Garo Karakashian, MD

Do the 5! COVID-19 is affecting us more than ever before. The health care system and health care providers are stretched to its limits. Do your part to keep yourself, your family & loved ones safe. Only together can we get through this! #covid19 #covid #covid_19 #covidvacccine #wearamask #washyourhands #vaccine #medicine #california #losangeles #glendale #physician #internalmedicine #moderna #pfizer @adventisthealth @myglendale @ktla5news @nbcla @cbsla @lapublichealth @latimes @glendalefireca

Check your blood pressure! Checking your blood pressure regularly is an important part of maintaining optimal health. At every visit, checking your blood pressure is an integral part of your visit. Elevated blood pressure can have long term effects on your heart and kidneys and puts you at increased risk for heart disease and stroke. If you have other co-morbidities such as elevated cholesterol, diabetes or obesity - your risk increases exponentially. ... Lifestyle modifications to prevent high blood pressure include: eating a healthy diet, managing your weight, regular cardiovascular exercise, not smoking, limiting alcohol intake and getting enough sleep. If you continue to see elevated blood pressure (greater than 120/80), it may be time to speak with your health care provider to discuss other recommendations. Do you check your blood pressure regularly? #bloodpressure #highbloodpressure #medicine #internalmedicine #health #healthy #heartdisease #heart #cardiology #physician #doctor #heartattack #healthylifestyle #glendale

Winter is Coming As flu season approaches, compounded with added risk of COVID-19. Getting & stay healthy this winter has never been so important. The best way to start is by getting your blood work done. Our comprehensive blood work checks you for anemia, electrolyte abnormalities, cholesterol levels, kidney & liver function, and immunity. Winter also comes with the added stress of the holidays & more relaxed eating habits while we spend time with our family & friends. K...nowing where you stand with your cholesterol levels & taking appropriate action, will put you at ease when celebrating this year. Did you know that studies have shown that cholesterol levels are often 20% higher during the holidays than in the summer? Plan for the future & prevent increased cardiovascular risk! Have you scheduled your blood work & follow up appointment yet? #internalmedicine #doctor #physician #familypractice #glendale #losangeles #health #covid19 #winteriscoming #bloodwork #cholesterol #healthylifestyle #2020

Families & Covid-19 There has been an increase in the incidence of multiple family members in a household contracting Covid-19. While young members of the family may only have mild symptoms, passing it onto older family members could put their health at serious risk. What should you do if a member of your household tests positive for COVID-19? ... * Isolate the positive COVID-19 member. They should stay in one room. * Designate one member of the family to be a caregiver. The caregiver should be someone who is healthy with a strong immunity. This individual should also try to maintain distance from other members of the family. * Use disposable utensils. This decreases the chances of spread among family members when washing. * Wear gloves to dispose of the items used by the infected family member & wash your hands frequently! * Bathrooms are the most vulnerable place in the home and this is where you can catch the COVID-19 infection. If possible, have the infected individual(s) use a separate bathroom from the rest of the family. * If possible, you should send your parents to your relatives’ place to avoid any contact with the infected person. Sources: CDC, WHO See more

Check your blood pressure! Checking your blood pressure regularly is an important part of maintaining optimal health. At every visit, checking your blood pressure is an integral part of your visit. Elevated blood pressure can have long term effects on your heart and kidneys and puts you at increased risk for heart disease and stroke. If you have other co-morbidities such as elevated cholesterol, diabetes or obesity - your risk increases exponentially. ... Lifestyle modifications to prevent high blood pressure include: eating a healthy diet, managing your weight, regular cardiovascular exercise, not smoking, limiting alcohol intake and getting enough sleep. If you continue to see elevated blood pressure (greater than 120/80), it may be time to speak with your health care provider to discuss other recommendations. Do you check your blood pressure regularly? #bloodpressure #highbloodpressure #medicine #internalmedicine #health #healthy #heartdisease #heart #cardiology #physician #doctor #heartattack #healthylifestyle #glendale

Families & Covid-19 There has been an increase in the incidence of multiple family members in a household contracting Covid-19. While young members of the family may only have mild symptoms, passing it onto older family members could put their health at serious risk. What should you do if a member of your household tests positive for COVID-19? ... * Isolate the positive COVID-19 member. They should stay in one room. * Designate one member of the family to be a caregiver. The caregiver should be someone who is healthy with a strong immunity. This individual should also try to maintain distance from other members of the family. * Use disposable utensils. This decreases the chances of spread among family members when washing. * Wear gloves to dispose of the items used by the infected family member & wash your hands frequently! * Bathrooms are the most vulnerable place in the home and this is where you can catch the COVID-19 infection. If possible, have the infected individual(s) use a separate bathroom from the rest of the family. * If possible, you should send your parents to your relatives’ place to avoid any contact with the infected person. Sources: CDC, WHO See more

Ready to transform your skin? Our team can help you with scientific & medical grade products! Have you tried ZO Skin yet?

Now more than ever, getting active is so important. Whether it’s going for a run, taking a bike ride or taking your dog out for a walk. The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of cardiovascular exercise per week to prevent significant weight gain & maintain overall cardiovascular health. PS. Don’t forget your mask or face covering! What do you do to stay active? #getactive #exercise #md #physician #internalmedicine #cardiology #cardio #aha #mayoclinic #covid19 #cardiovascular #cardiovascularhealth #heartdisease #hypertension

A N N U A L B L O O D W O R K As we begin to resume activities and adjust to our new normal we can’t forget about the importance of your annual physical exam and blood work. Now more than ever, maintaining your health through doctors visits, regular blood work and preventive screening exams is a priority. Our annual blood work includes: CBC (Complete Blood Count)... Chem 12/CMP (Complete Metabolic Panel) Lipid Panel Thyroid Function (TSH, Free T4) Hemoglobin A1C (Diabetes Screening) UA (Urinalysis) Vitamin D Hydroxy PSA (For men over age 40) * Some other tests may be ordered based on your health conditions or health concerns. >> When was the last time you had your blood work checked? #bloodwork #covid19 #pandemic #healthylifestyle #healthypeople #healthypeople2020 #health #internalmedicine #md #doctor #physician #familypractice #glendale #burbank #losangeles #medicare #medicine #diabetes See more

Healthy Living during the Covid-19 Pandemic With gyms closing & the public being instructed to stay home - the temptation for unhealthy habits such as sedimentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating is stronger than ever. Weight gain has been Put a pause on Netflix & snacking and don’t forget to move. A simple 30 minute outdoor walk or jog, ride on your stationary bike, or weight lifting can promote the healthy lifestyle we’ve been trying to maintain. According to the America...n Heart Association (AHA), regular physical activity can be protective from multiple chronic events including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, colon cancer, and even anxiety and major depression. In addition, Mayo Clinic states that regular exercise may help prevent or reduce the severity of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) - the reason patients require hospitalization and intubation during the Covid-19 crisis. So join my team and I as we maintain our health through regular exercise & make small adjustments to overcome this pandemic & enhance our overall health! #medicine #asthma #copd #doctor #physician #internalmedicine #cardiology #covid19 #pandemic #coronavirus #glendale #losangeles #prescription #telemedicine #telehealth #health #healthyliving #exercise

Healthy Living during the Covid-19 Pandemic With gyms closing & the public being instructed to stay home - the temptation for unhealthy habits such as sedimentary lifestyle and unhealthy eating is stronger than ever. Weight gain has been Put a pause on Netflix & snacking and don’t forget to move. A simple 30 minute outdoor walk or jog, ride on your stationary bike, or weight lifting can promote the healthy lifestyle we’ve been trying to maintain. According to the America...n Heart Association (AHA), regular physical activity can be protective from multiple chronic events including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, colon cancer, and even anxiety and major depression. In addition, Mayo Clinic states that regular exercise may help prevent or reduce the severity of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) - the reason patients require hospitalization and intubation during the Covid-19 crisis. So join my team and I as we maintain our health through regular exercise & make small adjustments to overcome this pandemic & enhance our overall health! #medicine #asthma #copd #doctor #physician #internalmedicine #cardiology #covid19 #pandemic #coronavirus #glendale #losangeles #prescription #telemedicine #telehealth #health #healthyliving #exercise

To all of our wonderful nurses & front liners! My gift to you!

Pneumonia is one of the leading causes of morbidity & mortality in the United States. Pneumonia occurs when pathogens gains entry into the lungs and an individual is at increased risk due to compromised immune function, swallowing difficulties, and bronchial obstruction. These pathogens cause inflammation in the tiny air sacs inside your lungs. They may will up with fluid and pus and make it difficult to breath. Symptoms include severe shortness of breath, cough, fever, chest... pain, chills, or fatigue. With the Covid-19 we are seeing an increase in pneumonia and you may feel symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath or breathlessness, rapid breathing or dizziness. Covid-19 causes severe inflammation in your lungs and damages the cells and tissues that line the sacs in your lungs. Mild symptoms can be managed at home with cough medicine and inhalers. Severe symptoms such as breathlessness require hospitalization and oxygenation supplementation. We want our patients to feel assured that available to help them. If you feel sick and suspect Covid-19 do not come to the office. Contact us and we will schedule a TeleMedicine visit. If your symptoms are severe and require immediate attention, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. #medicine #medication #pneumonia #asthma #copd #doctor #physician #internalmedicine #cardiology #covid19 #pandemic #coronavirus #glendale #losangeles #prescription #telemedicine #telehealth #health See more

Medication compliance has never been more important than it is in today’s health pandemic. Especially in patient’s with conditions such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, diabetes, and coronary artery disease. Taking your medications as ordered by your physician can save your life now more than ever and protect you from life-threatening consequences of uncontrolled chronic conditions. If you have questions regarding your medications and how you should take them you ...can schedule a TeleMedicine call with our RN, NP or MD. If you need your medications re-filled, please contact our office. Stay healthy & stay safe. - Dr. Karakashian #medicine #medication #medicationcompliance #doctor #physician #internalmedicine #diabetes #hypertension #heartfailure #heartdisease #cardiology #covid19 #pandemic #coronavirus #glendale #losangeles #prescription #telemedicine #telehealth #health See more

I know that times have been difficult and many things have been uncertain. I want all my patients to know that we are with you and will continue to assist you in maintaining your optimal health. - All the best, Dr. Karakashian. #physician #internalmedicine #md #doctor #np #health #armenian #bulgarian #russian #healthcare #quarantine #stayhealthy #glendale #losangeles

Safety First As a physician working the front lines of one of the most tragic pandemics the world has ever seen. The safety of my patients, colleagues, family and myself comes first. Myself and my team are taking every precautionary measure to make sure you stay healthy and we keep ourselves healthy to be able to help you. We are washing our hands frequently and diligently, sanitizing surfaces constantly, and protecting ourselves with PPE. ... I get asked all the time what patients can do to help and stay safe during the public and it is pretty simple. - If you are sick STAY HOME. This includes essential workers - please prevent the spread by staying home. If you have an appointment and have symptoms of a fever, cough, body aches - call the office and we will do a TeleHealth visit. - Limit going to places like grocery stores, Target, Costco, etc. This is not the time to take a family outing to Ralph’s or Target. Designate one person in your family to do the shopping. Make a list and get in and out of the store quickly. - Wear a mask when outdoors. But please wear it properly - the mask should cover your nose to your chin. Make sure you mask fits appropriately so you do not need to adjust it with dirty hands. - Consider your hands dirty at all times. Touch your face. Dirty. Open a door. Dirty. Touch a surface. Dirty. We are learning that the virus can live on surfaces for up to DAYS. You don’t want to touch a surface and then proceed to touch your eyes, nose, mouth and transmit the virus. I know this is a difficult time. The virus may have impacted you in so many ways. But only together can we get through this and overcome this obstacle. - God Bless, Dr. Karakashian. #glendale #losangeles #doctor #physician #internalmedicine #hospitalist #covid19 #coronavirus #stayhome #flattenthecurve #washyourhands #stayhealthy #nurses #healthcareworkers #healthcareheroes

Vitamin D Deficiency Did you know that vitamin D deficiency is a common medical condition in patients of all ages? Signs of Vitamin D deficiency include:... - Mood changes - Bone loss - Muscle cramps (or weakness) - Bone & joint pain (especially in your back) - Fatigue How do you know if you have vitamin D deficiency? - A blood test can detect levels of Vitamin D hydroxy in the blood. Levels below 30 are considered to be low. How do you correct vitamin D deficiency? - Vitamin D deficiency can be corrected with weekly mega-dose of Vitamin D that is prescribed by your physician/provider. - Maintain Vitamin D levels with daily Vitamin D supplementation after correction. Our comprehensive annual blood work contains vitamin D because correcting deficiency can improve many aspects of your health.

Safety First As a physician working the front lines of one of the most tragic pandemics the world has ever seen. The safety of my patients, colleagues, family and myself comes first. Myself and my team are taking every precautionary measure to make sure you stay healthy and we keep ourselves healthy to be able to help you. We are washing our hands frequently and diligently, sanitizing surfaces constantly, and protecting ourselves with PPE. ... I get asked all the time what patients can do to help and stay safe during the public and it is pretty simple. - If you are sick STAY HOME. This includes essential workers - please prevent the spread by staying home. If you have an appointment and have symptoms of a fever, cough, body aches - call the office and we will do a TeleHealth visit. - Limit going to places like grocery stores, Target, Costco, etc. This is not the time to take a family outing to Ralph’s or Target. Designate one person in your family to do the shopping. Make a list and get in and out of the store quickly. - Wear a mask when outdoors. But please wear it properly - the mask should cover your nose to your chin. Make sure you mask fits appropriately so you do not need to adjust it with dirty hands. - Consider your hands dirty at all times. Touch your face. Dirty. Open a door. Dirty. Touch a surface. Dirty. We are learning that the virus can live on surfaces for up to DAYS. You don’t want to touch a surface and then proceed to touch your eyes, nose, mouth and transmit the virus. I know this is a difficult time. The virus may have impacted you in so many ways. But only together can we get through this and overcome this obstacle. - God Bless, Dr. Karakashian. #glendale #losangeles #doctor #physician #internalmedicine #hospitalist #covid19 #coronavirus #stayhome #flattenthecurve #washyourhands #stayhealthy #nurses #healthcareworkers #healthcareheroes

Vitamin D Deficiency Did you know that vitamin D deficiency is a common medical condition in patients of all ages? Signs of Vitamin D deficiency include:... - Mood changes - Bone loss - Muscle cramps (or weakness) - Bone & joint pain (especially in your back) - Fatigue How do you know if you have vitamin D deficiency? - A blood test can detect levels of Vitamin D hydroxy in the blood. Levels below 30 are considered to be low. How do you correct vitamin D deficiency? - Vitamin D deficiency can be corrected with weekly mega-dose of Vitamin D that is prescribed by your physician/provider. - Maintain Vitamin D levels with daily Vitamin D supplementation after correction. Our comprehensive annual blood work contains vitamin D because correcting deficiency can improve many aspects of your health.