expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Lisa Ann Shepherd

Family Practitioner

Dr. Lisa Shepherd is a family practitioner practicing in Schaller, Iowa. Dr. Shepherd specializes in comprehensive health care for people of all ages. In addition to diagnosing and treating illnesses, family practitioners also put focus on preventative care with routine checkups, tests and personalized coaching on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Shepherd possesses immense general knowledge on maintaining health and today, family practitioners provide more care for the underserved and rural populations than any other medical specialty.
Dr. Lisa Ann Shepherd
  • University of Nebraska Medical Center
  • Accepting new patients

Do I have a cold?

You may have covid. I would recommend getting tested with a PCR test.

Should I go to the doctor?

I would recommend visiting your regular doctor as soon as they have an available appointment with these complaints.

Is it safe for my mother to take CRESP 40 injections by herself?

The doctor should have a physician on call who can handle and oversee things like this.

Sudden loss of appetite - is it normal?

Having decreased appetite could simply mean that you are ill with a virus. However, if that persists more than a few days, I would recommend getting an appointment to see your READ MORE
Having decreased appetite could simply mean that you are ill with a virus. However, if that persists more than a few days, I would recommend getting an appointment to see your primary care provider.

Is protein powder safe for a protein deficiency?

Typically, it is always better to get your nutrients from whole food sources as we absorb and use the nutrients better in that form. However, there are many protein fortified sources READ MORE
Typically, it is always better to get your nutrients from whole food sources as we absorb and use the nutrients better in that form. However, there are many protein fortified sources of food available now to supplement a deficient diet.

Can asthma go away?

Mycoplasma and various viral infections can cause short term asthma-like symptoms. Asthma can also have a mild, intermittent presentation and present only when someone is ill or READ MORE
Mycoplasma and various viral infections can cause short term asthma-like symptoms. Asthma can also have a mild, intermittent presentation and present only when someone is ill or has contact with certain allergens.

Is my vitamin b12 deficiency from my change in diet?

Foods high in Vitamin B12 include shellfish, liver, fish, crab, fortified soy products (tofu, soy milk), fortified cereals, red meat, low fat dairy, cheese, and eggs. Sometimes READ MORE
Foods high in Vitamin B12 include shellfish, liver, fish, crab, fortified soy products (tofu, soy milk), fortified cereals, red meat, low fat dairy, cheese, and eggs. Sometimes people have problems with absorption and although they are eating b-12 rich foods they still develop a deficiency. These patients require supplementation via injections.

Why do I have a fever after my flu shot?

It could be a coincidence, and you happened to get a different viral infection at the same time. However, they did place a new strain into this year's vaccine, and you make be READ MORE
It could be a coincidence, and you happened to get a different viral infection at the same time. However, they did place a new strain into this year's vaccine, and you make be appropriately reacting to the vaccine to make antibodies against the circulating strains.

My baby blinks excessively. What's wrong?

If the baby has never done this before, I would have them checked out by a pediatrician or family practice physician to make sure they do not have a foreign body in the eye. Sometimes READ MORE
If the baby has never done this before, I would have them checked out by a pediatrician or family practice physician to make sure they do not have a foreign body in the eye. Sometimes children will learn behaviors at that age and repeat them frequently to get a reaction from others, but it would be best to make sure nothing else is going on.

Why does hay fever severity fluctuate

Pollen, tree, and mold counts vary depending on moisture levels, weather patterns, wind, and geographical changes.

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath with minimal activity is concerning. I would talk to your physician as soon as possible.

Why does my head hurt when I blow my nose?

The most likely cause is either sinus pressure pain or muscle spasm/tension headache. However, there are rare vascular problems that could cause this as well, so it would be best READ MORE
The most likely cause is either sinus pressure pain or muscle spasm/tension headache. However, there are rare vascular problems that could cause this as well, so it would be best to discuss this with your physician.

Does a fever always signal an infection?

A fever often, but not always indicates an infection. Viral and bacterial infections cause fevers, but other sources include autoimmune diseases and certain medications. If it READ MORE
A fever often, but not always indicates an infection. Viral and bacterial infections cause fevers, but other sources include autoimmune diseases and certain medications. If it is persistent, I would recommend visiting with your doctor.

Is asthma hereditary?

Asthma can be hereditary. We often see it running in families. There are probably a multitude of things such as viral infections, early childhood exposures, environment and genetics READ MORE
Asthma can be hereditary. We often see it running in families. There are probably a multitude of things such as viral infections, early childhood exposures, environment and genetics that play a role in the development of allergies and asthma. As of right now, we cannot prevent the formation of asthma, but there are effective treatments.

My hands swell when I exercise

Hand swelling during exercise is a common problem. The cause isn't completely clear, but hand swelling appears to be a result of blood vessels dilating in response to the increased READ MORE
Hand swelling during exercise is a common problem. The cause isn't completely clear, but hand swelling appears to be a result of blood vessels dilating in response to the increased energy demands of your muscles during exercise.

My second child is 14 months old and hasn't taken her first steps. Is something wrong?

Some children do not walk until 14-15 months of age. They should definitely be cruising around furniture by that age (actually 9-12 months). However, if you are concerned, I recommend READ MORE
Some children do not walk until 14-15 months of age. They should definitely be cruising around furniture by that age (actually 9-12 months). However, if you are concerned, I recommend you tell your pediatrician about your child's development.

Motion sickness in children?

It depends on the age of the child, but doing things such as having them watch the horizon in front of the car, putting them as close to the front as possible, not eating large READ MORE
It depends on the age of the child, but doing things such as having them
watch the horizon in front of the car, putting them as close to the front
as possible, not eating large meals prior to travel, and not letting them
read or watch videos on their lap all helps prevent the problem. You can
also purchase sea bands to put on their wrists, try ginger suckers, and see
if they would be willing to close his eyes and sleep/rest. If all else
fails, medications such as odansetron, meclizine, and dimenhydrinate work
wonders.

Diabetes affecting my baby

If your blood sugars have been well controlled during your pregnancy and your baby's birth weight is <4Kg, your baby will most likely not require any special care other than closer monitoring of blood sugars after birth.