of oyster crackers
• Liz: lentil soup