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Family Medicine

Why Do You Need to Have a Family Medicine Doctor?

It would help if you saw a specialist when an issue particular to your body’s organ or system arises. However, what about the times when you aren’t aware of what’s going on with your body that’s causing your symptoms; you want to take care of the overall health of not only yourself but also your family; you need advice specific to your situation? A family medicine doctor is a medical professional who can be an answer for most such healthcare situations for you and your family. A family medicine doctor is trained to provide all sorts of care to patients of all ages for long-term – medical emergencies are an exception.

So, there is no reason not to have a family doctor caring for you (even if you don’t have a family), but there are many reasons why you should have one. Let’s talk about those reasons.

Reason #1 All Primary Care Needs of You and Your Family Can Be Addressed Under One Roof

As a primary care doctor, a family doctor can offer primary health care – providing treatment for common health complaints, the management of long-term illnesses such as heart disease, asthma, and diabetes, and prevention of future illnesses through advice, screening programs, and immunization – to people of all ages. A family doctor can also perform minor surgical procedures such as draining abscesses.

Since they master specific skill sets such as women’s health, geriatrics, obstetrics, and more, during their training, their office is the first stop of patients of all ages – from newborns to senior citizens – for primary health care needs. They also keep track of your family life cycle to provide you with comprehensive care.

Reason #2 You Can Connect with Specialists Timely and Easily

Your family doctor can indeed do a lot for you, but they can’t do everything, especially if your problem is related to a particular body system or organ, let’s say the heart. Only a specialist of an organ or system can treat such problems. Finding a trustworthy specialist within your budget and reliable can be stressful for you and your family.

Having a family doctor means your problem will be detected early, and you don’t have to be worried about finding a specialist. Family doctors are likely to have a relationship with many specialists and can refer you to the one you can be comfortable with. Moreover, they can also help you set an appointment with your new doctor without wasting much time.

Reason #3 You Can Get Better Health and Save Money at The Same Time

There’s no secret that healthcare can be pretty expensive, as is evident from the fact that even a short trip to the emergency room can cost you and your family a great deal of money. However, there is ample evidence that having a family doctor can significantly reduce healthcare spending.

A family doctor does so(reduce your healthcare spending)by keeping track of your health and preventing serious issues from developing, which could otherwise make you spend an extreme amount at the hospital or emergency room.

Family Medicine Doctor Near Me in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida

At Advanced Medical Clinic, our nurse practitioner Shariffa Gunawardene provides comprehensive, evidence-based, and personalized care that you need to return your family to health and keep you well. Because of her comprehensive and compassionate care, you or your family members with acute or chronic illnesses can live healthier lives. To make an accurate diagnosis, we also offer on-site conveniences, including pulmonary function tests, EKG, echocardiography, and blood draw.

If you have a question about our services or would like to schedule an appointment with our doctors, call our staff today at  (561) 434-1935 or complete our secure online appointment request form now. We look forward to serving you!

 

What Is Unique About Family Medicine?

There are so many doctors today who specialize in specific areas of medicine – such as orthopedics (the musculoskeletal system), neurology (the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system), endocrinology (secretions, especially of hormones, such as insulin), and ophthalmology (the eyes). However, you will ideally have a general practitioner who will not only keep track of all your reports from your various specialists, but also administer vaccinations and perform bloodwork and a urinalysis to check for any new infections or diseases at your annual checkup.

General practitioners (GPs) for adults are called internists, and GPs for children are called pediatricians. Bringing it all together are family medicine practitioners, who can treat health issues of all kinds and in people of all ages.

The broad scope of family medicine is what makes it unique, and you don’t have to have a family to see a family medicine provider. Let’s talk about what is involved in family medicine, what sets it apart from other medical specialties, and where you can go in Wellington to see an outstanding family practitioner who can help you stay healthy.

Primary Care for All Ages

Family medicine providers can care for every member of the family, from infants to the elderly. They administer annual checkups, monitor chronic illnesses, and make sure that a patient doesn’t have new medications that have contraindications with each other – meaning that they counteract, rendering them unhelpful or even harmful to your body.

Comprehensive and Preventive Care

With their breadth of experience, family medicine practitioners are able to provide comprehensive care to patients throughout their lifetime. They are able to tailor each patient’s treatment plan according to the patient’s unique needs and preferences.

Family practitioners address various aspects of a patient’s overall health, such as:

  • Sleep
  • Energy levels
  • Nutrition
  • Blood pressure
  • Weight
  • Mental health
  • Mobility
  • Chronic conditions
  • Injury prevention
  • Pain relief
  • Memory

Family medicine practitioners provide preventive care, which includes health screenings, immunizations, and wellness checks. The healthcare provider will spend time with you and listen to what you have to say about health and wellness concerns.

Baseline Healthcare Practitioner

Medical specialists focus on their specialty alone, they don’t administer flu shots and check all of your vitals for other health conditions. However, primary care providers such as family practitioners act as coordinators of your overall care, making sure you get the treatment you need, and may refer you to specialists if necessary in order for you to reach optimal health and wellness.

Family Medicine Practitioner in Wellington, FL

Here at Advanced Medical Clinic, our staff is highly experienced and provides exceptional, compassionate primary care for the whole family. Our family medicine practitioner is Shariffa Gunawardene, and she treats patients with a preventive approach and a treatment approach – including helping you manage injuries and illnesses. She is known in Palm Beach County for her compassionate nature and her commitment to your health.

For any questions or to schedule an appointment with Nurse Practitioner Gunawardene, call our Wellington primary care clinic today at (561) 434-1935 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to being your family healthcare provider!

 

Family Practice vs. General Practice: What’s the difference?

With so many advanced types of doctors and medical specializations, it’s no wonder people get them confused so often. You probably know what kind of doctor you need for heart disease or joint pain, but what about those times when you don’t have an idea what’s causing your symptoms? Do you go to your family practice or general practice? What exactly is the difference between these two practices?

Let’s explore the difference between family practice and general practice, the types of services they provide, and the patients they attend to.

Family Practice vs. General Practice

Family practice is a clinic of doctors that offer primary medical care. To get family practitioner services, you register with a family practice. Your family doctor gets to know your entire medical history, as well as your family’s, and becomes your partner in maintaining overall health and wellness. Family medicine doctors provide care to all patients irrespective of their age.

General practice is similar to urgent care or a general health clinic. General practitioners offer general medical services to patients of all ages but do not typically specialize in a particular area. Besides treating your medical condition, your GP also identifies the areas that need continued care from a specialist.

Specialization and services from family practice vs. general practice

In medicine, family practice is a specialty field. Your family medicine doctor receives specialized training in diagnosing and treating the entire range of medical conditions that affect all family members. Since family medicine doctors focus on the whole family’s needs, they often receive training in pediatrics, geriatrics, obstetrics, and gynecology. They offer a wide range of urgent care, sick, and preventive care services, including:

  • Asthma and allergies
  • Chronic conditions, including high blood pressure, bronchitis, and diabetes (type 1 and type 2)
  • Physicals for school, sports, camp, employment, and insurance
  • Coughs, colds, and flu treatment
  • DOT physicals
  • Tonsillitis
  • Strep throat
  • Weight management
  • Health-risk assessments
  • Family planning
  • Immunizations
  • Whiplash and other auto-accident/workers’ comp trauma
  • Women’s health, including gynecologic exams and preventive care

A general practitioner is a doctor who works in clinical settings such as urgent care centers, hospitals, and clinics.  They diagnose and treat a wide range of medical issues. General practitioners do not specialize in any particular area. Your general practitioner will keep your clinical record, which helps him refer you to a specialist. Your general practitioner can also perform minor suturing and wound treatment.

General practice clinics have labs and diagnostic machines to perform medical testing to further diagnose certain conditions. Their main goal is to treat you and keep you out of the hospital.

Types of patients

A family practice offers care for your entire family unit: male and female adults and children of all ages. Family doctors offer care to patients of all ages throughout their lives. They offer care to multiple generations at the same time.

A general practitioner also sees patients of all ages but for milder diseases, such as the common cold, affecting the entire body. Once treated, you are less likely to visit a general practitioner over and over again.

Wellington Family Practice, FL

Seeing a family doctor frequently is linked to better health outcomes. If you don’t have one yet, Wellington Family practice is accepting patients. At Advanced Medical Clinic, our board-certified family practitioners are dedicated to delivering compassionate, patient-oriented, and evidence-based care to you and your family.

To learn more about the services we offer, or to arrange a visit, call us today at (561) 434-1935, or you can request an appointment online. We offer same-day and walk-in appointments for your convenience.

Benefits Of Going To A Family Medicine Practice

A family medicine practice offers many benefits to individuals and families seeking a doctor for primary care services. A primary care doctor is your first point of contact for medical care. This is the first physician you see when you get sick, need a check-up or vaccine, or want to get your symptoms evaluated.

With different types of primary care doctors to choose from, it’s important that you know what makes family medicine physicians a top choice for most people. Here are some of the biggest benefits of going to a family medicine practice.

Convenience

Family medicine physicians are trained and experienced in seeing patients of all ages. If you have a family, this can be extremely convenient for you. Instead of having different primary care doctors for yourself, your children, and your parents, everyone can be seen at a family medicine practice. This can translate into significant saved time, money, and energy. For instance, you can schedule annual check-ups or the flu shot for the entire family at the same time and place.

Familiarity with Family Medical History

Another important benefit of being part a family medicine practice is that you and your family members will be taken care of long-term. For instance, if a certain illness runs in your family, your family medicine doctor will be on the lookout when caring for your parents, you, and your children. Your doctor will understand how the health of your parents can influence your health, and how your health can influence your children’s health. An example of this is heart disease, colon cancer, and diabetes – all of which can be passed down in families. Having a physician with insight into your entire family’s health history is invaluable.

Continuity of Care

Another benefit of seeing a family care doctor is continuity of care for you and your family. A family medicine doctor can treat patients of all ages, from newborns to geriatric patients. This means your children can see their childhood doctor when they become adults without any issues. It also means that you won’t have to change doctors as you get older and your healthcare needs change. Due to their experience in providing primary care for all age groups, a family medicine doctor will be able to take care of you at every stage of life.

Personalized Preventative Care

Getting treatment for illnesses is not the only reason to visit a family medicine practice. When it comes to your health, prevention is always the key. Your family doctor is your partner in maintaining your overall health and well-being. They can recognize patterns in your health over time and see which illnesses you are prone to develop. So, the care they give will be tailor-fitted to your needs.

Here at Advanced Medical Clinic in Wellington, we have a holistic approach to health. Our services go far beyond simply treating illnesses as they sprout up, and include:

●      Weight control and nutritional guidance

●      Techniques in managing stress and depression

●      Contraception and fertility counseling

●      Strategies on how to maximize physical exercise

Diagnostic Services

Family medicine practices are equipped to provide diagnostic services that are commonly required for primary care. Examples of diagnostic services you can take advantage of at a family medicine practice include:

●      Blood draws

●      EKG

●      Echocardiography

●      Pulmonary function testing

●      MRIs

●      CT scans

Family Practice in Wellington, FL

If you’re looking for excellent primary care from a family practice in Wellington, FL, your search is over. Advanced Medical Clinic is a leading facility for family health. Our team of providers focuses on achieving optimal health for you and your family. We do this by administering compassionate and patient-centered care.

We have offices conveniently located in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida. If you want to visit us or learn more about our services, give us a call at (561) 434-1935. You can also request an appointment online.

How Do I Find the Right Family Doctor for Me?

Having a family doctor, as research shows, is linked to better health outcomes. But there’s one other great reason to have a family physician, and that is the doctor-patient relationship you can rely on for your and your family’s healthcare needs over the long term.

If you don’t have a family doctor or are not at ease with whom you’re currently seeing, now is the time to find a new one—one you can see yourself establishing a lifelong relationship with. Don’t wait till you or a family member gets ill. Pressure and illness can cause you to make a hasty, uninformed decision.

Here are some simple tips to help you streamline your search for the right family doctor for you.

o   Gather several recommendations.

The first step in finding the best family doctor is to get lots of referrals.

Ask your family, relatives, friends, and colleagues. Word-of-mouth recommendations are inherently reliable, as they come from people you personally know and trust.

You can also get referrals from other medical practitioners. Talk to your dentist or therapist. They possibly work with general practitioners, so they are in a position to recommend a family doctor who fits your family’s needs. 

o   Do an internet search.

The World Wide Web is replete with resources that can help you find the right family doctor for you.  You can find information about the practice’s business hours and the doctor’s credentials on their website.

Additionally, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) website has a helpful database that allows you to verify the practitioner’s board certification status, the number of years they have spent in practice, and whether they have any medical malpractice history. 

o   Check their location.

Distance is one important factor that many tend to overlook. Twenty miles may only seem like a quick ride, but if you need to take time off work to drive there, then it can be inconvenient.

There are big advantages to having a family doctor whose office is located close to where you live or work. This lessens the burden of having to travel far and ensures you have fewer hindrances to showing up for your appointments.

o   Read reviews.

In this day and age, it is very easy to find out about a medical practitioner’s reputation. Online reviews, though not necessarily a deciding factor, can help you make an informed decision with greater confidence.

You can find the answers to your own questions about the attitude of the doctor or the staff, quality of services, and wait times by reading reviews, which you can find either on the practice’s website and/or social media page.    

o   Schedule a visit.

This is a great way to ascertain the family doctor’s bedside manner and communication style, both of which have a huge impact on your confidence in their care and expertise as well as your overall experience.

Talk to the family doctors you have on your list and observe whether they have a soothing bedside manner and communicate effectively.

Are they able to explain complex medical concepts? Do they answer all your questions politely? Do you feel comfortable talking to them? If you answer no to any of these questions, it might be a sign that they may not be the right one for you.

Family Medicine Provider in Wellington, FL

If you’re searching for the right family doctor in the Wellington area in Florida, visit us at Advanced Medical Clinic for a consultation with our board-certified nurse practitioner, Shariffa Gunawardene. She is as equipped to provide you and your family with the highest quality of primary care services— the very same one you get from a family doctor in Wellington. 

Call us at (561) 434-1935 to set an appointment with our highly qualified family medicine provider. You can also use our convenient online request form.

Top Questions To Ask Your Family Doctor

Having a family doctor is essential for accessing adequate medical services. Family doctors are generalists who can deal with health issues impacting people at all stages of life. They help diagnose health problems and provide effective treatments to alleviate them. They can also refer patients to specialists for more extensive treatment, when necessary.

Building a strong professional relationship with your family doctor is paramount to ensuring the well-being of you and your family members. You can start cultivating this bond by asking these questions during your first appointment.

What are your credentials and experience level?

While standards exist to ensure that primary care physicians meet adequate healthcare competencies, each doctor has their unique skill set. Experiences from working on real-life cases can provide insight and expertise that complement theoretical practice. As such, it’s good to check if your doctor’s experience aligns with your needs. For instance, if you have diabetes, you want a doctor who routinely treats patients with this condition.

It’s also wise to inquire about your doctor’s credentials. In particular, board certification provides concrete evidence that a doctor has mastery in their medical practice.

What healthcare services do you offer?

Family doctors can address a wide range of medical conditions, given their status as general practitioners. However, you should make sure your doctor is adequately equipped to handle your family’s specific needs.

Note that specific diagnostic tests and treatment options might require relatively uncommon equipment. As such, it helps to discuss the medical history of your family members with your doctor, so you can tentatively plan for medical services you might need in the future.

Work with a doctor who continuously updates their practice with cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art techniques. Innovative doctors will allow you to take better advantage of new developments in medicine.

What check-ups and screening procedures do my family members need?

An annual check-up is a norm for some adults, but the ideal frequency can depend on various factors. If there is a family history of specific illnesses, you might need more frequent check-ups. Having a chronic disease also warrants a more frequent check-up schedule to ensure you remain in control of your condition.

Age also matters when planning check-ups. Children might need more visits to the family doctor to check if they are meeting essential growth milestones. The elderly may also need more screening tests as the risk of some diseases rises with age.

What vaccines does my child need?

Vaccines protect your child from many illnesses and encourage herd immunity. If enough people are vaccinated in a community, those who are unable to take a vaccine will still receive protection. Hence, you should ensure that your child gets the vaccines they need.

Vaccination schedules can be complicated, as specific doses work best at certain ages. Many programs also incorporate booster shots to lengthen the duration of immunity. Coordinate with your family doctor to ensure that everyone completes their vaccination schedules.

How can I access your services?

During your first meeting, establish logistics with your family doctor. Inquire about their schedule, so you can plan accordingly. Consider how you’ll go to and from the doctor’s office, especially if you live far from the facility. Check out the facility premises, especially if a family member has accessibility needs.

Likewise, establish communication lines with your family doctor. Will they respond to email inquiries, or do they prefer phone calls? Know how to reach your doctor, so you’re better prepared when an emergency happens.

Ask if your doctor has telemedicine options. Virtual consultations can save time and allow people who cannot go outside to still get medical advice. The presence of telemedicine options also indicates that your doctor embraces technology and innovation.

What are your office policies?

Don’t forget to ask about appointment options. Would you need to schedule in advance, or can you have same-day and walk-in appointments? Finally, ask about financial considerations, such as insurance coverage and payment methods.

Family Care In Wellington And Royal Palm Beach, FL

Having an experienced and compassionate family doctor is crucial for your health and that of your family members. Establishing a strong relationship with them starts with asking about their expertise and services. You should also discuss your medical needs, as well as the ways you can contact your doctor in emergency situations. Working with a reliable and professional medical provider is a big step toward securing your health.

With facilities in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Advanced Medical provides top-notch primary and urgent care to Florida’s families. Our physicians design comprehensive treatment plans to address a wide range of urgent and non-urgent conditions. Call us at (561) 434-1935 and set up an appointment to learn more. We hope to see you soon! 

The Benefits of Seeing a Family Medicine Provider for Your Primary Care Needs

A family medicine provider is able to offer a comprehensive range of services, including preventive and urgent care services for many acute and chronic illnesses and conditions, alongside many on-site conveniences such as diagnostic testing and routine vaccinations. They can offer many benefits and be a great solution for many of your family’s primary healthcare needs.

Aside from medical emergencies, which require a visit to an urgent care center or emergency room, a family medicine provider can offer an extensive range of services for you and your family’s healthcare needs. They have the expertise and knowledge to work with patients regardless of their age or sex, allowing them to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the entire family.

Family Medicine Providers Follow Your Lifecycle

Family medicine providers treat a wide variety of acute and chronic conditions. They can provide the appropriate diagnosis and treatment for a variety of common illnesses and conditions ranging from joint and back pain, allergies, and ear infections to sport and work injuries and minor medical emergencies, such as cuts and burns. Family medicine providers can take care of your primary care needs through all stages of your family’s lives, allowing you the opportunity to establish a good lasting relationship with your doctor and a continuity of care for all members of your family.

Thorough Knowledge of Personal and Family History

Because family medicine providers can work with you over a long period of time, they can get to know your medical history inside and out. This enables them to make accurate diagnoses and look out for red flags for emerging conditions or changes in your health through the years. Also, seeing multiple generations of a family can help record an accurate, in-depth family health history and allow your family medicine provider to offer appropriate screenings or identify potential red flags for particular conditions that may run in the family.

Range of Healthcare Provisions

Family medicine providers cover an extensive range of healthcare provisions, meaning there is less need to access additional healthcare providers, which can be costly, time consuming, and stressful. Not only do family medicine doctors provide medical care for acute and chronic illnesses and minor injuries, they can carry out assessments such as annual physicals and wellness screenings. They can also provide diagnostic testing, such as CT scans and MRIs, and perform minor surgical procedures, such as freezing a wart or draining an abscess.

A family medicine provider can deliver personalized, ongoing care for chronic conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and high blood pressure, so if you or a member of your family does develop a chronic medical condition, your provider can help you manage it long-term. Their goal is to prevent complications, avoid unnecessary hospitalizations and specialist referrals, and to keep you as active and healthy as possible. If treatment in a hospital or extended care facility is necessary, a family medicine provider sees you through treatment and can assess your rehabilitative progress to determine the most effective follow-up steps in your personal treatment plan.

Some of the areas of expertise that family medicine covers include:

·      Diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and minor injuries

·      Routine check-ups and screening tests

·      Vaccinations and immunizations (including childhood immunizations)

·      Physicals (for employment, insurance, sports, school, and camp)

·      Disease prevention, detection, and management

·      Treatment and management of chronic conditions

·      Some minor surgical procedures

·      Weight management and advice on healthy living

·      Women’s health (including gynecologic exams, Pap smears, and preventive medicine)

·      Blood draws, EKG and echocardiography, and pulmonary function testing

·      Geriatric medicine

Finding You the Right Specialist

If there is a need for specialist treatment, your family medicine provider can coordinate with specialists on your behalf to make sure that all of your medical needs are addressed appropriately. They can also ensure that other healthcare providers involved in your care have all the necessary information regarding any conditions you may have and the medications you take.

Family Medicine Providers in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida

If you are looking for personalized, quality health care for you and your family, visit Advanced Medical in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida. We offer high quality primary and urgent care services and are dedicated to providing preventive care to our patients in order maintain wellness.

To learn more about the services we offer, or to arrange a visit, call us today at (561) 434-1935 or you can request an appointment online. We offer same-day and walk-in appointments for your convenience.

When to Visit a Family Medicine Doctor

A lasting, personal patient-doctor relationship hinged on integrated care is considered to be the bedrock of family medicine. That is to say, a family medicine doctor is trained to provide the most effective health care by examining the whole body—and not just merely focusing on one organ system. This is the very reason why appointments with family medicine doctors account for nearly half of yearly walk-in visits among American patients, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

So whether it is for a flu jab or to keep your blood sugar in check, here are the reasons why seeing your family medicine doctor is a much better choice than having to go right to the ER.  

Vast Range of Expertise

A family medicine doctor is a physician who has the expertise to work with patients of all ages: infants, children, adults, and the elderly. This means they can diagnose and treat many conditions affecting the entire family, allowing continuity of care and the chance to establish a good patient-doctor relationship. Family medicine covers an extensive range of healthcare provision, so there is the less need to access additional healthcare, which can be costly and time consuming.

Here are some of the areas that family medicine covers:

  • Diagnosis and treatment of illnesses and minor injuries
  • Routine check-ups and screening tests
  • Vaccinations and immunizations (including childhood immunizations)
  • Disease prevention, detection, and management
  • Treatment and management of chronic conditions (such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and high blood pressure)
  • Some minor surgical procedures
  • Wellness screenings
  • Health risk assessments
  • Pre-operative exams
  • Weight management and advice on maintaining a healthy lifestyle
  • Women’s health (including gynecologic exams, pap smears, and preventive medicine)
  • Blood draws, ECG and echocardiography, and pulmonary function testing
  • Diagnostic testing (such as CT scans and MRIs)

What Can a Family Medicine Doctor Treat? 

The frequency of your family doctor visit would largely depend on your health. Many doctors recommend you hop in once or twice a year for a check-up; however, if you have a chronic condition, such as hypertension or diabetes, you will likely need to be checked more often. Here are some of the other health conditions that your family medicine doctor can treat:

  • Allergies and asthma
  • Bronchitis
  • Flu
  • Strep throat
  • Tonsillitis
  • Whiplash
  • Minor injuries (such as burns, animal bites, sprains and strains)
  • Vomiting and diarrhea
  • Back pain
  • Digestive problems, etc.

Treading the Pathway to Optimal Health

Far too often, many people think of seeing a doctor only when they are sick or are suspecting that they might have an undiagnosed health issue. You have to see your doctor even when you’re in the pink of health. As mentioned above, family medicine doctors are well equipped to keep tabs on the entire family’s health and are highly trained to determine when specialty care is required. As suggested above, they recommend regular checkups and preventative health screenings as well as offer expert advice and information on a wide range of health issues. They coordinate with specialists to maximize care and minimize inconvenience for their patients.

Family Medicine in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida

If you are looking to get individualized, quality health care for your whole family, Advanced Medical can help. We offer a comprehensive range of preventive, sick, and urgent care services and pride ourselves on providing personal care for all your healthcare needs.

To learn more about us and the services we offer, or to arrange a visit, call us today at (561) 434-1935 or you can request an appointment online. We offer same-day as well as walk-in appointments for your convenience, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have about our practice and the primary care services we provide.

Safety Equipment for Equestrians

Horse riding is a fun activity that is not only healthy but also very enjoyable for animal lovers. Whether you are a professional equestrian or simply like riding in leisure time, horse riding is a fulfilling sport for everyone. Like with any sport or athletic activity, safety equipment is a pivotal aspect of keeping yourself safe from injury. Let’s take a look at safety equipment that equestrians should use every time they ride to keep themselves safe.

Reflective Clothing

One of the basic safety needs of an equestrian is reflective clothing. This type of protective gear helps the riders be more visible in situations with low light. Reflective clothing may also include straps which can be placed around the horse to make it more visible. Reflective clothing helps people see the rider and horse clearly so there is less chance of collisions or accidents.

Helmet

A good helmet serves as an airbag for your head and brain. Statistics show that in 2017, approximately 15,000 head injuries in the United States were caused by falling off or handling horses. This makes a helmet critical to head safety so in the situation a rider falls, there is minimal damage to the head.

Riding Vest

The riding vest protects the torso from bruising, prevents injury to the internal organs, and helps reduce injury to soft tissue in accidents. Some equestrians don’t like wearing riding vests because they tend to be bulky which leads to sweating. However, the safety benefits of a riding vest outweigh the inconvenience it may provide. Whether you are an occasional rider, speed game competitor, jumping rider, or long-distance rider, you should always wear a riding vest.

Boots

There are a variety of boots available for equestrians. Two examples are tall boots and riding boots. Tall boots protect the riders’ legs from chafing while they ride. They also prevent riders’ legs from getting scraped by shrubs and branches on the trail. Riding boots are characterized by small heels. The purpose of these low heels is to assist the riders’ feet in the stirrup. They also protect the toes from getting trampled. The type of boot you should use when you ride a horse depends on the type of horse-riding activities you do and the safety needs specific to that activity.

Gloves

Gloves are crucial when riding horses because they provide extra strength and grip to the hands. The gloves protect against blisters from pulling and navigating the horse.

While it is impossible to guarantee you won’t get hurt while riding a horse, having the correct safety gear on can significantly lower your chances of injury. In the case you need assistance from injuries sustained while riding a horse, playing another sport, or from events that occur in routine life, you should have a trustworthy and experienced doctor to lean on for support. The experts at Advanced Medical Clinic are happy to help you with any and all medical problems you may have. Call (561) 434-1935 to make an appointment or set an appointment online.

The Pains of Aging

It’s an inevitable part of the human experience – the older we get, the more likely we will begin to feel the aches and pains of aging.

Often, the culprit is short-term acute pain that is suddenly triggered because your body isn’t as nimble as it used to be. Your muscle fibers have become weaker due to a loss of density, your equilibrium is not as steady, your joints are stiffer, and the cartilage in those joints has worn down.

Older adults can also begin to experience chronic pain following an illness, an injury, or the onset of a health issue. Certain parts of your body – such as your hands, wrists, hips, knees, neck, and lower back – get overused throughout your life, which is why conditions such as osteoarthritis and other forms of joint pain are so common among those of us who are age 60 or older.

Other age-related sources of pain include degenerative disc disease (affecting the discs in the spine), frozen shoulder, bone spurs, and rheumatoid arthritis. Headaches and migraines are also a common source of pain among mature adults, although those can start much earlier in life.

How Can I Prevent Age-Related Pains?

Just because it’s a normal part of the aging process doesn’t mean you have to tolerate acute or chronic pain. There are many natural ways you can help reduce and/or prevent pain at any age. Some simple measures include:

  • Exercising every day – even if it’s just walking or stretching.

  • Eating well, particularly eliminating processed and sugary foods from your diet.

  • Adding grapes and berries that are rich in resveratrol and antioxidants to your diet.

Eating anti-inflammatory foods, such as fish. You can also take a fish oil supplement and/or add turmeric to your meals. (Note that fish oil supplements can negatively affect your eyesight, so discuss it with your doctor first.)

  • Losing a few pounds if you have to, and maintain your normal body weight.

  • Using hot and cold therapy, as well as topical medications.

  • Taking Epsom salt baths to soothe your muscles and aching limbs.

  • Trying some holistic pain-relieving methods such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, acupuncture, and acupressure.

Of course, some age-related pain is too complex or severe to respond to do-it-yourself therapy and home remedies. When that is the case, you may require prescribed medication and/or professional medical treatment.

Family Medicine in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach

At Advanced Medical Clinic in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, we pride ourselves on providing personalized, quality health care for your entire family. That includes diagnosing and treating painful, age-related conditions such as headaches, migraines, arthritis, and other joint conditions, as well as many more chronic and acute illnesses.

Board-certified internist Dr. Ishan Gunawardene offers advanced and customized treatment options for adults of all ages, including geriatric medicine. To learn more about us and the primary services we offer, or to arrange a visit to our friendly clinic, call us today at (561) 434-1935, or request an appointment using our online form. We are always happy to serve you.