I decided to look up my hometown, Moses Lake, WA for this assignment and the person I called was Dr. Irene K. Kimura, MD.  Dr. Kimura is a family doctor who graduated in 1992 from Oregon health and science university of Medicine.  I asked Dr. Kimura what were some common trends and conditions she saw in the families she treated.  Five of the top conditions she treats are: sinusitis, arthritis, osteoporosis, hypertension, and heart disease.

The first Dr. Kimura mentioned was Sinusitis.  Sinusitis is an inflammation of the sinuses that occurs with an infection from a virus, bacteria, or fungus.  Sinusitis usually follows a cold that does not improve.  Some of the primary symptoms are a stuffy nose, thick yellowish mucus, and coughing.  Dr. Kimura mostly sees this in children.

Another condition Dr. Kimura treats a lot is arthritis particularly in her elderly patients.  Arthritis causes joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement.  This pain in caused by the breakdown of cartilage which causes the bones to rub together.  When treated joint inflammation typically goes away.  If it does not then that person has chronic arthritis.  Arthritis can also be an autoimmune disease known as rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoporosis is a disease that occurs when estrogen levels in women lower.  This causes the bones to become weaker.  The most common form of osteoporosis is postmenopausal osteoporosis.  Because of this Dr. Kimura typically treats women over the age of 60.  Women often think that calcium and vitamin D are enough to keep their bones strong.  This is not true there are twenty nutrients essential for bone structure and function.

Hypertension is one of the most common diseases Dr. Kimura treats.  Hypertension is a term used to describe high blood pressure.  Normal blood pressure is 120/80.  Factors that can affect blood pressure are how much water and salt you have in your body, the condition of your kidneys, and your diet.  You have a higher risk of high blood pressure if you are African American, obese, or are often stressed or anxious.  Dr. Kimura usually finds out her patients have high blood pressure when they come to see her for other ailments.

                The last thing Dr. Kimura mentioned as a common trend she sees in her patients is heart disease.  Heart disease is a narrowing of the small blood vessels that supply blood and oxygen to the heart.  Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for men and women.  Plaque buildup in the arteries can reduce or even stop blood flow to the heart.  When this happens a heart attack is likely to happen.  Symptoms include chest pain or discomfort.

-Micaiah Sowards