For most primary care and urgent care practices, enhancing the way care is delivered is a vital aspect of how today’s practices are run, especially when helping patients through chronic health conditions. Because of the huge amounts of demand for healthcare, the industry itself has been working to improve the conditions practices face by improving technological advancements. Through advancing these methods, we’re already seeing the results of how care is delivered to patients. Right now, many of the current pieces of technology we use to assist in allowing us to provide better treatments and a more comprehensive experience. Through these changes, healthcare providers will potentially shift their focus from treatment to prevention.

How Digital Technology’s Changing the Healthcare Industry

Research in disease pathology and biology improved with the addition of computerized data back in the 1970s and 1980s. Computerized data allowed the ability to store personal information in an electronic format, and because of this advancement, new scientific disciplines emerged. Studies in genomics, bioinformatics, and system biology helped the medical industry look deeper into disease pathology and its behaviors. From there, it’s led to some great advancements in chronic health treatments such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.

To dive deeper into this subject, many studies have been working with simulations for testing drugs through computerized biological systems. From these various tests, researchers have been able to help increase access to clinical trials for patients with chronic conditions, and because of the increase in participation in these studies, new intervention methods, medications, and management systems have been expanded upon to help people receive treatment. These advances also have the potential to reduce the need for emergency care and help reduce mortality rates across the general population.

All of these results came from having better access and advancements in technology. The healthcare industry can potentially support more advancements in chronic disease treatments, and if it advances enough, our healthcare systems can work towards prevention methods for diseases through lifestyle recommendations rather than treatment-focused methods that focus on prescription drugs and surgical methods.

Our Digital Technologies In Place Today

Our practices continue to implement the best technology out there to help our patients receive care, and as future generations begin to become more health-conscious, digital methods of treatment and communication have been able to help increase transparency, access to personal data, and chronic disease management. These technologies include:

• Telemedicine: Telemedicine has been a huge advancement for practices everywhere, as these methods of communication have helped many patients receive care without the unnecessary costs associated with appointments and social barriers often faced by patients in rural communities.
• Patient Management Software: Practices can work more effectively at organizing patient appointments and treatment plans through management software.
• Monitoring Systems: For those with chronic diseases, many apps and programs have been developed over the last ten years to help monitor various aspects of their nutrition and fitness levels.

Today’s practices rely on the advancement of digital technology, and through these improvements, our healthcare system can work to meet the needs of patients with chronic health problems and deliver better solutions all around.

As December rolls out and the winter is officially upon us, the holiday seasons can come with promising riches of presents, drinks, food, and staying inside are all great ways to enjoy the cold weather while it lasts. During this time, it can also be quite easy to stay indoors all winter and pack in those calories, making weight loss goals and other aspirations difficult to achieve before the new year. If you find yourself lacking in those goals, then we’re here to help you stay fit and warm during the winter season by giving you some great tips to follow to keep yourself healthy.

The Health Risks That Come With Winter

Winter comes with cold air, copious amounts of warm beverages, and excessively fatty foods that keep our bodies warm and comfy when snow, sleet, and chilly nights are ahead. Although winter is a wonderful time, winter is also filled with a lot of health risks that come with it. For those sensitive to health-related issues, winter can be disastrous due to these various factors:

• Asthma Attacks: One of the biggest triggers for those with asthma is freezing cold temperatures. Colder temperatures typically trigger these attacks, especially if the air is dry, as it irritates the lining in the airways and causes coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. The more severe your asthma is, the more likely you are to suffer from an asthma attack during winter.
• Colds and Viruses: Besides the well-known Covid-19 virus, dry winter weather allows flu viruses to survive and transmit more easily, and close proximity to others during this time can easily spread these viruses and thus make your immune system more vulnerable.
• Excessive Weight Gain: As previously stated, weight gain problems are a huge problem as regular exercise becomes more difficult to maintain, especially as the holidays contain rich foods and larger meal portions.
• Seasonal Depression: Seasonal depression affects hundreds of people across the world due to the changes in seasonal patterns and hormone changes that affect your mood and energy.
• Heart Attacks: Heart attacks are also more common during winter due to strenuous activities that require more blood to be pumped through the heart. For those with heart disease, winter weather doesn’t bode well.

Tips To Keep Yourself Healthy This Winter

With the onset of winter comes many risks, but luckily you can combat those risks by staying healthy and active. Exercising at least 30 minutes per day can help keep your body weight managed and keep you cardioactive. Going outside during winter can help beat seasonal depression, decreasing your portion sizes, and paying attention to your body’s reactions to the cold can help you keep asthma and heart attacks away. If you would like more information about how to beat the winter blues and keep yourself safe from these winter hazards, then contacting your local primary doctor for an appointment can help you continue your good health and keep you warm and safe this winter.

Most people are aware of how bad sugar is in a general sense, as it commonly contributes to weight gain and obesity rates throughout the United States. However, because added sugars are found in almost every food product made today, added sugars have become one of the largest health risks over the past 20 years. For many, sugar is a sweet habit that’s addictive and hard to avoid, and for physicians, it is a terrible ingredient that’s causing more harm than good. We’re here to help you learn about the risks of eating too much sugar and help you find ways to curb your sugar cravings if you intend on dieting and eating healthier.

All The Sweet Dangers Of Added Sugar

One of the most frequent misconceptions about sugar is that all sugar is bad, but the relationship between sugar and our bodies is more complex than that. Natural sugars are often found in foods that contain carbohydrates, such as vegetables and fruits, and when it comes to the benefits these food groups have, whole foods that contain natural sugars are considered okay for our health. This is because fruits and vegetables also contain high amounts of fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that our bodies need to sustain us.

However, it is when added sugars are present in our foods that trouble begins. Added sugars are mostly added to processed foods and are often found in food items we’d least expect, including bread, soups, and cured meats. On average, a person eats about 24 teaspoons of sugar each day, causing a huge impact on our bodies, causing long-term consequences that include:

• Heart Disease: Eating foods high in added sugar has been linked to high blood pressure and high amounts of inflammation throughout the blood vessels. It also has been linked to higher triglycerides, and thus has been connected to heart disease, which increases the risk of heart attacks.
• Type II Diabetes: When it comes to type II diabetes, added sugars have been known to increase insulin resistance, one of the primary indicators for this disease, causing blood sugar levels to rise and become unmanageable.
• Depression: Diets that are high in added sugars often lead to increased levels of dopamine throughout the system, and eating large amounts of processed foods has been associated with a higher risk of depression and mood swings.
• Obesity: Added sugars contribute to weight gain due to how these sugars influence our hormones. The hormones that regulate hunger increase, while the hormones that regulate satiation decrease, causing the body to store more energy eaten as fat than used by the body’s metabolism.
• Cancer: Some studies have shown that added sugars in high-fat diets have been linked to cancer because of their connection to inflammation throughout the body.

How To Limit Your Added Sugar Consumption

According to the American Heart Association, the organization recommends a minimum of 6 teaspoons of added sugar per day for women and a minimum of 9 teaspoons per day for men. While most foods today contain added sugars, some of the best ways to avoid added sugars is through drinking water instead of sugary drinks, reducing the amount of sugar in your morning beverage, checking your nutrition labels when picking out foods, and choosing unsweetened options for your favorite foods. For more information about eating a healthier diet, visiting your primary doctor for tips is the best place to begin enjoying your life healthier and happier.

Thanksgiving dinner may not sound so bad on the surface, and in a way, the main components of this large feast, such as the turkey, baked potatoes, and other items, are, in fact, healthy. However, this day is known as a day of splurging, overeating, and food comas make it a national pastime for gaining weight during the holidays. Luckily, with the right tips up your sleeve, you can have a healthier Thanksgiving that won’t hurt your weight or your budget.

Why Holiday Weight Gain is A Problem

Holiday weight gain refers to the average five pounds or more that most Americans gain in between the periods of Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. This huge fluctuation in weight gain ultimately contributes to the overall average weight that adults throughout the US gain over the course of the entire year. While five pounds doesn’t sound terrible on the surface, if you consider how little people exercise today to remove weight, then that weight gain isn’t reversed but rather compounded into unhealthy proportions that are damaging to our health and quality of life.

While this isn’t the sole cause of today’s obesity rates, being overweight or obese can affect all aspects of our lives and lead to a poorer quality of life. This complex health issue results from numerous causes and factors and ultimately can lead to an increased risk of the following health conditions:

• High Blood Pressure
• High LDL Cholesterol
• Gallbladder Disease
• Stroke
• Heart Disease
• Osteoarthritis
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Sleep Apnea
• Multiple Types of Cancer

Most cases of obesity often result from behaviors and life choices, as regular activity and healthy eating are the only ways to prevent and remove excess weight gain. It is recommended by the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans that adults partake in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity to stay healthy. As for healthy diets, taking extra shares of stuffing and cranberry sauce doesn’t help with weight loss either way.

How To Stay Healthy During Thanksgiving and Beyond

Thanksgiving is often a time to celebrate and enjoy a well-cooked meal with family members and loved ones, and during this time, there are plenty of ways you can stay healthy. Here are our suggestions for avoiding that uncomfortable turkey-and-stuffing coma and feeling great on Thanksgiving day:

• Eat Your Three Meals a Day: Eating your breakfast and lunch before your Thanksgiving dinner can help curve cravings for seconds and avoid that dreaded food coma.
• Exercise Before Your Meal: If you exercise for the day, you’ll be less hungry for dinner and feel good about working out your body.
• Switch Out Favorites For Vegetables: Instead of grabbing stuffing and green bean casserole, switch it out for seasoned vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots.
• Try Whole Grain Options: If you plan on making bread and stuffings, you can work with whole-grain options that are just as tastier.
• Grab Seconds with Smaller Plates: Taking smaller portions overall means you can go for seconds with your health in mind.

Thanksgiving is a nice, long-drawn-out meal that many people celebrate, and following these tips during this time means you’ll avoid weight gain during the holidays, keeping your body happy and healthy.

Concussions can happen at any point, and these traumatic brain injuries can lead to long-lasting effects. Concussions often result from a sudden jolt or blow to the head and cause the brain to shake inside the skull. This heavy impact can impact brain function temporarily, but these injuries can often leave behind long-term effects that impact memory, personality changes and can increase the risk of brain disorders later on in life. We’re here to help you by looking at the effects of concussions, how to seek help, and what to pay attention to with concussions to receive treatments.

Post-Concussion Symptoms and Their Effects

Any whiplash, accident, or bump to the head can cause a concussion, and while concussions most often happen to athletes and construction workers, anyone can get a concussion, as concussions most often occur during minor car accidents, accidental falls, or experiences of whiplash. According to the CDC, about three million people experience a concussion each year in the United States, and about 150 people die from traumatic brain injuries each day. If you’ve experienced any hard blow to the head, it’s essential to seek medical attention right away to remove the possibility of a concussion.

For many people, head injuries can be hard to notice, mainly as their symptoms most often occur hours to days after the experience. The after-effects of a concussion can ultimately result in long-term problems, and these risks increase if they’re ignored. If you’ve suffered a head injury, these are some of the initial symptoms you should look out for to determine if you should seek medical help:

• Persistent, severe headaches that worsen over time
• Unsteadiness and loss of balance
• Blurry vision
• Drowsiness and difficulty staying awake
• Weakness or numbness throughout the arms or legs
• Confusion and irritability
• Slurred speech
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Blood/clear liquid from the ears and nose

When concussions develop long-term effects, it’s referred to as post-concussion syndrome. Post-concussion syndrome often starts as early as three weeks, causing concerning medical issues that require the help of mental health professionals and other specialists. Even mild concussions can develop this condition, and depending on the severity of the concussion, some individuals can face symptoms for months to years, leading to permanent disability. In these cases, it’s essential to pay attention to any unusual symptoms that occur from post-concussion syndrome, including:

• Memory Loss/Amnesia
• Personality Changes
• Progressive Brain Disorders
• Sleep Disturbances
• Loss of Taste/Smell

For any head injury, it’s essential to see your physician as soon as possible to help deter any long-term side effects. Visiting an urgent care practice can help remove those worries by performing diagnostic tests and after-care instructions for caring for your injury to help prevent these long-term effects from occurring. If you are unsure of how severe your head injury is, then the best place to go to receive treatment is through your local urgent care facility.

The warm months of summer are behind us, and the cooler autumn months are ahead. Many of us have enjoyed hours swimming in lakes and rivers and may have now moved to pools and hot tubs. While it may sound like the risks of swimmer’s ear infections are behind you, they have many sources. In addition to pools and rivers, they can also be caused by baths, showers, and even hot tubs. With the cold season being upon us, it can be difficult to determine if that infection is a swimmer’s ear infection or a middle ear infection. This guide will help you know the difference and give a couple of tips about preventing swimmer’s ear infections.

How To Know If It’s A Swimmer’s Ear Infection

It’s common for a middle-ear infection to be mistaken for a swimmer’s ear infection, but there are ways to tell them apart. It starts with location. Swimmer’s ear infections form in the outer canal area of the ear, outside the eardrum. Middle-ear infections form in the middle ear, behind the eardrum. As you might suspect, this can result in similar but also very different symptoms. 

Consider the following questions and what they mean for your ear infection:

• Where is the pain? – Pain near the external part of the ear that increases when you tug on the earlobe indicates a swimmer’s ear infection. Deeper pain that intensifies when you lay down is likely a middle ear infection. Middle ear infections can also impact your quality of sleep due to this increased pain.
• What Are The Visible Symptoms? – Swelling or a rash-like appearance on the outside of the ear indicates a swimmer’s ear infection. In many cases, it will be quite itchy and may occasionally release a foul-smelling discharge. Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and ear pulling, however, are middle-ear infection symptoms.
• Is There Hearing difficulty? – Difficulty hearing can occur with either type of infection. It often serves as the first sign an infection is present.
• What Are The Possible Sources? – Have you been in a body of water lately? Did you spend time in a pool or a hot tub? Was there water in your ear after a bath or shower? All of these can tell you a little about the source of the infection, and in these cases, it’s likely a swimmer’s ear infection. Take care to ensure all the water is out of your ear canal when you’re done swimming.
• Where/Are There Respiratory Issues – If you have a runny nose, watery eyes, or concerns with your upper respiratory tract, it’s likely a middle-ear infection. These symptoms can appear before or during a middle-ear infection. This is what makes the cold season a tricky time for discovering ear infection sources.

Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are both acceptable options for controlling pain and discomfort from these infections. They can ease the discomfort caused by swelling and other symptoms of the infection. A warm compress on the ear will often ease pain from a swimmer’s ear infection. While these ease the symptoms, you’ll need antibiotics to treat the infection.

When To Reach Out To Your Health Professional

A visit to your doctor’s office may be in order if you’re experiencing symptoms like the above. However, swimmer’s ear infections can often be treated via telemedicine options. Middle-ear infections may require a visit to the office for a physical inspection, however. It pays to call your doctor’s office and describe your symptoms in either case and follow their advice.

Most of the time a drippy nose is just a drippy nose. When you get a cough to go with it, often it’s just a normal cold. However, there’s always a chance that your symptoms are an indicator of something else. Other times, they can be the doorway for more serious diseases to take hold. Sinus infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, and even COVID-19 can all start as a mere case of sniffles. Knowing how to tell when it’s time to see your doctor isn’t always easy. Thankfully, we have some tips to help you know.

Three Ways To Know If Your Cold May Be Something More

There are a few relatively clear signs that your doctor needs to be your next visit. Among them is a fever that accompanies your other symptoms. Colds often come with sneezing, sore throat, stuffy nose, headache, and post-nasal drip. What isn’t as common is an elevated temperature, except in children. Other diseases such as pneumonia, the flu, and the like are more likely to be responsible in this case. Other signs that you may have more than a common cold include:

• Sudden Onset: One common sign that you may have bigger concerns is if the symptoms come on suddenly. Colds usually have a gradual onset, and come with feelings of fatigue. The next day you’ll wake up with a runny nose or a sore throat. Over the next several days those symptoms will worsen and new ones will develop. Diseases like the flu can happen rapidly, often in just a few hours. If you got hit with symptoms suddenly, it’s time to call your doctor.
• Lasting Symptoms: Colds are annoying, and their symptoms are frustrating. What colds are not is enduring. If you’ve been suffering from symptoms for more than a couple of weeks, your doctor needs to see you. Even if your symptoms have changed if you haven’t had a break since the onset you probably have something worse than a cold.

These are the biggest signs that your physician needs to see you. One thing to keep in mind, however. The COVID-19 virus is an exception to tip #1. The common symptoms of this condition tend to come on slowly over time. In addition, they often seem to mimic other respiratory illnesses, but continue to get worse over time. If you’re concerned you may have COVID, keep an eye out for symptoms like these that persist:

• Tiredness
• Fever
• Dry cough
• Chest pain
• Chest pressure
• Shortness of breath
• Loss of ability to speak
• Movement difficulty

If these symptoms appear and you’ve already been vaccinated, it’s still time to see your physician. While the vaccines have been continuing to be incredibly effective, they’re not 100% guaranteed. This is why it’s essential that continue wearing masks and social distancing, even once we’re vaccinated.

Speak To Your Physician To Learn More

Now that you’ve got a quick guide, don’t hesitate. If you have a possible reason to suspect that your cold may be something more, call your physician. They’ll be able to do additional testing to make a final diagnosis. The sooner you start getting the right treatment, the sooner you’ll be feeling better!

The cycle of the seasons and the results of climate change can make dressing for the weather difficult. If you’re one of those who stow the winter wardrobe until the season changes, it can be even trickier. Checking the weather reports will give you an idea of what’s to come, but it may not be enough. This week may be summertime hot, and next fall seasons cold. On top of it all, these fluctuations can make it easier for you to become ill. We’ll provide you with steps to help you avoid getting sick, even if caught out in the wrong clothes.

Understanding Your Immune System And How To Stay Well

Let’s start by eliminating some myths. Being caught out in the cold isn’t going to make you sick instantly. Our immune system is a complex and resilient part of staying well. What happens when you get cold is that it becomes somewhat repressed. If you are blessed with a resilient immune system, then a little time in the cold isn’t going to hurt you. Getting too hot is often more dangerous in the short term. It leads to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even heat stroke.

• Stay Hydrated – So this brings us to our first point. Make sure you get plenty of water throughout the day. Several glasses of water throughout the day can help flush toxins, battle illness, and absorb nutrients properly.
• Clear The Air – Mold, and pollen can be a problem during allergy season, but they aren’t the only threat out there. Research has shown that the spaces we live in often have the most polluted air. Ensuring that your home is fitted with proper HEPA filters and investing in an air purification system can help.
• Exercise In The Great Outdoors – Working out at home or in the gym is great, but outdoors is best. The sun not only helps elevate your mood, but it also provides essential Vitamin D. When inclimate weather strikes, staying indoors is then the best option.
• Rest – Our bodies require rest to be at their best. This fact is true for our immune system as well as staying alert and active. It even helps us heal faster. When possible, make sure you get those essential 7-8 hours a night.
• Dress Right – Let’s start where we began. Wearing the right clothes provides effective defense against the weather. Whether you’re staying cool on hot days or bundling up on cold ones, your health will benefit. When the weather outside is unpredictable, be sure to dress in layers.  

Speak To Your Primary Health Provider For More Advice

Speaking to your doctor is often the best source for advice on these topics. While they may not have anything new to suggest, they know your medical history well. This knowledge means they’ll be aware of special conditions that may require additional consideration. Suppressed immune systems are just one example. Give them a call for help today!

It’s common knowledge that women tend to have a longer lifespan than men. On average, they tend to live at least ten years longer than men in the US. Less than 20% of people who live to 100 years old are men. Thankfully, there are steps men can take to help extend their lifespan. This extension means more time with their friends, families, and other loved ones. Starting these practices early in life means a higher chance of more years of life for these men.

Understanding How Men Can Live A Longer, Happier Life

To understand the steps men can take to live longer lives, let’s talk about why women tend to live longer. One of the most significant factors is a higher incidence rate of heart disease in men. It doesn’t stop with heart disease, either. This heightened risk also increases the risk of related diseases, including stroke. Other reasons women tend to live longer include:

• Double-X Chromosomes – Women tend to develop fewer genetic variations, such as hemophilia.
• Testosterone – Risky or aggressive behavior are commonly driven by testosterone. As a result, more men are claimed by accident or violence.
• Alcohol and Smoking – Statistically, men represent a higher percentage of the population who engage in these activities.

One of the essential steps that men can take to improve their longevity is to focus on better health habits. This focus means paying greater attention to their health, eating habits, and bodies in general. Regular check-ups are essential in this practice so that your practitioner can identify problems early. Diabetes, colon cancer, skin cancer, high cholesterol, and prostate cancer are all examples. These conditions have higher treatment success rates when selected early.

There are four steps that men can take to help live longer and more fulfilling lives:

• Break Bad Dietary Habits – Our diets have a lot to do with our overall health. Obesity, high cholesterol, stroke, and heart disease can all result from a poor diet. By changing the way they eat, men can cut these concerns off at the pass. Whole grains, fresh fruits, and vegetables can all contribute. Exercise can also help.
• De-Stress – Another common factor in reduced lifespans in stress. Men tend to be expected to uphold their stress rather than treat it. Taking advantage of stress management classes, yoga, exercise, and even meditation can help. 
• Smoking – Smoking has been identified as one of the significant contributors to heart disease in all patients. Eliminating the habit helps to reduce your risk. The sooner you quit, the better the benefits are.
• Limit Alcohol – Those men under 65 need to avoid drinking more than two adult beverages a day. This number drops to one a day after 65.

Speak To Your Health Professional To Learn More

Your PCP can provide you with informed options about improving your overall health. Their knowledge of your medical history, including familial influences, is essential. This information allows them to provide specific changes that will directly benefit you. For instance, those who suffer from sodium-sensitive high blood pressure may be instructed to limit their salt further. This change is just one example of how tailored decisions can help extend your life.

Summertime presents us with lots of opportunities to get outside. Whether you’re hiking your favorite trails or spending time in the garden, hydration is going to be essential. When you’re working or playing hard, and it’s hot outside, dehydration can hit fast. We’ve put together this guide for those who want to ensure they’re getting enough water. There are some quick and simple ways to know numerous ways to make sure you’re staying hydrated.

Signs You’re Dehydrated And How To Keep Hydrated

One clear sign you require water is being thirsty. It’s the primary method our body has for letting us know we’re getting low. Some people don’t recognize that they’re hungry or may not realize it’s an important sign. Your urine also holds clues that tell you if you’re getting enough water. The darker your urine comes out, the more dehydrated you likely are. You want your urine to be palish yellow, similar to lemonade. If it’s turning the color of apple juice, it’s time for more water.

For the majority of people, eight eight-ounce glasses per day will be sufficient hydration. If you’re out in the heat and sweating hard, you may find that you need more. Patients who have diabetes or using diuretic pills should consult with their doctor. These factors can result in a need to consume more water than the average person.

Summer can create some risky situations when it comes to hydration. When we’re out in the sun, our body starts to heat up. This heat causes our body to push more blood to the skin, making us sweat. The evaporation of sweat helps keep our bodies cool. If we aren’t cooling property, we may find that our body temperature rises. As our core temp rises, our heart works to keep blood flowing to the skin. Help your heart out with these tips

• Drink more water to replace that lost while sweating
• Be aware of the humidity; high humidity won’t let you cool as efficiently
• Stay inside during heat advisories, or visit your favorite swimming hole

Avoid sugary, alcoholic, or caffeinated beverages while enjoying the sun. These drinks can quickly lead to dehydration. Some common signs of dehydration are nausea, fatigue, and dizziness. These signs indicate the early stages of dehydration and can be offset by drinking water. More severe hydration will result in rapid heartbeat, fever, confusion, chills, and darkening urine. The situation at this point is becoming dangerous, and you must get medical help.

Get Tips From Your Physician For A Safe Summer

Your physician can help you learn what steps to take to stay hydrated. They can also let you know if there are special considerations with any medication you’re on. Some medical conditions can result in higher water loss or a sensitivity to the sun. By speaking to your physician, you’ll know that all your bases are covered. Don’t let your summer get ruined by a failure to prepare. Learn what you need to do and keep hydrated all season long!