Blog Archive

4 Home Strategies to Manage Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Nov 14th, 2023

Living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be challenging, particularly because it’s a progressive condition that gets worse over time. The good news, though,is that there are several effective strategies you can implement at home to help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.  In this blog,...

What Do I Need to Bring to An Immigration Physical? Oct 1st, 2023

If you're in the process of applying for an immigration visa to the United States, you already know that the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires you to undergo an immigration physical. An immigration physical is required to assess your physical health and helps identify conditions that could lead...

Cold vs. Flu: What's the Difference? Sep 6th, 2023

Feeling under the weather? Although both the flu and the common cold can be treated at home (and don’t require antibiotics), it's important to know whether you're dealing with a common cold or the more serious influenza. Both of these illnesses share a few common symptoms, such as a sore...

Does My Teenager Need a Physical Before School Starts? Aug 2nd, 2023

It’s August here in San Jose, California, which means the back-to-school season is officially here. And while you’re no doubt in the midst of preparing for your teenager's upcoming academic year, you may wonder if you need to add “schedule a physical” to your to-do list. Scheduling a physical before...

Why Does Strep Throat Cause White Spots? Jul 6th, 2023

Nearly everyone has had a sore throat at some point. In fact, sore throats are one of the most common reasons why people visit urgent care. A sore throat accompanied by white spots in your throat is often an indicator of strep throat.  These visible signs can be alarming, but...

I Always Have to Go to the Bathroom: Do I Have a UTI? Jun 4th, 2023

If you’ve ever experienced the discomfort of needing to constantly rush to the bathroom, you’re far from alone. It can be frustrating, disruptive to your daily life, and even embarrassing. If you find yourself frequently needing to urinate, accompanied by a burning sensation or discomfort, you might be wondering if...

When to See a Doctor About Your Fever May 18th, 2023

Fevers are a common symptom that can be caused by a variety of conditions ranging from viral illnesses like the flu to bacterial infections, such as ear infections and strep throat. A fever is your body’s way of trying to kill the bacteria or virus that’s making you sick. Here...

How to Manage Your Long COVID Symptoms Apr 3rd, 2023

Long COVID 一sometimes called long haul COVID or post-COVID一 refers to symptoms that last for several weeks or months beyond your initial illness. According to the World Health Organization, long COVID symptoms develop within three months of having COVID-19, last for at least two months, and aren’t caused by another...

6 Different Types of Drug Testing Mar 9th, 2023

Drug testing refers to a screening that checks for the presence of both illicit and prescription drugs. There are many reasons why you may need a drug test. Many employers require drug screenings prior to employment, while other employers require annual physicals and routine drug testing. In addition to employment-related...

How Annual Physicals Can Help Elongate Your Life Feb 6th, 2023

Routine check-ups are common during childhood at specific milestones, before school, or before joining a sports team. However, annual physicals are just as important for adults too!  Drs. Ines Munoz De Laborde and Svetlana Burkhead know how important preventive care is, and that’s why we provide a variety of physicals here at Physicians Medical Urgent Care,...

Common Myths and Facts About Vaccines Jan 20th, 2023

The first vaccine was invented in 1796 by Dr. Edward Jenner, and since then, vaccines have inoculated billions of people against infectious diseases. Vaccines have nearly eradicated certain infections, such as polio, in the United States.  Despite the major successes and the research on vaccines, there are still many myths...

Myths and Facts About Lupus Dec 19th, 2022

If you or a loved one has lupus, you know it’s difficult to describe and tough to treat. The symptoms range from mild rashes and fatigue to serious complications like damage to your kidneys, heart, lungs, or brain.  Perhaps the most mysterious part about lupus is why it does what...

7 Common Asthma Triggers for Children, and What to Do About Them Nov 3rd, 2022

Asthma affects over 5.1 million children, and unfortunately, 44% of those children have experienced asthma attacks in the past year. In addition to taking long-term control medication, many kids can help reduce the risk of asthma attacks by avoiding their triggers. But what are asthma triggers, and what can you do...

All About Flu Season: Answers to Your FAQs Oct 12th, 2022

Each year, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) records millions of Americans who are sick with the flu yet the real numbers may be even higher due to people who treat the flu at home and never seek medical care.  Flu season can impact people in many ways from being physically ill...

Will an Immigration Physical Allow Me to Live in the United States? Sep 14th, 2022

If you’re planning on immigrating to the United States, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) requires that you undergo an immigration physical. These physicals are an important part of the naturalization process, but is it enough to allow you to live in the United States? This is a question that Drs....

How Do I Know When an Urgent Care Visit Is Necessary? Aug 1st, 2022

Whether you’re feeling under the weather, you sustained an injury, or you suspect you have an infection, medical care can help you feel better … but which type of care do you need?  While primary care practices help you manage chronic conditions and emergency rooms treat emergencies and life-threatening issues, urgent...

How Does Alcohol Testing Work? Jul 1st, 2022

Alcohol tests are a type of screening test used to measure how much alcohol is in your body. There are many reasons you might need an alcohol test, but they’re often included in many types of pre-employment health screenings. Some employers also require routine alcohol tests. Both drug and alcohol testing is part...

When Should I See an Occupational Medicine Specialist? Jun 1st, 2022

Occupational medicine is a branch of medicine that focuses on work-related injuries. Occupational medicine, sometimes called occupational health, also focuses on preventing work injuries. For example, Department of Transportation (DOT) physicals, an occupational medicine service, help prevent automobile accidents related to undiagnosed medical conditions, such as epilepsy.  But how do you know...

The Differences Between Hepatitis B and C May 1st, 2022

Hepatitis B and C are both viral infections, and they both affect your liver, but there are many differences 一 including how they’re spread and how they’re treated 一 between the two. One major difference is that there is a vaccine for hepatitis B, but not for C. In this article, Drs. Ines...

What Those White Pus Patches in Your Throat May Mean Apr 4th, 2022

When your throat hurts, you might be tempted to peek at your throat in the mirror. You might expect to see some redness, but what about white pus patches? White pus patches are often associated with strep throat, but that’s not the only reason you discover white spots in your throat....

Communicable Diseases that Immigrants Must Be Vaccinated For Mar 6th, 2022

When you’re immigrating to the United States, you must receive an immigration physical as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. This physical is an important part of your immigration process because it can help rule out any medical-related grounds of inadmissibility.  In addition to ruling out grounds of...

Reasons for Drug Testing Jan 1st, 2022

Maybe your employer has offered you a job contingent on the results of drug testing? Maybe you’re required to receive drug testing after a work-related accident? There are many reasons why you may have been referred to Physicians Medical Urgent Care in San Jose, California for drug testing. In this...

What's Involved with an Immigration Physical? Nov 10th, 2021

An immigration physical is a necessary part of immigrating to the United States. Because this physical is needed in order to become a green card holder (permanent resident), this physical is often called a green card medical exam. If you or a family member are awaiting an immigration physical, you...

What to Expect at Your Annual Physical Sep 8th, 2021

Did you know that, in addition to urgent care services, we also offer physicals at  Physicians Medical Urgent Care? Dr. Ines Munoz De Laborde and Dr. Sveltlana Burkhead offer a variety of physicals at our San Jose, California office, including school, camp, sports, immigration, and pre-employment physicals.  In this article,...

Understanding The Different Types of Sutures Aug 12th, 2021

When you’ve injured yourself and require a suture, it’s important to know what your options are. Depending on the size of the wound, location and severity, your doctor may recommend a wide array of suture options. At Physicians Medical Urgent Care, Dr. Ines Munoz De Laborde and Dr. Sveltlana Burkhead...

The Many Benefits of Urgent Care Jul 14th, 2021

You find yourself suddenly ill. Is it a good idea to go to urgent care or the ER? Urgent care offers a variety of benefits to those who need quick and convenient care. Most urgent care centers are equipped to help you with non-life threatening conditions like strep throat, UTIs,...

Everything You Need to Know About an Immigration Physical Jun 28th, 2021

An immigration physical is a necessary step in the process if you choose to immigrate to the United States. Also known as a green card medical, immigration physicals ensure public safety removes the grounds for inadmissibility for entering immigrants. At Physicians Medical Urgent Care, Dr. Ines Munoz De Laborde and...

Do You Really Need a Physical Every Year? May 30th, 2021

You’ve probably heard the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.” It’s true that eating well and taking care of yourself can lead to fewer health conditions, and so can a yearly physical.  A yearly physical is recommended for babies, children, and adults. It’s important to get a...

Why Won’t Your Sore Throat Go Away? Apr 26th, 2021

We’ve all been there before. Having a persistent sore throat is both uncomfortable and a bit of a question mark. So what’s causing your sore throat and why won’t it go away? A persistent sore throat is categorized as a sore throat that recurs multiple times (chronic). It may be...

Vaccines and Boosters Every Adult Should Have Mar 17th, 2021

Vaccines are the ultimate protector. Vaccines stimulate your immune system to produce antibodies and protect your body against harmful, sometimes deadly, diseases. As we age, it’s important to stay up-to-date with your vaccine schedule and ensure you are receiving vaccines according to your age, health, and need.  At Physicians Medical...

What Can You Go to Urgent Care For? Feb 3rd, 2021

What is urgent care?  Urgent care centers are exactly as the name implies: a place to receive urgent care for medical conditions that aren’t life threatening.Many do not require appointments, which allows for quick and convenient access when you need it most. A lesser-known fact: every year in the United...

Five Reasons You Should Get Tested for STDs Jan 24th, 2021

The statistics surrounding sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in the United States are nothing short of eye-opening. To start, one in two people will contract an STD by age 25, and there are 20 million new diagnoses of STDs each year in the US. At Physicians Medical Urgent Care, our team...

Worried Your Sore Throat May be Strep? Top 5 Signs to Look For Dec 14th, 2020

A sore throat can leave you feeling run down, hoarse, and unable to eat or speak normally. Luckily, most sore throats are caused by viruses and go away on their own. On the other hand, strep throat is caused by bacteria and requires antibiotic treatment. At Physicians Medical Urgent Care...

When to See a Doctor About a UTI Nov 18th, 2020

Urinary tract infections are very common and can usually be treated at home if diagnosed early. However, if left untreated, UTIs can cause serious complications such as fever, chills, and kidney problems. Here at Physicians Medical Urgent Care in San Jose, California, Dr. Sveltlana Burkhead and Dr. Ines Munoz De...

Becoming the Healthiest You: Why You Need an Annual Physical Oct 14th, 2020

One simple way to protect your health is to see your primary care provider for an annual physical. That’s because preventing an illness is far better than treating one!  Over 130 million Americans live with some form of chronic disease, yet only about half get the care they need. An...