Archives for May 2017

Chronic vs. Acute Pain

Pain, from the perspective of the medical professional, is often divided into two main categories: acute pain, and chronic pain. Acute pain is the type of pain that we feel as the immediate result of an injury (for example, your finger hurts after getting hit by a hammer when you are trying to drive a nail). Chronic pain is a pain that is more lasting or frequent in nature. Chronic pain, for example, might be more along the lines of having a back or joint pain that is either constant or comes and goes on a fairly regular basis. There are many different conditions linked to chronic and acute pain. These include autoimmune disorders, spine and nerve damage, neurological conditions like migraines, broken bones, nerve damage, burns, blunt trauma and lacerations, and much more.

The fact is that even minor pain caused by stubbing a toe, is seldom pleasant. Nor is it meant to be – pain is, after all, your body’s way of signaling you that something is wrong. Nature has hard wired us to feel pain when our body is injured or compromised in some way. The problem is though, that much like an alarm system that keeps blaring and refuses to shut off, your body can continue to send signals when you already know the issue exists. Acute pain is most often treated by treating the underlying cause of the pain. A broken arm for instance, normally begins to decrease in pain after the bone is set and the healing process has begun.

Chronic pain is often difficult to manage, becoming a quality of life issue. The degree of pain may vary from mild to debilitating, and in many cases, it is accompanied by other symptoms such as ongoing fatigue, depression or anxiety, irritability and an inability to concentrate. This is completely understandable. Some recent studies have also shown that chronic pain may actually alter brain chemistry, especially in the area of the brain that controls how emotions are processed.

Chronic pain conditions include:

  • Arthritis
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Cancer
  • Back or spine injuries
  • Neuropathy or other nerve damage
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • AIDS or HIV
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Migraines

When treating chronic pain, family medicine providers may employ a variety of treatments ranging from targeted injections to surgery, physical or occupational therapy, prescription medications, bracing, and other pain management treatments.

At Advanced Medical Clinic, we understand pain. We treat people from all walks of life, and we know how to deal with both acute and chronic pain. If you are concerned about how chronic pain is affecting your quality of life, Dr. Ishan Gunawardene of Advanced Medical Clinic can answer all your questions. To make an appointment with us in Wellington or Royal Palm Beach, request an appointment online or call (561) 434-1935 today.

Why Eating Fresh Fruit Can Lower Your Risk for Diabetes

Eating fresh fruit is one of the great and delicious ways to eat healthy and still pack more flavor into your diet. Not only is fresh fruit a wonderful way to help balance your diet and lose weight, it may help you avoid developing type II diabetes. Medical researchers have known for some time that the risks for developing diabetes are heavily tied to daily lifestyle habits.

Studies, for instance, have consistently shown that a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and heart healthy fats can significantly lower your risk for developing adult onset, or type II diabetes ­– especially when combined with other healthy choices such as walking or other regular exercise.

Healthy Eating Can Lower Your Risk for Diabetes, Heart Disease, and Certain Cancers

Fresh whole fruits may also boost your immune system and lower your risks of both heart disease and even certain cancers. As with any diet, it is important to remember to add a wide variety of natural, healthy food sources rather than simply eating just one or two kinds of fruit. You should also talk to your family medicine provider to create a comprehensive diet and exercise program that works with your body to help you sustain a healthier lifestyle.

Keep in mind that the best diets reduce or eliminate poor food choices such as saturated fats, empty calories, high fructose corn syrup and sugar, adding heart and blood sugar healthy foods like fresh fruit and vegetables, and lean protein sources instead.

Surprisingly, fresh fruits are not the only thing that may help prevent diabetes. Peanut butter has a high fiber content, and monosaturated (good) fats that people enjoy eating. Be sure to carefully note portion sizes though, as it can ratchet up your calories. And even with fresh fruit, while overwhelmingly healthy, too much of a good thing can cause unwanted weight gain.

Fresh fruits should be eaten as whole as possible, removing only what is inedible such as the outer peel or rind. The skins of some fruits like apples also contain additional vitamins and trace minerals. Just be sure to thoroughly wash them to remove any pesticide residue that may have been used in growing them, or look for organic varieties instead.

Be aware that fruit juices or processed fruit may have added sugars, or have stripped away healthy fiber, which can cause a rise in blood sugar levels (fiber slows down absorption and improves blood sugar levels). A diet rich in whole grains, fresh fruits, nuts, berries and vegetables is a tasty way to reduce your chances of developing diabetes.

If you are concerned about how your diet is affecting your chances of developing diabetes, Dr. Ishan Gunawardene of Advanced Medical Clinic can answer all of your questions. To make an appointment with us in Wellington or Royal Palm Beach, request an appointment online or call (561) 434-1935 today.