Archives for November 2017

Why Do We Get Sick in the Winter: Your Primary Care Providers

What Causes Colds and Flus? 

The common cold and the flu are not caused by changes in temperature, but by viruses. However, the reason they seem associated with the cooler months is because different viruses are more active at certain times of the year. For instance, rhinoviruses, which have many different strains, are some of the most common causes of a cold. These microscopic germs are at their peak during the cooler months of fall and spring. By contrast, the many strains of influenza viruses peak during the winter months. Once exposed to the human body, these viruses are carried around in our respiratory systems. When they are expelled through a cough, sneeze, or nasal secretions, droplets containing the viruses contaminate the air as well as any surfaces they may land on. Once a virus infects a host, it uses the body’s cells to replicate (multiply), instigating a response from our immune system.

Our Bodies 

Our immune system is what causes the miserable symptoms we experience with a cold or flu. When an invading organism is identified by the immune system, a number of different types of cells and chemicals are released and sent to the site of the infection. They create an inflammatory response that causes our rise in temperature, the achiness and chills associated with an infection, and an increase in lung and nasal secretions. While our immune response is actively fighting the infection, these additional secretions become a risk for others, as it makes it easier for the virus to be spread when we cough or blow our noses.

Even though cold weather does not cause infections, it can contribute to our risk of getting sick. For instance, cold air, as well as dry warm air from our heaters, can cause the tissue inside our noses to become dry and cracked. This makes it easier for germs to enter into our system. Additionally, the cold weather may make the cilia (little hairs) in our noses less effective at their job of sweeping germs away. Our immune system itself may not work as well in the cold weather, either. We defend against viruses by not allowing them to replicate. However, this mechanism may be slower when the environment is colder.

Having a chronic illness also puts you at greater risk for catching a cold or the flu. For example, people who have asthma are more likely to have an asthma attack in cold weather. When the lungs become inflamed during an attack, they are more susceptible to pick up an infection. In fact, any chronic illness that makes your immune system weaker, like diabetes or heart failure, puts you at even greater risk during the colder months.

Our Environment and Our Behavior 

As a rule, humans are not fond of staying outside in the cold weather. It may be fun to participate in winter sports or play in the snow with the right clothing on, but eventually everyone wants to come in from the cold. Because this is a communal response, we tend to congregate inside buildings that are heated with dry air. So now we have a lot of people inside, breathing the same air that causes our nasal passages to become dry and cracked. During that time of the year, chances are that some of us will already be infected, even if we don’t have symptoms yet. So any coughing, sneezing, or running noses increases the chances of someone else getting sick. The dry air (whether inside in the heat or outside in the cold) also makes it easier for the viruses to get around. Trapped in tiny droplets of moisture that stay suspended even longer in dry air, these viruses are free to move around and find their way into someone’s respiratory system. If the rooms are poorly ventilated, which is often the case, the chance of more people getting infected goes up.

Can you think of anywhere that lots of people who might be carrying a virus are congregated routinely during the colder months? That’s right – school. From kindergarten to college, filled heated classrooms and dormitories create a perfect environment for “catching cold”. Hence, from fall to spring, both the cold and the flu have ample hunting grounds for human hosts.

What Your Primary Care Provider Knows that Will Keep You Healthy

So, viruses are more active in the cooler months, the environment helps to create a perfect breeding ground for airborne infections, and our natural survival instinct to keep warm increases our chances of getting sick. However, there are some other human behaviors that we can change to prevent some of these illnesses, and your primary care provider is a perfect place to look to for advice. The following are a few tips you should remember during cold and flu season.

First, try not to share. When you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth. Also make sure and wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing or using tissues; and keep your hands away from your face because every surface you touch has the potential of carrying germs. You can also protect others from illness. If you are sick, stay home until you are feeling better.

You should also be aware of your environment. Know that if you are in an enclosed or poorly ventilated space, you are more at risk. This would include offices, classrooms, dormitories, and airplanes. If you can, try to alter your environment by making sure there is good ventilation, and humidification.

Finally arm yourself to fortify your defenses. Eat a healthy ad well-balanced diet. You should also get daily exercise and plenty of sleep. However, one of the most important things you can do to help your immune system is by staying up to date with your vaccines. This includes the flu vaccine, which is available every year beginning in September. This vaccine is made from an inactivated virus. That means it is not alive and it cannot give you the flu. What it does, is provoke your body into making specific antibodies (fighting cells) against the most common flu virus strains for the season. The most common side effects are a sore arm, and possibly mild flu-like symptoms, which are caused by your immune system’s healthy response to the vaccine. The flu is a very serious illness that not only causes severe and prolonged symptoms, but also is responsible for many deaths each year. That is why your primary care provider will recommend that each person receive the vaccine each year, beginning at six months of age.

If you have any more question regarding cold and flu season, or how your primary care provider can help you stay healthy, we are happy to discuss this and any other healthcare concerns you may have. Please call Advanced Medical, PA, at (561) 434-1935 to request an appointment, or request one online.

What Does Being a Family Medicine Provider Mean?

Health is not only a reflection of the state of your body. It has a great deal to do with you and everything around you. In fact, the World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being”. Your lifestyle, your genetics, your financial situation, your stress level, your workplace environment, the wellbeing of your family – the safety of your community and society in general – are some of the many factors that your family care provider will have knowledge of as he or she guides you to a healthier state. So what exactly does it mean to be a family care provider?

Family Medicine 

Family medicine is a medical specialty that involves the care of individuals and families throughout the lifespan. In each stage of life, people have characteristic risks and unique needs. An infant is completely dependent on others for survival. Toddlers need guidance and encouragement as they learn about their environment and how to interact with others and society. Teenagers are in a stage of rapid growth and development, when positive and negative environmental and social influences can shape their futures. And older adults are faced with the natural challenges associated with aging. A family medicine provider understands each of these stages and is uniquely qualified to promote health, prevent illness, and treat diseases for their patients at all ages.

The Role of the Primary Care Provider

Your family care provider will be the primary care provider for your entire family. Today’s healthcare system is large and complex. When you are healthy, it may be simple to make it to your annual check up. However, staying healthy is a little more complicated. Your primary care provider is the one person in the system that knows you (and your children and spouse) and has your best interest at heart. He or she will not only perform annual exams, but will make sure you have all the recommended screening tests like mammograms or cholesterol levels done. They will also advise you of necessary immunizations to prevent avoidable infections, as well as educate you on a healthy lifestyle.

These are all very important activities to keep you free from illness – strong of mind and body. However, having a primary care provider is even more important when you do get sick. Knowing your medical history, including the medications you take, what works best for you, and what your preferences are, are invaluable when treating someone with an acute illness. You want a provider that you know and trust, to turn to when you are at your most vulnerable.

Benefits of Having a Family Care Provider 

Have you ever had to see a provider that you did not know in an urgent situation? Imagine experiencing a new and concerning symptom – one distressing enough that you feel the need to go to the family medicine provider. If you do not have a family care provider, you can expect to either spend a great deal of time explaining your past history, or at worst, receive treatment based on partial or inaccurate information. A family care provider, as the name would suggest, knows you and your family. You, most likely, have established a good relationship, and have shared your complete medical history. This would also have included your family history, such as any relatives who may have had heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or any other potentially hereditary illnesses.

This provider will be aware of information that you may not realize is important, but that can make a big difference in your recovery, like whether you are married or have children, if you live alone, if you have a support system, whether you have transportation, and whether you are able to get a new prescription filled. Medicine is not only treating disease; it is understanding the needs of each individual patient within their unique environment and set of circumstances, and finding a way to help them achieve their highest level of health.

Your family care provider will also be in touch with your community. Infection and disease often occurs in patterns that are unique to geographical locations. For instance, antibiotics that may be effective against bacteria in Florida may not be the right choice in New Jersey.  Additionally, they will be aware of what is “going around” in the local schools and workplaces. Your family care provider is in the position to protect not only you from injury or illness, but also your spouse or children. He or she will guide you so that you can anticipate potential risks, take action to prevent injury or illness, and recover quickly if you do become ill. Having a family care provider that you know and trust is the first step in securing a healthy and happy life for you and each member of your family.

If you are interested in finding our more about primary care, family medicine, or the services we provide at Advanced Medical, PA, please call us at (561) 434-1935 to request an appointment, or request one online.

Types of Primary Care Providers

So, a primary care provider is not just a title, or a box to check off on paperwork. It is the designation you give to someone with whom you have a very personal relationship. The role of the primary care provider is to oversee your overall health, to guide you to a healthy lifestyle, to recommend things that will prevent illness, to anticipate your needs and help you understand what to expect, and to treat you when you do become ill. Your primary care provider should be your “go-to” when you have health concerns, because they know you best. They can provide most of your medical care, and they will refer you to the appropriate specialist when necessary.

In choosing a primary care provider, it is important to remember that people are not all one-size-fits-all. Neither are family medicine providers. You have unique needs and should choose a primary care provider that best fits those needs. Primary care is a role, and not a specialty. Family medicine providers have a number of different specialties, each with advanced training in the care of a specific population, can provide primary care services. In fact, internists, family practice providers, pediatricians, geriatricians, and women’s health providers are all qualified primary care providers.

Internal Medicine Providers

Family medicine providers who specialize in internal medicine, also known as internists, are experts in the care of adult patients. Their focus is not only on health promotion and disease prevention, but also in the diagnosis and treatment of both acute and chronic illness. Internists are extremely good diagnosticians, often referred to as the detectives of medicine, which is why they are experts at treating patients who are experiencing health challenges. However, their goal is to keep you as healthy as possible, which is why they will also make sure you are getting your scheduled immunizations, are up-to-date on appropriate screening like mammograms and cholesterol levels, and understand the lifestyle choices that promote good health.

Family Practice Providers

Family practice providers have specialized training in the care of individuals and families throughout the lifespan. This means that they are qualified to care for infants, children, adolescents, adults, pregnant women, and older adults. The focus of family medicine is very comprehensive, treating the whole individual, with a focus on health promotion and disease prevention. However, like internists, they will also treat both acute and chronic illnesses for their patients.

Pediatricians 

While some people prefer to have one family medicine provider for the entire family, others feel more comfortable having a family medicine provider who specializes in the care of children as the primary care provider for their kids. Pediatricians are board certified in the care of infants, children, and adolescents, ranging from newborns to the age of 21. Childhood is a time of rapid growth and development. Important developmental landmarks mark each stage of life, and it is important to not only be observant that they are being met, but to also foster activities and behaviors that help children learn and grow. Additionally, a lifetime of healthy habits, including staying current on immunizations, having regular checkups, eating healthy diets, and getting adequate exercise can be fostered throughout childhood. A pediatrician is not only an ideal source of guidance and information, but is also highly qualified to treat illnesses associated with childhood.

Geriatricians

Just like children, older adults are faced with challenges unique to their age. Not only is chronic illness more common in adults 65 and older, but also, additional syndromes such as falls, memory loss, and hearing loss become more prevalent. As we advance in age to 65, 75, 85 years, or older, it becomes increasingly beneficial to be under the care of a provider with specialized knowledge of the care of older adults. A geriatrician is a provider that has such training. They are board certified in caring for adults 65 and older, and like other primary care providers, will address health promotion, disease prevention, and management of illnesses, recognizing the unique and multidimensional needs of their patients.

Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) Providers

Women have very unique healthcare needs throughout their lifespan. As such, some women, especially during their childbearing years, choose to elect their OB/GYN provider as their primary care provider. Women who are pregnant, or who are trying to get pregnant, have very specific concerns, including nutrition, exercise, and the safe use of medications. Additionally, hormone irregularities as well as illnesses associated with the reproductive tract can have a significant impact on a woman’s overall health. For these reasons, family medicine providers that have specialized knowledge of women’s health issues, such as OB/BYN providers, are a reasonable choice for primary care.

At Advanced Medical PA, we are concerned about the health and wellbeing of you and your entire family, and we are committed to helping you maintain good health. If you have questions about primary care or the services we provide, please call us at (561) 434-1935 to request an appointment, or request one online.