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Kara Davis, M.D. Articles

Heart-Healthy Living

healthyHEART DISEASE IS A GREATER THREAT TO WOMEN THAN BREAST CANCER. WHAT CAN YOU DO TO LOWER YOUR RISKS?

Most
women I meet, if asked about their greatest health concern, would
probably name breast cancer as the malady they most fear. But though
breast cancer might generate a more passionate reaction than heart
disease, the truth of the matter is this: More women in the United
States die each year from heart disease than from all cancers combined.

One
out of five women in this country has some form of cardiovascular
disease. It is the leading cause of death in American women, claiming
more than half a million lives annually.

Read More
Prepare to be Delivered

Prepare to be Delivered

Prepare to be DeliveredGod’s love is able to deliver you from the pit of despair. But will you receive this transforming love and be rescued?


He is one of my favorite patients. His appointments are usually made on Saturdays, and when I come into the exam room, he reminds me that I’m a pastor’s wife with four kids so I’ll understand when he adds, “I won’t take up too much of your time.” He brings a newspaper to read while he waits then gives it to my staff when his visit is over. 

He is HIV-positive.

It was long before I became his doctor that he contracted the virus. He was married to a woman who, in time past, had used drugs intravenously, and she was the source of his exposure. As I got to know him, he revealed bits and pieces of who he was as a person, beyond the facts that go into the medical record. 

Eating Disorders Linked to Abuse

Although we have known for some time that the underlying issue for eating disorders is a need for control, research now links this need for control to unresolved pain from significantly hurtful experiences in a person’s life. According to Dr. Gregory Jantz in his book Hope, Help and Healing for Eating Disorders (Shaw Books, 2002), “Studies have indicated that 80 percent or more of people with eating disorders have been victims of some sort of abuse–whether verbal, emotional, physical or sexual. By controlling what you eat, you are really trying to control that terrible pain.”

Eating Disorders Linked to Abuse

Although we have known for some time that the underlying issue for eating disorders is a need for control, research now links this need for control to unresolved pain from significantly hurtful experiences in a person’s life. According to Dr. Gregory Jantz in his book Hope, Help and Healing for Eating Disorders (Shaw Books, 2002), “Studies have indicated that 80 percent or more of people with eating disorders have been victims of some sort of abuse–whether verbal, emotional, physical or sexual. By controlling what you eat, you are really trying to control that terrible pain.”

Walk for Your Life

You’ve probably heard people tell you that walking is good for your health because it increases muscle and bone strength, improves circulation and the overall condition of your heart, and lowers cholesterol. But did you know it can even reduce your risk for certain cancers?

Walk for Your Life

You’ve probably heard people tell you that walking is good for your health because it increases muscle and bone strength, improves circulation and the overall condition of your heart, and lowers cholesterol. But did you know it can even reduce your risk for certain cancers?

Are You Prepared for Flu Season?

With flu season (November to March) quickly approaching, it is important to remember some of the natural ways to boost your immune system. According to Dr. Reginald Cherry, taking herbs such as echinacea will not only help your body fight off viral infections, they can also lessen symptoms, and can even protect you from coming down with the flu in the first place. He says many people take echinacea daily during flu season as a preventative measure.

The Early Detection Edge

Though some cancers have no effective method for facilitating early detection, there are ways to screen for breast cancer with the goal of diagnosing the disease at an early, treatable stage. In 2003, the American Cancer Society issued the following guidelines for the...

The Early Detection Edge

Though some cancers have no effective method for facilitating early detection, there are ways to screen for breast cancer with the goal of diagnosing the disease at an early, treatable stage. In 2003, the American Cancer Society issued the following guidelines for the...

The New Drug Abusers

Even with medications that are legally prescribed and dispensed, the potential for addiction is high.

When we consider the subject of drug abuse and addiction, stereotypes abound. Many of us, upon hearing the term “drug addict,” envision a young to middle-aged unemployed male who has a tendency toward criminal behavior and possibly a history of incarceration. Our mental image would include strained or estranged family relationships, more than likely a deadbeat dad who’s irresponsible, untrustworthy and always in need of a loan. His church attendance might be only on Mother’s Day and Easter-and even then only after a fair degree of coercion or a guilt-laden plea. He is certainly not a believer.

What we are not likely to envision is the doting grandmother who attends church regularly and organizes the Bible study for seniors. She’s the one who always has a pleasant smile and encouraging words, whose “thorn in the flesh” is a bad case of arthritis with a little insomnia. Addicted to drugs? Abusing drugs? God forbid!

The New Drug Abusers

Even with medications that are legally prescribed and dispensed, the potential for addiction is high.

When we consider the subject of drug abuse and addiction, stereotypes abound. Many of us, upon hearing the term “drug addict,” envision a young to middle-aged unemployed male who has a tendency toward criminal behavior and possibly a history of incarceration. Our mental image would include strained or estranged family relationships, more than likely a deadbeat dad who’s irresponsible, untrustworthy and always in need of a loan. His church attendance might be only on Mother’s Day and Easter-and even then only after a fair degree of coercion or a guilt-laden plea. He is certainly not a believer.

What we are not likely to envision is the doting grandmother who attends church regularly and organizes the Bible study for seniors. She’s the one who always has a pleasant smile and encouraging words, whose “thorn in the flesh” is a bad case of arthritis with a little insomnia. Addicted to drugs? Abusing drugs? God forbid!

How to Lower Your Risks for Breast Cancer

Becoming knowledgeable about this disease will help you ward off its most damaging effects.


A FEW MONTHS AGO, one of the nurses in my office announced she was participating in a walking marathon. She was garnering support from the physicians and staff members asking that we make a pledge in her name.

She shared with me her apprehension about the event. The date was fast approaching and, since she wasn’t a regular walker, she was quite concerned about whether she’d be physically fit enough to meet the challenge. This event, the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk, held special meaning for her, and she was determined to participate, no matter what.

How to Lower Your Risks for Breast Cancer

Becoming knowledgeable about this disease will help you ward off its most damaging effects.


A FEW MONTHS AGO, one of the nurses in my office announced she was participating in a walking marathon. She was garnering support from the physicians and staff members asking that we make a pledge in her name.

She shared with me her apprehension about the event. The date was fast approaching and, since she wasn’t a regular walker, she was quite concerned about whether she’d be physically fit enough to meet the challenge. This event, the American Cancer Society’s “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” walk, held special meaning for her, and she was determined to participate, no matter what.

You Can Say No To Diabetes

EVEN IF YOU’RE GENETICALLY PREDISPOSED TO THIS DISEASE, THERE ARE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT IT FROM DEVELOPING.

When the prophet Hosea declared on God’s behalf, “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge” (Hos. 4:6, NIV), he was indicting the priests for their failure to teach the people the Word of God. However, this principle is applicable to other aspects of our lives as well, including our health.

Ignorance in health matters, combined with the failure to implement knowledge once it is acquired, places many people on a certain path to destruction. Among them are the large and ever-growing number of Americans affected by diabetes.

You Can Say No To Diabetes

EVEN IF YOU’RE GENETICALLY PREDISPOSED TO THIS DISEASE, THERE ARE THINGS YOU CAN DO TO PREVENT IT FROM DEVELOPING.

When the prophet Hosea declared on God’s behalf, “My people are destroyed from lack of knowledge” (Hos. 4:6, NIV), he was indicting the priests for their failure to teach the people the Word of God. However, this principle is applicable to other aspects of our lives as well, including our health.

Ignorance in health matters, combined with the failure to implement knowledge once it is acquired, places many people on a certain path to destruction. Among them are the large and ever-growing number of Americans affected by diabetes.

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