Children receive one type of pneumonia vaccine during there routine childhood immunizations.  This vaccine covers seven different strains of pneumonia.  There is another pneumonia vaccine given later in life that covers 23 different strains of pneumonia.  This vaccine covering 23 different strains of pneumonia should be given under the following guidelines:  persons who are 65 and older should be given this vaccine and patients from age 2-64 who have chronic illnesses should also discuss this vaccination with their doctor. 

Dr. Sean Baker
Family Practitioner
St. Edward Mercy Clinic
Family Medicine
2800 Fayetteville Rd.
Van Buren
479-314-4000

D.O. stands for the Doctor of Osteopathy. A.D.O. graduates from an osteopathic medical school. The schooling is 4 years, just like M.D. medical school. Graduates from a D.O. school will do an internship and residency just like their M.D. counterparts. The osteopathic education also includes osteopathic manipulation which is similar to what a chiropractor does. D.O.'s can be family practitioners or internists but they can also become surgeons or any other specialist (cardiology, gastroenterology, etc.) In our office we see patients 5 yrs and older. We take care of chronic illnesses' such as: high blood pressure, diabetes, acute illnesses as well as minor office procedures.

Donna Beallis, D.O
St. Edward Mercy Clinic
Family Medicine
7001 Rogers Avenue
479-314-4620

The common cold is a group of symptoms caused by a large number of viruses. Features include nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, mild sore throat, and low grade fever. These are self limiting, lasting 3 to 7 days. Treatment is symptomatic with no absolute defined medicines. Benadryl liquid swish, gargle, and swallow; atrovent nasal inhaler; Tylenol and ibuprofen; robitussin DM; limited nasal saline wash may help the symptoms. Antibiotics should not be used to tr