primary care provider Near Me

A Comprehensive Guide to Finding Primary Care Providers Near You

Choosing a primary care provider is an important decision, as your choice could impact the quality of medical treatment and services you receive. To make the task easier, this comprehensive guide covers everything from how to conduct research on potential family medicine providers to examples of how to find reliable health professionals near you.

Identify Your Needs

When it comes to healthcare, identifying your specific needs is crucial in finding the right type of care. Take some time to think about whether you require family medicine or internal medicine. Family medicine practitioners offer comprehensive care for patients of all ages, while internal medicine specialists focus on adult health concerns.

Another option might be a specialist in a certain area, such as a cardiologist or dermatologist. By considering your individual health needs, you can make an informed decision about the best available care. Remember, taking the time to evaluate and prioritize your healthcare needs is a major step toward achieving optimal health and well-being.

Do Your Homework

Taking care of our health is essential, and finding a family medicine provider who can guide us toward optimal wellness is crucial. Fortunately, in this digital age, searching for medical professionals in our area has become easier than ever. By using the internet, we can browse through a pool of highly qualified family medicine provider in our locality.

These family medicine providers can offer personalized care, preventative measures, and acute treatment for various illnesses. Whether you need a regular check-up, vaccination, or treatment for a chronic condition, a primary care provider can provide the medical expertise and care that you need.

Ask For Recommendations

When it comes to making important decisions, there is nothing quite like getting a personal recommendation from someone you trust. That is why asking friends and family can be such a valuable strategy for finding the right primary care provider.

Make a Few Calls

Taking the first step towards finding a new family medicine provider can be overwhelming, but making an initial call to their office can provide clarity and ease any concerns. Asking about their services, accepted insurance plans, and availability can give you a comprehensive understanding of the care they provide. It is important to feel comfortable and confident in your healthcare provider, and reaching out to their office is a great starting point. Do not hesitate to ask questions and make sure to take notes to keep yourself informed. Making that initial call could be the beginning of a long-term, beneficial relationship with your family medicine provider.

Check Out Online Reviews

When it comes to choosing a family medicine provider, it is important to consider more than just their qualifications and expertise. You want to feel comfortable and at ease with the entire experience, from booking an appointment to interacting with the nurse and office staff. Reading online reviews of the family medicine provider and their practice can help you get a sense of what to expect.

You can learn about other patients’ experiences, including their wait times, the friendliness of the front desk staff, and the provider’s bedside manner. While one or two negative reviews may not necessarily be cause for concern, consistently poor feedback should raise a red flag. Take the time to do your research and make an informed decision about your healthcare provider.

Schedule an Appointment

Making the decision to find a new family medicine provider can be a daunting task. You want someone who is not only experienced and knowledgeable, but who also fits your personality and communication style. That is why a meet-and-greet appointment can be incredibly valuable. This is an opportunity to sit down with the family medicine provider in person, ask any questions you may have, and get a feel for their approach to medicine. You will be able to assess if this is someone you feel comfortable working with and trust to guide your healthcare decisions.

Family Medicine Provider in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida

Finding a quality family medicine facility near you is as easy as calling Advanced Medical Clinic. Our team of dedicated, compassionate board-certified providers is proud to offer comprehensive, personalized care to you and your family members. Whether you are feeling like you have the flu or need help managing a chronic condition, you can rely on the team at Advanced Medical Clinic.

To make an appointment with one of our primary care providers, call us today at (561) 434-1935. You can also make an appointment online using our convenient online appointment request form.

The Importance of Primary Care

Primary care encompasses your general health, from blood pressure to preventive care and even cancer detection. Recent studies have shown that primary care has declined for patients in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. Let’s talk about the importance of primary care providers, how they can benefit you in the long run, and where you can go for outstanding primary care in Wellington or Royal Palm Beach, Florida.

Annual Wellness Exams

As a child, getting annual physicals is essential to keep health and development on track. Similarly, annual wellness exams are recommended for adults. During these wellness exams, your primary care provider will thoroughly check your medical history, talk about any concerns you may be having, and take all your vital signs to ensure you’re remaining in good health.

Someone to Rely on For Specialist Referrals

Do you have a concern that you need to see a specialist for? Your primary care provider is a source for all your medical needs, including referrals to specialists in your area. High-quality primary care providers will vet the right specialist for you, ensuring you get the comprehensive care you deserve both inside and outside the office.

Primary Care is Also Preventive Care

Your primary care is important because it also encompasses your preventive care. Preventive care is all the diagnostic testing and screenings recommended yearly to ensure you remain in good health and don’t have any abnormalities. For example, we encourage men and women to receive regular pelvic exams, prostate exams, cervical Pap exams, and more to reduce the risk of catching cancer or tumors too late. Your primary care provider can also help you continue your preventive care at home with tips on staying active and eating a healthy diet.

Your Primary Care Provider Knows You Best

Ultimately, it’s important to understand that your primary care provider knows you best than all your medical providers. They know your detailed medical history and have been with you through the years to know exactly what health looks like in your specific situation. Your primary care provider is who you can rely on to know you’re not feeling well and know which treatments are right for you and your lifestyle.

Primary Care Near Me

If you’re looking for a primary care provider in Wellington or Royal Palm Beach, Florida, look no further than Advanced Medical Clinic. Our team of expert primary care providers is proud to offer high-quality, comprehensive care to men and women of all ages and backgrounds. We are also happy to offer family and internal medicine services, allowing you and your family to receive the detail-oriented, patient-centered care you all deserve.

To make an appointment with our primary care providers, call us today at (561) 434-1935. You can also schedule a consultation using our convenient online appointment request form.

How to Choose a Primary Care Provider

A family medicine provider is your key to achieving and maintaining optimal health. They provide you with everything from treating common illnesses such as fever, flu, allergies, etc., to screening deadly illnesses like breast cancer or prostate cancer and referral to a specialist.

A primary care provider is a medical provider who addresses all your primary care needs. So, it would be best if you chose a family medicine provider with which you can have a rewarding relationship. Your family medicine provider can be your family nurse practitioner, pediatrician, Ob/Gyn, internal medicine provider, etc.

Let’s talk about some tips you can follow while choosing your primary care provider and where you can find the best primary care provider in Royal Palm Beach.

Tip#1 Start by Asking People You know

Finding the best primary care provider in your area can be challenging. So, follow this easy step, i.e., ask around.

You can speak with your family, friends, coworkers, and neighbors and get recommendations from them. Another good source is getting recommendations from other healthcare professionals like pharmacists, physiotherapists, dentists, etc.

Note down the name of all the primary care providers in a journal and research them to narrow down the list.

Tip #2 Get Help from Your Insurance Provider

A primary care provider who shares your insurance plan will decrease your health care costs. So, to pay the least out of your pocket, ask your insurance provider to give you a list of primary care providers who come under your plan. You can also search for the name of your potential primary care provider on your insurance provider’s website.

You must choose a primary care provider who comes under your insurance plan and is compatible with you.

Tip #3 Research the Education and Credentials

Do a background check to narrow down the list of primary care providers you have in hand. You must find out about the education, training, experience,and accreditation of all the primary care providers on your list.

Also, make sure that your potential primary care provider is board certified and has no history of a malpractice claim or disciplinary action.

Tip #4 Know What Other People Say About the Provider

Knowing what other people say about your potential primary care provider will give you an insight into how the family medicine provider practices medicine, the attitude of staff and family medicine providers towards patients, and appointment wait times.

For this, read patient reviews and testimonials about primary care providers. While these reviews can be used as a yardstick when choosing the family medicine provider, you should not completely rely on patient reviews as they can be fabricated and sometimes misleading.

Tip #5 Find Out If your Primary Care Provider Is Compatible with You

Before choosing a provider, know them in person. For this, make a one-on-one consultation with them. During your consultation, notice your provider’s communication style. Also, see if they answer your questions and value your point and treatment preference.

Choose a provider who considers you a person, not a number.

Primary Care in Royal Palm Beach

If you’re looking for a highly skilled and trained family medicine provider, look no further than Advanced Medical in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida. At our clinic, we offer a high standard of primary and urgent care. Our internal medicine specialist Dr. Ishan Gunawardene and nurse practitioner Shariffa Gunawardene provide comprehensive treatment options to help you achieve a better quality of life.

To set up a consultation with our primary care providers, call us today at (561) 434-1935 or request an appointment by filling out our online form.

4 Healthy Tips from a Primary Care Provider Near You

It’s no denying that you need to avoid illnesses and practice healthy habits to thrive and live a long-lasting life. However, avoiding certain illnesses and making healthy choices isn’t always easy.

The good news is that there is a primary care provider– your primary care provider– who can help you achieve and maintain good health by fulfilling all your primary care needs and giving you some healthy tips.

Let’s talk about 4 healthy tips that your primary care provider may advise you for living the healthiest and longest life and where you can find the best primary care provider in Royal Palm Beach.

#1 Get Routine Health Screenings

Most people think regular health screening is only for those at risk for certain illnesses due to their genetic makeup. However, routine health screening is helpful for everyone. It helps detect diseases or conditions early when they are most treatable.

So, your primary care provider recommends you regularly get yourself screened for heart disease, diabetes, prostate cancer, and colorectal cancer.

During your health checkups, you may also be asked to get screened for diseases specific to your gender and age group.

#2 Take Control of your Health

To live a long healthy life, it’s important that you must take an active role in your health and well-being. You should make intelligent health choices using the knowledge and skills your primary care provider equips you with.

For example, if you have a chronic disease, such as diabetes, obesity, or hypertension, your primary care provider advises you to manage your health condition by keeping a tab on your health numbers like blood pressure, BMI/weight, and blood sugar level.

#3 Maintain a Balanced Diet

One of the easiest things you can do to stay fit and healthy is to make wise food choices. This is because what you eat heavily impacts your health status.

For example, if you’re prediabetic, eating sugary food will keep your blood sugar level high, and you will quickly develop full-blown diabetes.

So, your primary care provider advises you to incorporate the right amount of real food – whole grains, nuts, seeds, vegetables, fruits, fish, and healthy meat – into your diet. Plus, you must reduce your salt intake and alcohol consumption.

#4 Stay Physically Active

People living sedentary lives are at higher risk for cancer, metabolic diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and musculoskeletal diseases, such as back pain, knee pain, and osteoporosis.

So, your primary care provider advises you to engage in physical activity that gets you moving for 30 minutes daily, at least three days a week.

You can stay active by doing simple and enjoyable activities, such as cycling, swimming, walking, running, dancing, etc.

Primary Care Provider in Royal Palm Beach

At Advanced Medical in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach, Florida, our primary care providers, Dr. Ishan Gunawardene and Shariffa Gunawardene, are committed to providing you with comprehensive primary care and urgent care. Our primary care provider offer advanced, evidence-based, individualized care to help you achieve good health and enjoy a long healthy life.

To make an appointment with our primary care providers, call us today at (561) 434-1935 or request an appointment online.

Why Do You Need to Have a Family Medicine Provider?

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 provider is a medical professional who can be an answer for most such healthcare situations for you and your family. A family medicine provider 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 medicine provider 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 provider, a family provider 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 medicine provider 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 medicine provider 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 medicine provider means your problem will be detected early, and you don’t have to be worried about finding a specialist. Family medicine providers 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 family medicine provider 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 medicine provider can significantly reduce healthcare spending.

A family medicine provider 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 Provider 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 providers, call our staff today at  (561) 434-1935 or complete our secure online appointment request form now. We look forward to serving you!

Tips for Managing Arthritis Pain

If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from arthritis, you know that finding ways to effectively manage the pain that comes with your condition is central to maintaining your mobility and overall quality of life.

In this post, you’ll learn about a few strategies that can help you ease arthritis pain and live well with it.

Tip #1 Make Positive Lifestyle Changes.

While the medications and other treatments that your primary care provider prescribed can help manage arthritis pain, the very things that you do on a daily basis have a significant impact on the outcome of your condition.

Having a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet and regular exercise can help with gradual weight loss and reduce your risk for flare-ups. Weight is of particular concern because the additional strain on your affected joint can cause further damage to it. Excess weight and chronic inflammation also go hand in hand.

If you smoke, it’s time to snuff the habit. Cigarette smoke makes arthritis pain worse, as it triggers the body to release cytokines, which are key modulators of inflammation.

Tip #2 Work Closely with Your Primary Care Provider.

Your primary care provider is an integral part of your healthcare team. They are not only there to coordinate your care and monitor your condition; they also serve as your accountability partner – to provide you with support and guidance, ensure treatment adherence, and reinforce healthy lifestyle changes.

Tip #3 Learn to Cope with Stress.

Research suggests that stress compounds the discomfort associated with arthritis, as it can cause endocrine and immune system dysfunction, leading to sustained low-grade inflammation.

While it can be easy to be pulled down by your negative thoughts when dealing with arthritis pain, always keep in mind that focusing on them will only make things worse. It will not only exacerbate the pain but also contribute to the progression of your condition.

There are many things you can do to cope with stress. Employ relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing. Surround yourself with people you love and who support you. Additionally, consider talking to a therapist or joining a support group; your primary care provider may be able to recommend one for you. Respond to unwanted thoughts by taking positive action.

Primary Care Provider in Wellington, FL

At Advanced Medical Clinic, our team includes a board-certified internal medicine provider and a board-certified family nurse practitioner, who have helped scores of patients suffering from arthritis and many other chronic health problems live and thrive with their conditions.

Call us today at (561) 434-1935 or book an appointment online to arrange a consultation with Dr. Gunawardene or our family NP, Shariffa Gunawardene. We look forward to providing you with the high-quality health care you deserve!

What Tests Can Be Done to Diagnose the Cause of My Headaches?

There are various ways headaches inflict their misery—from a dull pain accompanied by pressure or tightness as though a clamp is squeezing your skull, to severe or explosive pain as though a clap of thunder has stricken your head.

Almost everyone experiences headaches at least occasionally, but there are people who regularly suffer from a continuum of attacks. If you belong to the latter group, you want to get to the bottom of your headaches, so you can take the necessary steps to keep them from affecting your quality of life.

Let’s discuss the different tests that primary care providers typically use to diagnose the cause of headaches.

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

A CT scan is a type of imaging test that uses special X-rays to produce cross-sectional images of the inside of your head. Your primary care provider may order this test, if your headache is accompanied by other symptoms or has become frequent and debilitating, to confirm or rule out a tumor or other structural brain abnormalities.

During a head CT scan, the scanner’s X-ray beam rotates around your head, producing a series of images from different angles. The information then gets sent to a computer, which interprets the data and displays it in a two-dimensional (2D) form on a monitor.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

An MRI uses powerful magnetic fields and radio waves to create images of the structures in your head. Like a CT scan, an MRI creates detailed images of the internal structures of the brain as well as the brain stem. It checks for intracerebral hemorrhage (bleeding), aneurysms, infection, stroke, tumors, and trauma, as well as congenital conditions and developmental abnormalities, among other problems.

It’s worth mentioning that these imaging tests are not always necessary. Unless your headache is disruptive, or occurs alongside other symptoms, such as sensory changes, nausea, fever, or confusion, your primary care provider may just review your medical history, diet and lifestyle, and current health condition in order to determine its cause or triggers.

Headache Treatment in Wellington, FL

If your headaches have become concerning, do not wait to seek medical attention. Turn to your primary care provider, who can thoroughly evaluate your symptoms and determine whether or not you need medical imaging tests and specialized care.

If you’re searching for a reliable primary care provider within the Wellington area in Florida, visit us here at Advanced Medical. Dr. Ishan Gunawardene, our board-certified internal family medicine provider, will carry out a comprehensive assessment to pinpoint the cause of your headaches and coordinate your care with a neurologist for effective management, if need be.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Gunawardene today. Call our clinic at (561) 434-1935 or use our online request form.

Will My Migraines Get Better Over Time?

If you’re one of the millions of Americans suffering migraines, the term “debilitating” is rather an understatement. The disabling headache, along with the slew of distressing symptoms, can leave you to wonder when there’s going to be any reprieve and if it will ever get better over time.

The good news is that, while there’s no step-by-step plan to make migraine attacks stop, the condition can go into either a partial or full remission: partial means you have fewer than 15 days of migraine headaches, while full remission means you go an entire year without experiencing the symptoms.

Read on to learn about what can cause to migraines to worsen as well as the things you can do to avoid attacks and achieve remission.

Why Would Migraines Worsen Over Time?

One way a migraine can get worse is when it becomes chronic. This equates to having bouts of headache 15 or more days every month and of the other migraine symptoms on at least 8 days for more than 3 months.

This can be ascribed to the absence of a proper migraine treatment plan: how you treat your symptoms can have an impact on the frequency and severity of your symptoms.

Migraine headaches that persist and worsen need further medical evaluation, especially if you only started experiencing them after the age of 50, if they have occurred due to a head injury or a side effect of disease treatment, or if they are resistant to medication and lifestyle changes.

Heading Off Migraine Attacks

A commonsense strategy to stave off migraine attacks is to identify and avoid the very things that trigger them. Migraine headaches can be precipitated by smoking, alcohol, lack of sleep, caffeine, changes in schedule, hunger, strong fragrances, stress, and menstruation. Lifestyle changes, such as establishing a regular sleep and eating schedule, smoking cessation, reducing intake of alcohol and caffeine, using unscented products, and managing stress help head off attacks.

For women who have menstrual migraines, one way the attacks can be prevented is by taking medications before menstruation begins up until a few days after the period has ended. Medications used to treat migraines include triptans, gepants, and ditans, which belong to a class of drugs whose mechanism of action is to quiet down overactive pain nerves.

Primary care providers may also prescribe antidepressants, antiseizure’s, or beta blockers, to treat episodic migraines. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), when taken at the onset of a migraine attack, can also help with managing the symptoms. The earlier you take your medication/s, the better they work.

Migraine Treatment in Wellington, FL

Here at Advanced Medical Clinic, board-certified internal medicine provider, Dr. Ishan Gunawardene, along with the rest of our team, is dedicated to bringing one goal to fruition: keeping our patients healthy. Dr. Gunawardene can work closely with your neurologist or any other specialist contributing to your care to help you take full control of your migraine, so you can enjoy your life again.

Book your visit with Dr. Gunawardene today. Contact our staff at (561) 434-1935, or use our convenient online request form.

What Do You Talk About with a Primary Care Provider?

Making an appointment with a primary care provider is the first step to achieving optimum health. A primary care provider can help you keep your health issues under control, which may extend your life while also offering a better quality of life.

If it’s your first time seeing a primary care provider or it’s been a while since you’ve seen one, you may be wondering how to make the most out of it. Let’s talk about a few key things you should discuss with your primary care provider during your visit, and where you can go in Wellington and Royal Palm Beach for world-class primary care.

#1: Health Concerns and Symptoms

During your visit to your primary care provider, don’t hesitate to bring up anything concerning your health, such as:

  • Aches and pains
  • Digestive issues
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Reproductive issues
  • Sexual issues
  • Diet and lifestyle issues

Be sure to be honest with your primary care provider in order to help them develop a clear picture of your overall health and wellness. If you do not bring up something because it’s embarrassing, then the issue cannot be addressed – so don’t worry, your primary care provider has seen and heard it all.

#2: Current Medical Condition

During your annual or semiannual checkup, your primary care provider will perform bloodwork and a urinalysis. The primary care provider will also check your heart, blood pressure, breathing, eyes, ears, nose, and throat.

The family medicine provider will give you a prescription for any health condition you have if necessary. Let your primary care provider know if you have been experiencing any unusual health symptoms, such as abdominal pain or occasional dizziness.

Your primary care provider will also be the one who organizes and evaluates all of the reports from the medical specialists you see, such as an ophthalmologist, allergist, neurologist, gynecologist/urologist, and endocrinologist. Part of a primary care provider’s job is to ensure that you do not have any prescriptions that have contraindications, which means that they would work against each other or work against a different underlying condition you have. This is why every specialist will ask you who your primary care provider is.

#3: Health Goals

A primary care providers’ treatments are centered not just around maintaining your quality of life, but also helping you reach your health goals. Examples of health goals include:

  • More energy and stamina
  • Less pain
  • Better control of blood glucose (sugar) levels
  • Lower blood pressure readings
  • Improved cholesterol management
  • Losing weight
  • Better balance and mobility
  • Better sleep patterns
  • Stress management
  • Better mental health
  • Better sexual health

Primary care providers can help you improve every aspect of your life that relates to your health through a range of primary care services.

Primary Care Provider in Royal Palm Beach, Florida

If you are looking for a primary care provider who truly cares, choose the Advanced Medical Clinic. Our primary care providers are a husband-and-wife team that advocates for our patients’ health and serves the whole family.

Dr. Ishan Gunawardene and nurse practitioner Shariffa Gunawardene are with you every step of the way. To schedule an appointment, call Advanced Medical Clinic today at (561) 434-1935 or fill out our appointment request form online. We look forward to being your healthcare provider!

Tips to Stay Healthy When You’re Under The Weather

If you are feeling under the weather, you are probably dreading it. Even the mildest of sicknesses can take a toll on your body and prevent you from participating fully in your daily responsibilities and activities. As such, it is useful to know how to avoid getting common illnesses and how to feel better if you do get sick.

Reasons Why You May Be Sick

Most of the time, we think that we get sick by chance, but that’s not necessarily true. Here are some reasons why you might be feeling unwell.

Hereditary Factors

You may have inherited some types of allergies from one or both of your parents. Allergic reactions can range from mild to life-threatening. They are caused by the immune system overproducing antibodies to “fight” the allergen present in the body.

Common allergies include hay fever, eczema, asthma, hives, and food allergies. Children are more commonly affected by allergies, but a first-time occurrence can happen at any age.

Workplace Environment

If there’s a cold or flu going around the office, there’s a good chance you’re going to get sick, particularly if your immune system is easily compromised.

Workplaces have communal areas and objects that get passed around constantly. Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after contact with a contaminated object is a sure way for you to get the same sickness as your colleagues.

Time of the Year

Some illnesses affect more people at certain times of the year. For example, seasonal allergies like pollen or hay allergies usually occur during spring. Meanwhile, the flu and strep throat are more common during fall and winter.

Chronic Conditions

If you’re experiencing recurring symptoms, you may have a chronic illness. There are a variety of causes of these conditions. These include age, diet, and lifestyle choices such as being overweight, smoking, and drinking excessive alcohol.

Tips to Fight Common Illnesses

No one enjoys feeling sick. It can take away from your busy day, the enjoyment you typically feel participating in your favorite activities, and can even impact your work performance. Not to mention, feeling sick is simply uncomfortable.

Get Enough Rest

You may think that staying on your feet will shake off whatever ailment you’re feeling. However, it’s not advisable to go about your day when your body is giving you signals that it’s not functioning properly. It’s best to listen to your body and take a break.

Getting ample sleep is critical to a speedy recovery. Good quality sleep has been proven to boost the immune system, which is crucial for recovery. To help you get quality sleep, make sure the room is dark, quiet, and cool.

Wash Your Hands Frequently

Cold viruses are transmitted by touch. If you use the same utensils and equipment as others, share the same food, or interact frequently with someone who has a cold, you’re more likely to get sick.

It’s important to thoroughly wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds several times a day, as well as avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes when you are outside your home. These steps can help prevent many common illnesses.

If you are sick, it’s important to continue taking these precautions as to not spread your illness to others around you.

Drink Lots of Fluids

Drinking water and other beverages like juices, broth, and electrolyte drinks when you’re feeling sick helps you replace the fluids you’ve lost. You also take in vital nutrients and eliminate waste.

Remember that being dehydrated can prolong your illness, so be sure to monitor your fluid intake over the course of a day.

Take Over-the-Counter Medications

Some go-to medications when you’re feeling flu symptoms such as fever, runny nose, and sore throat are acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Take these medications to reduce fever and muscle aches, as well. Meanwhile, seasonal allergies can be treated with oral antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays. These drugs treat sneezing, itchy skin, and stuffy nose.

Consult with Your Primary Care Provider

If you cannot pinpoint why you’re feeling unwell or if your symptoms persist for more than a few days, it’s best to seek the help of an expert. Your primary care provider can diagnose what’s ailing you and guide you towards the best treatment options.

You should also consult with a primary care provider if you suspect that you may have a chronic condition, such as diabetes, bronchitis, or high blood pressure.

Primary Care Provider at Wellington and Palm Beach, Florida

If at-home remedies do not work or you believe that you’re experiencing something more serious, it’s best to get yourself checked out by a primary care provider.

Here at Advance Medical, we provide quality healthcare to our patients. We offer internal medicine and family medicine services in Wellington and Palm Beach, Florida. Our comprehensive treatment options and experienced healthcare providers ensure that your visit with us will be both seamless and worry-free.

If you have any questions about our services, contact us at (561) 434-1935. You can also fill out our convenient online appointment request form. We look forward to getting you back to full health!