Archives for December 2016

Is Type 2 Diabetes Preventable?

With the alarming rise in diabetes diagnoses in recent years, it should come as no surprise that the medical community is doing all they can to thwart the increase. This includes empowering patients, both adults and children at risk of developing diabetes, through education.

There are 2 main types of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. Understanding the difference between these can help you understand your risk and prevention.

Type 1 diabetes, also called juvenile diabetes because it typically shows up in childhood, is a result of your body not producing enough insulin. While the cause is still not completely understood, genetics certainly play a critical role in its development. Type 1 diabetes accounts for 5% of diabetes in the adult population.

On the other hand, type 2 diabetes happens when your body produces enough insulin but you are resistant to it. It seems to be caused predominantly by lifestyle factors and makes up nearly 95% of adult diabetes. While genetics still may play some role, there are ways you can lower your risk for developing it.

Healthy lifestyle habits are a key component to lowering your risk. While there currently is no magic vaccine that prevents type 2 diabetes, there are simple lifestyle and diet changes that can greatly reduce your risk. These same changes also benefit other areas of your health, like your heart and lungs.

You are seven times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you are overweight. Moreover, if you are obese it makes you 20 – 40 times more likely to develop diabetes. Keep your weight within a healthy range to help lower your risk of developing diabetes.

Be active! Not only does exercise help you lose excess weight, but working your muscles also helps to improve their ability to use insulin and absorb glucose. This in turn can lower the stress on your insulin-making cells.

Watch what you eat. Spikes in blood sugar and insulin take a toll on insulin-making cells. This makes you more susceptible to developing diabetes. Choosing foods like whole grains that slowly and gradually increase your blood sugar and insulin, over starchy and sugary foods and drinks, can significantly lower your risk.

It goes without saying that quitting smoking can drastically increase your overall health, but did you know it could greatly reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes? Smokers are statistically much more likely to develop diabetes (and many other unnecessary diseases and disorders) than non-smokers. So please, quit smoking as soon as possible.

If you are concerned about your risk or want to be evaluated for your risk for diabetes, board-certified internal medicine specialist Dr. Ishan Gunawardene and Nurse Practitioner Shariffa Gunawardene at Wellington Advanced Medical are here to help. Through a comprehensive exam, our compassionate providers fully assess your risk, and then offer lifestyle and dietary change support. To make an appointment with one of our diabetes experts in Wellington or Royal Palm Beach, request an appointment online or call (561) 434-1935 today.

Is Bronchitis Contagious?

“I’ve got bronchitis, but don’t worry. It’s not contagious.”

Chances are you’ve heard that from your co-worker or a family member when they’re coughing…incessantly. There is a generally held belief that bronchitis is not contagious. While there is some truth to this belief, it is not entirely accurate.

Bronchitis caused by a bacterial or viral infection most certainly is contagious. This is the most common type of bronchitis. Chronic bronchitis is not contagious, when caused by tobacco use or environmental factors. However, people with chronic bronchitis may also have an undiagnosed viral or bacterial infection contributing to their symptoms, so they may still be contagious.

Bronchitis is the inflammation of your bronchial tubes that can cause chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath and sometimes fever. For bronchitis caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be prescribed to treat it. For a viral infection when antibiotics are not useful, you may take over-the-counter medication to help relieve symptoms. As with most viral infections, time and rest are the best medicine. Chronic bronchitis requires ongoing care with a chronic disease management specialist, such as Dr. Gunawardene.

Tips to Help Prevent the Spread of Bronchitis

Because viruses or bacteria typically cause bronchitis, the way you contract bronchitis is the same way you contract other types of flus, colds, and illnesses. So, breathing viruses or bacteria in or passing it from your hands to your mouth, nose, or eyes usually spreads bronchitis.

For this reason, it is important to practice safe hygiene method around those with bronchitis, colds, and the flu. Frequently washing your hands, sanitizing surfaces that collect germs, and keeping your hands away from your nose, eyes, and mouth can all help you avoid bronchitis and other bacterial or viral infections.

Most importantly, make sure you get your yearly flu shot. Many complications can develop from the flu virus including bronchitis, so if you can avoid getting the flu, you may just avoid getting bronchitis. If you do end up getting bronchitis, be sure to practice healthy hygiene habits. It is important to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze and cough, and wash your hands often to avoid getting someone else sick. Also, keep your distance from those who have weakened immune systems and those with asthma and other breathing complications.

While bronchitis usually resolves itself in 7 to 10 days, if left unchecked it can lead to worsening symptoms, or even pneumonia. If you think you may have bronchitis, Dr. Gunawardene and board-certified family nurse practitioner Shariffa Gunawardene at Wellington Advanced Medical Clinic can evaluate and treat your symptoms. For bronchitis treatment in Wellington, call (561) 434-1935 or book an appointment online. Specializing in primary care and internal medicine, we will work with you to get you back to good health.