Blog Archive

When you start sneezing, sniffling, or nursing a scratchy throat in the middle of July, it’s easy to assume it’s your allergies acting up. Most people think colds only happen during the winter, but summer colds occur and can throw a wrench in your plans just like allergies can. Many...

Getting a prediabetes diagnosis should be a wake-up call. It means your blood sugar is higher than it should be but not high enough to qualify for type 2 diabetes yet. It’s the in-between stage many people don’t even know they’re in until a blood test flags it. However, being...

Your blood pressure is one of the easiest things to measure. You can walk into a pharmacy or use a cuff at home, and within seconds, you get two numbers. However, unless someone explains these numbers may confuse you. Is 130 bad? Is 80 good? What does it mean if...

Your hair is a big part of who you are. You express yourself through it, whether by changing its color, style, or length. It gives you confidence and influences how you present yourself to the world. So when it starts thinning, it can feel like you’re losing more than just...

Losing a significant amount of weight is no small feat. It takes dedication, discipline, and a lot of hard work. You should be incredibly proud of your achievement. Not only have you improved your health, but you’re probably feeling more energetic and confident than ever. Getting rid of those extra...

Cholesterol is a type of fat your body needs to build cells and produce hormones. However, too much of the wrong kind, known as LDL or “bad” cholesterol, can stick to the walls of your arteries, narrowing them and potentially leading to heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.    High...

As of 2021, over 38 million people have been diagnosed with diabetes in the United States alone. About 1 in 5 people with this condition are unaware they even have it. Type 2 diabetes accounts for 90-95% of cases, and it’s not just limited to those with a family history...

If there’s one thing we’ve all learned in recent years, it’s that vaccines save lives. For many people before the pandemic, getting vaccinated felt like something that only needed to be done in childhood. After your booster shots, you may have assumed you were set for life, but that's not...

Allergies can seriously affect your quality of life, especially when you're constantly sneezing, have itchy eyes, or are battling congestion.  While effective treatments often involve medications, some people wonder if it’s possible to manage their allergies naturally.  The good news is that with the right approach, it’s possible to reduce...

Insulin plays an important role in keeping your body working, helping regulate blood sugar levels and making sure your body has the energy it needs to perform essential functions.  That’s why when insulin production or use gets compromised, it can lead to serious conditions like diabetes. Our board-certified providers at...

Healthy cholesterol levels are important for maintaining heart health and your overall well-being. When your cholesterol levels aren’t right, your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other serious conditions increases.  At Integrative Primary Care in Katy, Texas, our internal medicine physicians specialize in providing comprehensive care in the Houston area...

If you’re one of the tens of millions of Americans with allergies, you’ve probably wondered if your annoying symptoms might disappear on their own. You’re not alone. Many people hope that their sneezing, itchy eyes, or hives will eventually go away without intervention but is this realistic? If you’re in...

You might wonder, “If I feel good, do I still need to see my primary care provider for an annual physical?” The answer is yes! Feeling great and staying active are absolutely indicators of good health, but they don’t tell the whole story of your wellness. Annual physicals play an...

Have you been told your blood pressure is higher than it should be? It's a common issue that many ignore but understanding the risks associated with high blood pressure can change the way you think. The board-certified internal medicine providers serving the Houston area at Integrative Primary Care in Katy,...

If you’re reading to say farewell to the fine lines and wrinkles that make you look older than you feel, Botox® injections are a smart way to smooth the years away. Botox gives you fantastic results with no downtime required. This cosmetic injectable uses botulinum toxin to block signals from...

Are you frustrated by the constant struggle to lose weight, only to see the numbers on the scale creep back up again? You’re not alone—around 50% of Americans try to shed those extra pounds each year, yet almost three-quarters remain overweight or obese.  This is because weight loss isn't just...

Diabetes is a common health issue, affecting over 38 million Americans. This condition can lead to serious health complications like heart attacks, kidney disease, strokes, and more.  The dangerous health implications of diabetes mean understanding the common causes of diabetes and how to avoid it is so important. At Integrative...

Did you know that changes in libido are one of the most common issues older women face? This issue is related to a drop in the production of estrogen, a key hormone for maintaining sexual function in women.  Fortunately, you don’t need to let menopause undermine your sexual wellness. The...

The start of the new year is the perfect time to refresh, rejuvenate, and reset. And what better way to do all three than with a microneedling with PRP treatment? It’s one of the most effective and powerful facials out there.  Harnessing your body’s natural healing process, microneedling with PRP...

It’s December, and along with the fun of the holiday season, you'll likely be tempted with a variety of sweet treats and delicious dishes. If you’re like most people, this can mean gaining a few extra pounds before the new year begins.    At Integrative Primary Care in Katy, Texas, our...

Autumn often brings a crisp, refreshing air, and the anticipation of holiday gatherings. However, for many here in Texas, it also marks the beginning of the dreaded cold and flu season — plus the fall allergy season.  If you’re finding yourself sneezing often or constantly reaching for tissues amidst the...

Now that fall is here and winter is just around the corner, it’s time to revisit the best ways to stay healthy during the cold and flu season. Doing what you can to protect yourself from getting these illnesses can help you stay healthy and productive in the coming months. Our...

Did you know that almost half of the adult population in the United States is living with hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure? If you're part of this statistic, you're well aware that managing this condition is critical to maintaining your health. Here at Integrative Primary Care in...

Prediabetes is a condition where you have blood sugar levels that are higher than normal but are not yet high enough to be classified as Type 2 diabetes. If you're one of the 96 million Americans diagnosed with prediabetes, it's natural to worry about your health and feel unsure about...

Is a sinus infection causing pain, irritation, and trouble breathing? While having one sinus infection can be frustrating enough, for nearly 30 million American adults, the condition lasts more than three months or continues to return, leading to chronic sinusitis.  If you’re among the millions of Americans who keep getting...

When you have chronic high blood pressure, or hypertension, you might worry about exercising, since physical activity can temporarily increase your numbers. But, regular exercise is actually one of the most effective ways to manage hypertension and reduce your risk for complications.  The board-certified providers at Integrative Primary Care in...

Metabolism refers to the number of calories your body needs to function every day. A higher metabolism burns more calories, while a slower metabolism burns fewer calories. Weight loss is complex, but generally, the more calories you burn, the easier it is to lose weight.  At Integrative Primary Care in...

If you’re worried that you’re not at a healthy weight, you’ve got good reasons. Recent research has revealed that nearly 75% of American adults weigh more than is good for their health, with more than two-fifths of these adults struggling with obesity.  With so many people weighing in above normal,...

If you’re one of the more than 37 million Americans living with diabetes, it’s impossible to overstate the important role regular exercise and an active lifestyle play in controlling your disease. The board-certified providers at Integrative Primary Care in Katy, Texas, specialize in personalized diabetes treatment. Our team understands the...

It’s estimated that baldness, also called androgenic alopecia, affects 80 million Americans. While it may seem that mostly men deal with balding, about 50% of women also suffer from noticeable hair loss.  Here at Integrative Primary Care in Katy, Texas, which serves the Houston area, we understand the frustration hair...

If you’re among the 29 million Americans who struggle with sinus infections (sinusitis), you’re probably familiar with the pain and discomfort sinus headaches bring. And chances are you’d like to find lasting relief.  Sinus infections can hit any time of year, but the cold, winter months can cause them to...

Did you know that the majority of people in the United States diagnosed with diabetes have Type 2 diabetes? More than 95% of all diabetics have this acquired form of the disease, which develops because of a combination of lifestyle factors and genetic predisposition.  Your body changes the foods you...

If you’re concerned about your cholesterol, you have good reason to be. More than 38% of adults in the United States have high cholesterol, putting them at risk for stroke and heart disease, which are among the leading causes of death in America.  Like high blood pressure, high cholesterol doesn’t come with any...

Having chronically high blood pressure, or hypertension, affects about half of adults living in the United States. The condition doesn’t come with noticeable symptoms, however, causing many Americans to wonder if it’s really a serious health concern.  At Integrative Primary Care in Katy, Texas, our providers know how dangerous hypertension...

It’s September, and that means autumn is almost here. But for about 50 million Americans who struggle with allergies, a new season can mean the start of frustrating allergy symptoms.  Our providers at Integrative Primary Care in Katy, Texas, specialize in diagnosing and treating allergies. We serve patients throughout the...

We may still have soaring summer temperatures, but the new school year is gearing up. That means fall is right around the corner, and with the cooler temperatures of autumn comes the start of this year’s influenza season.  At Integrative Primary Care in Katy, Texas, our experienced providers offer specialized flu care for sick patients in...

Diabetes is a serious health condition that affects your body’s ability to convert sugar to energy. More than 34 million Americans have been diagnosed with the disease, and about 95% have Type 2 diabetes. Anyone can develop Type 2 diabetes, but certain factors can increase your risk of developing it.  At Integrative Primary Care in Katy, Texas,...

Anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock, is a severe allergic reaction. It can be life-threatening when not treated right away. At Integrative Primary Care in Houston, our patients with allergies often ask our allergy providers whether they’re at risk for this serious condition.  Studies show about 5% of the U.S. population has suffered from anaphylactic shock. Thanks to modern...

If you’re among the millions of Americans with Type 2 diabetes, knowing your A1C is a key step in managing your condition. This quick blood test reveals your average blood sugar level over the previous 2-3 months. When your A1C is high, it’s a sign that it’s time to make...

More than 80 million Ameriicans have been diagnosed with hypertension, or chronic high blood pressure. Scientists believe about half of all American adults have the condition, but many go undiagnosed, because this common disease doesn’t cause symptoms. Just because it doesn’t come with noticeable signs, that doesn’t mean hypertension is harmless. At Integrative Primary Care in Houston,...

If you’ve been thinking about rejuvenating your appearance or restoring your thinning hair, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy could be the solution you’ve been searching for. At Integrative Primary Care in Houston, our providers offer PRP therapy to patients who are seeking to reverse the visible signs of aging, such as hair loss and skin changes.  In...

Here in the United States, we’re getting heavier and heavier. Three-quarters of American adults are overweight or obese, and that means more Americans have an unhealthy body weight than a normal weight. At Integrative Primary Care in Houston, our experienced providers want you to live a healthy and fulfilling life....

Diabetes is a common condition in the United States, with about 11% of the population living with the disease. Out of the more than 34 million people with this condition, a small number have Type 1, while the majority have Type 2 diabetes.  The skilled providers at Integrative Primary Care...

December is here, and that means flu season is in full swing. With COVID-19 still spreading, it’s more important than ever to protect yourself from viral influenza strains that can affect your immunity and make it harder to fight off chest infections.  At Integrative Primary Care in Houston, our experienced...

When it comes to allergies, the list of symptoms is a long one. They can range from red, itchy eyes, to a runny nose, to sneezing, to swelling, and more. And if you’re among the 50 million Americans who suffer from allergies, you know how frustrating it can be when...

The most dramatic hormone changes occur during puberty, pregnancy, and perimenopause. But hormone imbalances can occur in men and women at any stage of life and trigger a variety of problems.       At Integrative Primary Care in Houston, Syed Farhat Zaidi, MD, and Saba Jafri, MD, identify and treat hormone imbalances...

Unlike many other chronic diseases, chronic high blood pressure (hypertension) typically develops without causing any noticeable signs or symptoms. This means you can have hypertension for years without knowing it or receiving treatment.     At Integrative Primary Care in Houston, our team is committed to helping patients live the healthiest lives...

Every year, time marks its passage on your skin in the form of wrinkles, fine lines, and saggy, droopy skin. And, ultraviolet (UV) exposure from the sun can help along the aging process by creating dark spots and damaging your cells.    Fortunately, the team at Integrative Primary Care in Houston...

The pain and pressure sinus headaches bring can be so severe that many people believe they have a migraine headache. But sinus headaches are different from other headaches, because they’re caused by an underlying condition called sinusitis, or a sinus infection.  Internal medicine specialists Syed Farhat Zaidi, MD, and Saba...

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, any cough, sniffle, or early sign of illness may make you wonder if you have the flu or COVID-19. The fact is, influenza (the flu) and COVID-19 do share a number of similar symptoms. So, how can you tell the difference? Internal medicine specialists Syed Farhat...

If you’re one of the 50 million Americans with allergies, you understand how frustrating the symptoms can be. From sneezing, to itchy eyes, to hives, and more, allergies can make life miserable. At Integrative Primary Care in Houston, Syed Farhat Zaidi, MD, and Saba Jafri, MD, help allergy sufferers find...

Cholesterol gets a bad rap, but the truth is that your body needs the right amounts of cholesterol to work optimally. The problem with cholesterol arises when you have too much or too little of the different types. But how are levels measured and what do they mean?  At Integrative...

When you eat, your body breaks down your food into blood sugar, or glucose, for energy. Diabetes is a disease that affects your body’s ability to make or use insulin, the hormone that helps your body convert blood sugar into energy. If left untreated, this condition can lead to serious...

More than 108 million American adults have high blood pressure. When uncontrolled, this condition, also called hypertension, can cause serious complications and even become a primary or contributing cause of death.  The medical community calls high blood pressure a “silent killer,” because it rarely triggers any noticeable symptoms, yet it...

If you’re ready to look your best this year, dermal fillers offer a fast and effective solution for different skin problems. At Integrative Primary Care in Houston, our aesthetics providers create customized treatment plans based on our patients’ individual skin goals. Take a moment to learn more about aging skin...

It’s December, and that means we’re officially entering the heart of flu season. This year, the COVID-19 crisis means it’s more important than ever to understand if your symptoms point to the flu or if they point to another viral infection, so you can get the right care.  The experienced...

More than 34 million Americans live with diabetes, a group of diseases that affect the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. This condition requires careful management to prevent more serious health problems from developing, such as heart disease or kidney disease.  But according to research by the American Diabetes Association,...

Did you know that almost 12% of American adults suffer from recurring sinus infections? If your sinus infections just don’t quit, you may have chronic sinusitis, a condition that occurs when your sinuses are inflamed for more than three months.    At Integrative Primary Care in Houston, board-certified internist Syed Farhat...

If you’ve lived your entire life without allergies, you may not realize that the bouts of sneezing, runny nose, and red, itchy eyes you suddenly developed as an adult could be allergy symptoms. It’s possible to develop seasonal allergies, food allergies, and other allergies as an adult, even if you...

We may still be in the hot, dog days of summer here in Texas, but with the approach of fall and the cooler temperatures comes the return of another flu season. At Integrative Primary Care in Houston, our team, led by Syed Farhat Zaidi, MD, wants to help you stay...

If you’re one of the 80 million American adults living with high blood pressure, you probably know how important it is to make positive changes to improve your numbers. At Integrative Primary Care in Houston, we understand how dangerous chronic high blood pressure can be, and if you’re struggling to...

Being proactive with your health is very important. Preventing a problem before it has the chance to take over is the best way to stop a chronic health issue from developing. Unfortunately, 133 million Americans currently live with a chronic illness, and more than half don’t receive the care they...

Sexual intercourse is often described as exciting, enjoyable, and intimate. Unfortunately, about 75% of women experience pain with intercourse at some point in their lives. If you’re experiencing sexual pain, whether chronic or temporary, it could be a signal that something more is going on.  At Integrative Primary Care in...

For many people, spring brings allergies. Unfortunately, allergies often bring sinus infections along with them. If you’re wondering how you can treat a sinus infection when you can’t get to the doctor, our team is here to help. Syed Farhat Zaidi, MD, and our compassionate care team at Integrative Primary...

More than 50 million people in the United States regularly battle allergies. Furthermore, allergies are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness in the nation.  If you have allergies, finding the cause is the most important step. Because unless you understand the cause of your symptoms, finding relief can be...

Did you know that your body needs cholesterol to function? Although it has a bad reputation due to its link to heart disease, cholesterol is something we all need to live. The difference lies between your “good” and “bad” cholesterol.  At Integrative Primary Care in Houston, our team approaches your...

The last thing you want to do is start off the new year with the flu. Getting the flu minimizes productivity at work or can even keep you out of work for weeks, which can mean money woes in addition to feeling miserable. So, how can you prevent getting the...

Maintaining good cholesterol is a key factor in reducing your risk of heart disease, including heart attacks. If you are struggling with high cholesterol, there are several approaches to help manage your cholesterol, keep your numbers down, and reduce your risk of heart disease. One of the more popular ways...

A lifetime of facial expressions, including smiling, laughing, and furrowing your brows can cause changes that present as crows’ feet and laugh lines. Aging can also cause veins in your face to become more prominent, and sun damage can cause dark spots. At Integrative Primary Care in Houston, TX, Dr....

Cellulite may be one of the most challenging cosmetic issues a woman can have. It can show up at any stage of life, and stubbornly stay on areas that can’t help but be visible if you want to wear shorts, short skirts or dresses, or most swimsuits. How can you...

Noninvasive body contouring treatments and systems can help melt stubborn fat deposits that you’ve been trying to get rid of in the gym for ages. Even if you maintain a regular exercise plan and consume a healthy diet, pockets of stubborn and unwanted fat remain. SculpSure is a nonsurgical method...

There’s nothing that can be done about getting older, but your skin doesn’t have to look old and tired. There are actually treatments that can turn back the clock on your skin and make it look young, vibrant, and healthy again. Microneedling is a fantastic option. At Integrative Primary Care...

Your personal sexual dysfunction can be an awkward discussion to have, but it’s fairly common with men and women of all ages — and more so for those getting older. According to recent studies, sexual dysfunction affects up to 69% of men and 41% of women worldwide. Fortunately, there are...

Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) has grown quite popular in recent years because of its convenient outpatient application and effectiveness in getting your body to heal itself with its own blood cells. If you’re curious about PRP therapy, our team at Integrative Primary Care is here to answer any questions you...

Recent statistics from the American Heart Association indicate that more than 100 million American adults have high blood pressure. That’s almost 50% of all adults in the United States. If you’re not alarmed by this statistic, you may want to reconsider. New guidelines for what’s considered high blood pressure may...

We often assume that just because a person is skinny, they’re in perfect health. However, even healthy people can develop insulin resistance, a condition that leads to high blood sugar or diabetes. Type 2 diabetes may be more common in people who are overweight or obese, but Dr. Syed Farhat...

If you have high blood pressure, you have plenty of company. It’s estimated that nearly half of all adult Americans have some level of hypertension, and it’s a trend expected to rise along with the median age of the country’s population. Deaths from hypertension are also on the rise, though...

Without a doubt, weight loss must be the most frequently abandoned goal in the United States. It may be easy to agree with your doctor that you need to lose pounds for the sake of your health, but how exactly do you stick with a weight-loss plan day in and...