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The Rising Cost of Insulin in the U.S.: A Looming Crisis?

Insulin is a hormone that is naturally produced by the body in order to metabolize carbohydrates and to regulate blood sugar levels. People with type 1 diabetes, whose pancreas produces little to no insulin, are insulin-dependent – needing shots of insulin to replenish what their body is not manufacturing. Similarly, those who have type 2 diabetes may also need to have insulin shots to regulate their glucose levels.

The men who discovered insulin in 1923 sold the intellectual property rights for just 3 Canadian dollars. Today, the average price of insulin in the United States is $98.70, with some rates going as high as $250 per vial.

Diabetes is big business for pharmaceutical manufacturers. Even as far back as 1941, several companies were indicted on antitrust and price-fixing charges when they were caught inflating the prices of insulin.

Expensive Insulin – Who Is to Blame?

For those of us who have diabetes, these rising costs are becoming more and more painful in the wallet. Diabetics in the United States pay at least eight times the cost of insulin as compared to those who live in other high-income nations.

The insulin market is broken, from the insulin manufacturers and their lobbyists to the wholesalers and retailers to governmental and nongovernmental regulatory bodies. Insulin prices will continue to rise with no real policy-level solutions.

What then can be done to help patients with diabetes afford the cost of insulin?

What Family Medicine Providers Can Do

Some providers are proactive in helping their patients to better manage their disease. The local family medicine providers may not be able to singlehandedly change the system, but they can provide low-cost options such as human insulin – which is doable and effective.

Moreover, drug manufacturers offer affordable treatment options to certain healthcare facilities through the 340B program, of which more than 12,000 facilities are participating. As a patient, ask your family medicine provider whether you have access to this or to something similar.

Family Medicine Provider in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida

The skilled and experienced healthcare team here at Advanced Medical Clinic specializes in diagnosing and treating patients with endocrine disorders, including diabetes. Dr. Ishan Gunawardene, our internal medicine family medicine provider, aims to help his diabetes patients find insulin that they can afford to control their disease.

His wife, Shariffa Gunawardene, is a board-certified nurse practitioner who can treat patients of all ages. Together, they can serve the medical needs of your whole family. We are highly flexible and take a personalized approach for your family’s optimal health.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (561) 434-1935 or by filling out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now. We have convenient locations in Wellington (off SR7/441, north of Lake Worth Road) and in Royal Palm Beach (near the intersection of Okeechobee Boulevard and Royal Palm Beach Boulevard), and we look forward to being your family’s healthcare partner!

How Long Have You Had That Cough?

Are you coughing persistently? Think about how long your cough has lasted – you might have swelling in your bronchial tubes, which transport air to and from the lungs.

Fortunately, you can receive treatment for bronchitis via a primary care provider. The family medicine provider will first evaluate your symptoms and determine a firm diagnosis of your respiratory condition. Let’s talk about what bronchitis is and where you can go in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach to find relief from your symptoms.

What Is Bronchitis?

Bronchitis occurs when you have inflammation of the bronchial tubes: “bronch-” (for bronchial) and “-itis” (inflammation). The inflammation may cause you to experience shortness of breath, chest discomfort, and a frequent cough. You might also have an increased production of mucus. Fever and chills are possible as well.

Acute bronchitis occurs from a respiratory infection, such as a cold. This infection causes short-term inflammation and tends to last for 10 days or fewer. You may, however, continue to have a residual cough for another several weeks.

On the other hand, chronic bronchitis is a longer-lasting infection. You may have spells off and on. This should be addressed by a family medicine provider so that the underlying condition doesn’t worsen into a more serious infection.

When Your Cough May Be Bronchitis

Generally, you should visit a family medicine provider if you have a cough that has lasted for more than two weeks or has become progressively worse. You also should seek medical attention if your cough interferes with your sleep, if you’re coughing up blood, or if you’re having shortness of breath, wheezing, or chest discomfort.

Do not hesitate to see a family medicine provider for any unusual symptoms. It is always more prudent to overreact than to underreact when it comes to your health.

How Is Bronchitis Diagnosed?

The common cold, the flu (the influenza virus), allergies, asthma, and pneumonia all share similar symptoms, so your primary care provider will need to conduct a thorough examination to determine an accurate diagnosis.

Your family medicine provider will listen to your lungs through a stethoscope. You may also need to have an X-ray in order to narrow down the cause or to rule out certain factors.

With the COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) virus as another possibility, do not be alarmed if you are being checked for that virus as well. Rest assured that all of these illnesses have viable treatments available to treat your symptoms and to address the underlying condition.

Primary Care Provider in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach

A cough may start out as seemingly harmless, but a relentless cough may indicate bronchitis or another type of respiratory issue. Be sure to see an experienced medical provider as soon as possible so that your condition doesn’t develop into pneumonia.

With offices conveniently located in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Advanced Medical Clinic is here for you and your whole family. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call our friendly staff today at (561) 434-1935 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to seeing you!

Why You Should Tell Your Family Medicine Provider About Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile dysfunction can impact various aspects of your life, especially on your relationship. But more than the impacts, it may also indicate a serious medical condition. Therefore, even if you feel self-conscious and don’t want to speak with a medical professional, you should muster up the courage to visit a practitioner who specializes in erectile dysfunction Royal Palm Beach or erectile dysfunction Wellington.

Emotional Well-Being

Erectile dysfunction, also known as ED, can cause a great deal of worry. You’ll start wondering if you’ll be able to fully regain sexual function.

It will make you feel fearful of sexual encounters with your partner. In some cases, it may cause you to have low self-esteem and make you feel overly self-conscious.

These negative feelings can affect your future sexual endeavors since psychological factors can inhibit your ability to achieve and maintain an erection.

Impact on Your Relationship

Even if your partner wouldn’t mention it, he or she may feel neglected. It’s also possible that your partner will feel that you find her/him undesirable. He or she may also feel like the problem stems from something he or she did or didn’t do.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is known as a silent killer because it doesn’t always cause symptoms. However, your erectile dysfunction could be a sign that your blood is forcefully pushing against your arterial walls.

This condition can damage your heart and blood vessels when left untreated. It also increases your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

The reason hypertension causes ED is because it reduces blood flow in some men, which makes it more difficult to achieve an erection. Sometimes, high blood pressure will decrease your sexual desires and hinder your ability to ejaculate.

A Sign of Have Heart Disease

Heart disease is a generalized term that describes conditions that affect your heart and blood vessels, such as coronary artery disease. Conditions that affect your heart’s rhythm also classify as heart disease. When left untreated, you can have a heart attack or stroke from these conditions.

While you may experience symptoms like chest fluttering, shortness of breath, and chest pain, ED can be a sign as well. It causes ED because it limits blood flow to your penis. Research indicates a link between heart disease and damage to blood vessel’s interlining and the smooth muscle, which affects the blood supply to your heart and ultimately to your penis.

Complication from Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition when your blood sugar levels are too high. When you have diabetes, you may feel frequently tired, develop skin problems, and experience excessive hunger.

When you don’t receive diabetes treatment, the uncontrolled high glucose levels can damage your heart and kidneys. Your risk for a stroke or heart attack increases as well.

Diabetes can damage your nerves and blood vessels when not well manage, thus interfering with your ability to obtain and maintain an erection.

High Cholesterol

High cholesterol flows through your blood. It has a waxy texture and can build up in your blood and hinder the ability of your blood to flow normally. Unfortunately, it may cause a heart attack or stroke.

With this condition, you won’t know you have it because it doesn’t cause any symptoms. Therefore, the only sign you may have is erectile dysfunction.

High cholesterol causes erectile dysfunction because it can cause atherosclerosis – a narrowing of your blood vessels. As a result, blood can’t flow to your penis properly.

Why Visit a Wellington Family Practice for ED Treatment

Even if you’ve learned to live with your erectile dysfunction, you should still visit a family practitioner in Wellington or Royal Palm Beach. Not only does it affect your life and mental health, but you might also have ED as a sign of an underlying condition.

At Advanced Medical Clinic, our practitioners recognize the dangers of erectile dysfunction. Each one of us listens with an open, non-judgmental ear and finds a solution for you. We also take the time to assess you for underlying health conditions.

Book an appointment with Advanced Medical Clinic, serving Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, and the surrounding Florida area, for erectile dysfunction treatment and an assessment for any possible conditions that are contributing to the problem. Call us at (561) 434-1935 or use our online form.

Tips for Alleviating Migraine Pain

A migraine is not a headache, as anybody who suffers from it can tell you. A migraine is a neurological disease that affects the nerve pathways and chemicals in your brain. For migraine sufferers, just the thought of a migraine coming on can send shivers down their spine for it is more intense and disabling compared to a headache. Migraine attacks can result in lost work days and make you miss out on activities that are important to you. Anyone who suffers from migraine can never get enough tips for alleviating the pain.

What Does a Migraine Feel Like

Migraine pain is that throbbing on one side of the head that causes sensitivity to lights, sound, and nausea. Many migraine sufferers go through four stages: prodrome, aura, attack, and post-drome. Women are more likely to experience migraines more than men, due to hormonal fluctuations. Migraines affect approximately 28 million women in the United States. Estrogen medication may trigger migraines, so if you are on estrogen therapy, you may want to ask your family medicine provider for alternatives.

Preventing an Attack

Treatments for migraine pain often focus on the period before it becomes a full-blown attack. Medication such as Ibuprofen taken before the onset of a migraine can help prevent the need to just lie down in a dark room until the symptoms pass, which could take days. A migraine could last 24 to 72 hours. Healthy habits and lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency of migraines in some people. Family medicine providers recommend that you avoid skipping meals, which is a common migraine trigger, along with lack of sleep and high-stress levels.

Alleviating the Pain

To alleviate migraine pain, avoid bright lights, loud noise, and abrupt movements and place a hot or cold compress on the neck or head to help relieve the symptoms.

Medical treatments  and medications to prevent an attack are available for patients with migraines. Other than ibuprofen, prescription medication such as triptans can block pain pathways in the brain. Botox injections are approved for treating chronic migraine sufferers and block the transmission of pain signals, preventing migraine attacks. The effects of Botox injections can last for up to 12 weeks.

A very small percentage of people who get migraines receive appropriate care. If you suffer from migraines, a family medicine provider can help treat your symptoms and prevent future episodes. To make the most of your visit to the family medicine provider, keep a migraine diary where you can jot down details that can help you with information such as your migraine triggers and which types of treatment offer relief.

Family Medicine Provider in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida

Dr. Ishan Gunawardene is an internal medicine provider dedicated to helping his patients live their best lives. Migraines can impact your quality of life, and Dr. Gunawardene uses a combination of medicine,alternative therapies, and behavioral techniques to treat patients with chronic migraines.

Talk to Dr. Gunawardene about your symptoms and he will create a customized treatment plan just for you. To schedule a consultation, call (561) 434-1935 or request an appointment online now.

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure in Women

Dubbed the “silent killer,” high blood pressure is something that can truly sneak up on you. It is not uncommon for people with high blood pressure to say that their condition came out of nowhere, and that they had no idea that they had a problem.

Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure rarely produces symptoms. However, the damage is ongoing – and if left untreated, it may lead to a heart attack or stroke. Many people who suffer a heart attack or stroke are only finding out about their hypertension after the incident.

Plus, many women tend to think of heart problems as being much more of an issue in men, but it is actually almost as prevalent among women. Among American women between the ages of 20 and 34, around 13% have hypertension. This figure dramatically rises to 86% by the time they reach their mid-70s.

What Is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure is the overly forceful pumping of the blood against the arterial walls. The arteries are the blood vessels that carry oxygen- and nutrient-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body, and the veins are the vessels that take the depleted blood back to the heart. Blood pressure only measures the pressure in the arteries.

The blood pressure in people who have this condition reads over 130 systolic (pressure in arteries when the heart beats) and greater than 80 diastolic (pressure in arteries while the heart is at rest). This indicates that your heart is working too hard. The hypertension eventually damages your heart, brain, eyes, blood vessels, and other organs.

Risk Factors and Symptoms of Hypertension in Women

If you are female and have a family history of high blood pressure, and if you are overweight or menopausal, then you are at a greater risk of developing high blood pressure. Don’t wait for a stroke, heart attack, or heart failure before becoming proactive about your blood pressure and heart health.

There are very few who experience symptoms of high blood pressure. But among those who do, they report experiencing one or more of the following:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Blood spots in the eyes
  • Facial flushing
  • Nosebleeds

Treating High Blood Pressure

Fortunately, high blood pressure is highly treatable. You can take steps to lower your blood pressure, such as:

  • Taking medication your family medicine provider may prescribe
  • Increasing your physical activity
  • Getting down to a normal weight
  • Reducing your salt intake
  • Quitting smoking
  • Reducing your consumption of alcohol
  • Managing your stress levels

Certain underlying health conditions can put you at an increased risk of developing high blood pressure. Diabetes, kidney disease, thyroid problems, and obstructive sleep apnea are known risk factors and should be properly managed or treated.

Primary Care Provider in Royal Palm Beach and Wellington

As part of your annual checkup, your primary care family medicine provider will take your blood pressure to check whether it’s normal or elevated. Although high blood pressure is very common, it need not be your reality.

Dr. Ishan Gunawardene is a trusted internal medicine family medicine provider providing superior primary care to his patients here in Palm Beach County. He can help you get your blood pressure under control and on the road to excellent heart health.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Gunawardene, contact our friendly team today by calling us at (561) 434-1935, or request an appointment now by filling out our online form. We look forward to being your healthcare partner!

Facts About Heart Disease

Heart disease, also known as cardiovascular disease, is the leading cause of death of men and women in the United States. It is a serious condition that occurs when the heart and blood vessels do not function properly. It, According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 17.9 million people worldwide die each year from heart disease, representing 31% of all global deaths.

It is usually referred to as a “silent threat” because many people do not experience any symptoms until a heart attack or stroke occurs. Around 1 in 5 heart attacks occur without the person being aware that they even had a heart condition. Cardiovascular symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath, pain or numbness in your arms or legs, confusion, loss of consciousness, and blurred vision require immediate emergency medical attention.

What Causes Heart Disease?

The most common cause of heart disease is the narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This canlead to a heart attack, angina (chest pain) or stroke. Other forms of heart disease can affect the heart muscle, valves, or rhythm. Many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated successfully with lifestyle changes and making healthier choices.

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)

This is the most common type of heart disease, with approximately 18.2 million adults aged 20 and over living with the disease. It develops when the major blood vessels are damaged which can cause them to narrow or get blocked, obstructing blood flow to the heart. Other causes of heart disease are high blood pressure, heart valve problems, abnormal heart rhythms, and infections or toxins that weaken the heart. Cholesterol-containing fatty deposits, known as plaquethat can build up in the arteries, and inflammation are to blame for the condition.

Reducing Risk Factors for Heart Disease

Certain medical conditions and lifestyle choices can put people at higher risk for heart disease and it is believed that around half of Americans have at least one key risk factor, which can include:

  • High blood pressure
  • High blood cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Being overweight/obesity
  • Smoking
  • Physical inactivity
  • Poor diet
  • Excessive alcohol consumption

A heart disease can be life threatening, but many heart attacks and strokes can be avoided. The American Heart Association states that 80% of cases can be prevented by avoiding tobacco use, maintaining a healthy diet, taking regular exercise, and having regular health checks. For the average individual, maintaining a healthy weight, not smoking, and controlling blood sugar, pressure and cholesterol levels, can add 10 years to their lifespan and reverse certain risk factors for heart disease.

While a heart disease can usually be treated with lifestyle changes and medications, surgery may be required depending on the type of heart condition being diagnosed.

Advanced Health Care in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida

At Advanced Medical, we diagnose and treat heart disease, including coronary artery disease, along with many other medical conditions and urgent care needs. For your convenience, we offer advanced and customized treatment options for people of all ages, and can offer many on-site services such as an electrocardiogram (EKG) echocardiography, and pulmonary function testing.

If you are looking for quality medical care, turn to board-certified internist Dr. Gunawardene at one of our convenient locations in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida. For more information, call us today at (561) 434-1935, or you can request an appointment online.

6 Causes of Serious Headaches

The pain from headaches and migraines can interfere with your daily life. You might not function at work as you should. The discomfort may even disrupt the time you spend with your family. When you understand the causes of serious headaches, you will know when you should visit a primary care provider or someone who is an expert in Wellington family practice. The most common causes are:

1. Brain Infection

A brain infection, though not a common cause of serious headache, is a problem that can cause serious complications. Therefore, you should take notice if you have a serious headache accompanied by any of these symptoms:

  • Delayed Speech
  • Vision Changes
  • Muscle Function Changes
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Chills

A brain infection usually stems from one of the following microbes:

  • Virus
  • >Bacteria
  • Fungi

2. Hormone Headaches

If you’re a woman, you may experience hormone-related headaches triggered by changes in your estrogen levels. For example, you may notice your headaches occur before your menstrual cycle. Pregnancy, perimenopause, birth control medications, and menopause can all cause serious headaches due to hormone changes.

Hormone headaches in men can occur as well. Specifically, men who have low testosterone levels are more likely to experience chronic migraines than men with normal testosterone levels.

3. Hemicrania Continua

This particular type of headache usually causes moderate pain, but you can experience bouts of severe pain. Keep in mind that the headaches from hemicrania continua happen daily, and you won’t have any periods without pain. In some cases, this type of headache will cause migraine-like symptoms like sensitivity to light, nausea, and vomiting.

The cause of hemicrania continua isn’t known, but a specialist in family medicine Royal Palm Beach can prescribe a medication to manage your pain and other symptoms.

4. Sleep Deprivation

Your body requires an adequate amount of sleep to function normally. When you don’t receive enough sleep, you may develop headaches or migraines during the times when you lack sleep.

Moreover, sleep and headache disorders both rely on the same brain structures, which make you more prone to serious headaches.

5. High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, classifies as a silent condition because it doesn’t cause any symptoms. However, when your blood pressure levels unusually rise , you may develop a severe headache.

Generally, mild or moderate hypertension won’t cause headaches, which is when your blood pressure is between 140 to 159 over 90 to 99 or 160 to 179 over 100 to 190.

6. Meningitis

Meningitis is a term that describes inflammation  of the membranes surrounding your spinal cord and brain. In the United States, a majority of cases start with a viral infection.

The initial symptoms of meningitis often mirror symptoms of the flu. Your neck could feel stiff, and you may even experience excessive sleepiness. Severe headaches and headaches accompanied by nausea and vomiting could occur, too.

A primary care provider at Royal Palm Beach can diagnose and treat severe headaches. Therefore, you can go back to living your normal life without the debilitating headaches that interfere with your daily life.

Contact Advanced Medical PA — a family medicine practice that serves Wellington and the surrounding Florida area — today for relief from your serious headaches. Call us at (561) 315-4172. While we’d love to speak to you personally, for your convenience, you can also use our online appointment form.

5 Mistakes That May Be Sabotaging Your Hand Washing

Our hands are in contact with our surroundings more than any other body part. The COVID-19 pandemic has brought several red flags to light when it comes to maintaining proper hygiene, most notably with hand washing. To prevent the spread of contagious diseases and reduce exposure to bacteria, viruses, and germs, frequent and proper handwashing is a must.

Do you want to know if you are washing your hands properly? Avoid these five major mistakes that may be sabotaging your hand washing.

#1 Washing Your Hands Too Quickly

Many of us are guilty of being inconsistent when it comes to washing our hands. We flip open the faucet, rinse for a second or two, get a few squirts of soap, rinse for a couple of seconds, and then go off to the next activity of the day.

You should be washing your hands for at least 20 seconds—twice the length of the Happy Birthday song—to eliminate harmful germs from your hands and prevent illness. Make sure you get in between your fingers, the backs of your hands, and under your nails, too.

#2 Touching Dirty Surfaces or Items After a Wash

After washing your hands, make sure not to touch surfaces or objects that may contain germs or bacteria, such as the faucet or door handle. These surfaces can contain a lot of germs, especially in public restrooms. This mistake may be the hardest to avoid because of how inconvenient it can be to correct it. To avoid touching dirty surfaces after washing your hands, have paper towels on-hand or a clean towel to dry your hands and turn the faucet off as well as to open the door as you exit.

#3 Not Washing Your Hands Regularly

Think of a typical day and try to recall how many things you touch. Think about how many other people also touch these objects or surfaces and the germs you may be picking up as a result. You can easily infect yourself when you touch your eyes, nose, or mouth with germ-infested hands.

To limit the germs we pick up and transfer, we must all practice frequent hand washing. Try your best to wash your hands before and after meals, when you clean wounds, and after you have touched an object that may be a breeding ground for bacteria, viruses, or germs. Also clean your hands after you touch your pets, handle garbage, use the toilet, cough, sneeze, or blow your nose.

#4 Using Hand Sanitizer Instead of Hand Washing

Do not let the product descriptions and marketing ploys fool you. Traditional hand washing is still better in getting rid of the germs and bacteria on your hands. Thorough soaping and rinsing are more effective and can remove harmful things you have collected on your hands much better than hand sanitizer can.

If there is no other choice but to use hand sanitizer, make sure that it contains at least 60% alcohol. Hand sanitizers with an alcohol concentration of over 60% are more effective at killing germs.

#5 Not Using Soap at All

This is a mistake committed by many people and one you should do your best to avoid. Merely rinsing with water will not get rid of the oil on your hands, where germs often stick. When washing your hands, make sure to lather your hands with soap, scrub them well, and rinse off the soap, oils, and germs.

Improve Your Hand Washing Technique to Prevent the Spread of Germs and Disease

Hand washing is an often overlooked aspect of maintaining proper hygiene and preventing the spread of viruses and contagious diseases. However, it is a major defender against sickness. We all want to stay healthy, therefore, we must observe proper hand hygiene and avoid the mistakes that defeat the purpose of hand washing. Clean your hands often and properly to avoid the coronavirus and other diseases and keep you and your family safe.

Primary Care in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida

You must stay vigilant and look out for your health and the health of your family. If you live in Florida, the providers at Advanced Medical Clinic can assist you when you get sick. We offer family-oriented and comprehensive care for your health care needs. Get in touch with us today. If you have inquiries or you wish to schedule a consultation, call us at (561) 434-1935 or book an appointment online.

Main Causes of Obesity in Children

Childhood obesity has reached epidemic levels in the developed world, with over 30% of children in the U.S. being classified as overweight or obese. Although children have fewer weight-related health conditions than adults do, overweight kids are more likely to stay overweight into adulthood – thereby putting them at risk of developing chronic health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes.

Children can become overweight for a number of reasons. Although it can sometimes result from a medical condition, there is growing evidence to suggest that external factors, such as lifestyle and parental behavioral characteristics, can lead to unhealthy eating patterns and a lack of exercise in children. These invariably play a significant part in childhood obesity.

Let’s talk about some of these factors and how they can contribute to an overweight child:

Lack of Physical Activity in Children

Obesity often results from an imbalance between the food that we eat (the energy intake) and our level of physical activity (our energy expenditure). If we consume more calories than we need for our level of physical activity, then this may cause us to gain weight.

People with a sedentary lifestyle require far fewer calories than do those who are very physically active. In recent years, video-viewing, gaming, and the use of electronic devices among children has increased dramatically – naturally leading to a significant reduction in exercise and an increase in obesity.

There has also been a decline in physical activity among children due to concerns about safety. Whereas in previous years children rode their bikes all around and played in the street with their friends, this has become less frequent particularly due to increased concerns about child predators. This means that parents are now more likely to drive their children everywhere and to give them fewer opportunities to get out and just have fun.

High-Fat, High-Carbohydrate, Low-Protein Diet

Nowadays, families rely heavily on convenience, which can influence meals. Busy family life and work-related demands can mean parents have less time and energy to prepare healthy meals for their families; fast food is often an inexpensive and convenient option. However, fast food often contains higher levels of calories, fat, and carbohydrates, and lower levels of essential nutrients and protein – which is a combination that can easily cause weight gain.

Children often copy their parents’ and peers’ food preferences, which can have an impact on their diet and nutrition. If a child is repeatedly exposed to (and provided with) healthy food choices from an early age, they are more likely to maintain a healthier diet. For example, offer them almonds and dried banana slices rather than corn-based chips – and enjoy the snack along with them to reinforce the positive nutritional behavior.

Eating Behaviors and Snacking

Mealtime structures can also affect diet and nutrition. Studies have shown that eating out or eating meals in front of the TV is associated with consuming a higher intake of calories and fat, as compared to families who eat together around the table at dinnertime.

Unhealthy snack choices can also be a contributing factor to the rise in childhood obesity. Advertising for unhealthy foods such as sugary cereals, fattening snacks, and sweetened drinks is believed to have a significant impact on a child’s diet, encouraging the consumption of unhealthy, fattening foods, resulting in weight gain and unhealthy eating habits.

Genetic Factors and Family Lifestyle

Although genetic factors – such as a low metabolism – may play a role in childhood obesity, it is generally believed to be more of a contributing factor alongside behavioral factors rather than a sole cause of obesity itself.

Family behavioral tendencies can also have an influence on weight gain in children. For example, physically active parents are more likely to encourage their children to take part in regular exercise.

Family Nutrition in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach

If you have concerns about your child’s weight, the friendly medical team at Advanced Medical Clinic is here for you. Our pediatric nutrition services are designed to address many healthy eating concerns, including childhood obesity, diabetes (type 1 and type 2 diabetes), eating disorders, maternity health, and proper nutrition for healthy living.

For more information about our pediatric healthcare services or to schedule an appointment, contact us today by calling our friendly staff at (561) 434-1935 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping your whole family enjoy a healthy lifestyle!

When to Visit a Family Medicine Provider for Hand and Wrist Pain

The hand is a complex part of the body, made up of many small bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves, and other structures to allow them to perform a number of intricate movements. The hand and wrist are therefore quite vulnerable to many injuries and conditions which can cause pain and reduced function.

If you have hand and wrist pain that doesn’t seem to be improving despite home remedies (such as taking over-the-counter pain-relief medicine), you should visit a family medicine provider for a medical evaluation – because delaying treatment may allow the problem to become worse. Let’s talk about when you will know that it is indeed necessary to see a family medicine provider for your aching hand and wrist.

When Should I See a Family Medicine Provider About Hand Pain?

Some hand and wrist conditions and injuries are short-term and may go away on their own or with resting the area. But other conditions warrant further investigation and treatment from a family medicine provider in order to have a successful outcome.

You should visit your family medicine provider if:

  • Symptoms don’t improve with rest and ice therapy
  • You experience pain or discomfort even when the hand is not moving
  • You have a reduced range of motion in the hand, wrist, and/or fingers
  • Pain, swelling, or hand/wrist function is getting worse rather than better
  • You have signs of infection (redness, heat, fever, or chills)
  • You experience tingling or numbness regularly in your hands
  • Normal, everyday activities are causing pain or are becoming increasingly difficult
  • Simple treatments and over-the-counter medication do not help

Some symptoms require urgent treatment by a family medicine provider, as they may indicate a fracture or dislocation. Signs may include severe pain, swelling, bruising, an obvious sudden deformity, or an inability to move your hand, wrist, or fingers normally.

Common Causes of Hand and Wrist Pain

There are many potential causes of hand and wrist pain, but some of the most common causes include the following:

Arthritis

The technical definition of arthritis is inflammation in one or more joints. Arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, and the hand is one of the most common parts of the body to be affected by arthritis.

Arthritis can get worse over time if left untreated. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, as it results from wear-and-tear of the protective cartilage covering the ends of the bones in a joint. If the cartilage has worn down or worn away, it causes painful bone-on-bone rubbing. This can happen to young athletes and active older adults alike.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that affects the hand and wrist. It occurs when the median nerve in the wrist becomes compressed or entrapped, preventing it from functioning properly. The median nerve carries messages between the brain, spinal cord, and hand, and signals for sensation and muscle movement. Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome include pain and numbness in the hand and fingers – potentially all fingers except the pinkie.

Tendonitis

Tendons are the strong fibers that connect muscles to bones. When a tendon is inflamed, this is tendonitis – which can result when the tendons are irritated in some way.

Tendonitis most frequently develops in the wrist and hand because of overuse, injury, structural abnormalities, or disease, such as arthritis or diabetes. It affects the normal smooth movement of the fingers or wrist, leading to symptoms such as pain, swelling, tenderness, and reduced function in the affected tendon.

Primary Care Provider in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach

If you have hand or wrist pain, the compassionate and skilled medical team at Advanced Medical Clinic is here to provide the proper and necessary treatment to alleviate your pain. We offer comprehensive treatment options and a high standard of patient-centered primary and urgent care services for all of your family’s medical needs.

If you would like to make an appointment with one of our experienced healthcare providers, or to learn more about the services we offer, call us today at (561) 434-1935 or you can request an appointment via our online form now. We look forward to serving you!