primary care

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

A lasting, personal patient-provider relationship hinged on integrated care is considered to be the bedrock of family medicine. That is to say, a family medicine provider 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 care providers 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 care provider is a much better choice than having to go right to the ER.

Vast Range of Expertise

A family medicine care provider is a family medicine provider 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-provider 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 Provider Treat? 

The frequency of your family care provider visit would largely depend on your health. Many providers 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 care provider 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 family medicine provider only when they are sick or are suspecting that they might have an undiagnosed health issue. You have to see your family medicine provider even when you’re in the pink of health. As mentioned above, family medicine providers 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.

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

What Causes Colds and Flus? 

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

Our Bodies 

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

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

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

Our Environment and Our Behavior 

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

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

What Your Primary Care Provider Knows that Will Keep You Healthy

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

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

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

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

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

Types of Primary Care Providers

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

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

Internal Medicine Providers

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

Family Practice Providers

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

Pediatricians 

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

Geriatricians

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

Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) Providers

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

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

The Difference between an Internist and a Primary Care Provider

To understand the difference between an internist and a primary care provider, it is important to realize that one is a specialty, and the other is a role. An internist is a provider who specializes in internal medicine, and is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of adult diseases. While an internist can function as a primary care provider, he or she may also focus their practice on hospital medicine, medical education and/or research. On the other hand, a primary care provider may be an internist, a pediatrician, a geriatrician, a family practitioner, a gynecologist or an obstetrician, because primary care involves the practice of promoting overall health for the entire individual within the specific population (geriatrics, pediatrics, etc.) of the provider’s specialty. Let’s first look at the specialty of internal medicine, and then examine how these and other providers practice in the primary care environment.

The Internist: The Internal Medicine Specialist 

Internists are providers who have specialized training in the diagnosis and management of illness in adult patients. This means that they are capable of helping their patients stay healthy and prevent illness, but are also able to diagnose and treat both acute and chronic illnesses. Just a few of the many illnesses an internist would treat include hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, kidney disease, asthma, heart disease, arthritis, bronchitis, ear infections, back pain and the common cold. The list is exhaustive but basically includes any illness than can affect adults.

Internists are particularly skilled in reviewing the symptoms of patients with complex problems, performing physical exams, ordering diagnostic tests, and using this information to identify both common and rare illnesses. They are basically the detectives and problem-solvers of adult medicine; and they are also experts in treating extremely ill adults.  This is why internists are found in a variety of roles and settings. You may have an internist as your primary care provider, treating you in an office or clinic. However, some internists, known as hospitalists, care for acutely ill patients in the hospital. And some do both. Because of their specialized education and training, internists are exceptionally suited for treating patients with multiple medical problems, understanding how these illnesses, their medications, and their treatments interact, and adjusting the plan of care to best suit the individual patient’s needs.

The Primary Care Provider

A primary care provider (PCP) is basically the provider that you’ve always known as “your family medicine provider.” They are responsible for the ongoing health and wellbeing of their patients, by promoting healthy behavior, helping you prevent illness, and quickly diagnosing and treating any new or potential health problems. He or she is the family medicine provider who knows you the best and who you can turn to for any health concerns. The primary care provider is usually your first contact with the health care system, and they are skilled in providing a comprehensive assessment of health care needs, as well as continuous monitoring of chronic illnesses and treatment of new problems. They will also know when a referral to another specialist is warranted.

The central person in primary care is the patient, and the primary care family medicine provider will focus on you as a whole individual. They work hard to maintain a trusting relationship with their patients and will partner with you to come up with the best plan for your good health. This plan will usually include age-appropriate health maintenance, routine monitoring, immunizations, counseling, patient education, and treatment of acute and chronic illnesses. To realize the real benefit of having a primary care provider, you should look at them as your focal point of all your health care needs. By turning to your primary care provider first, you will make sure that the family medicine provider treating you knows and understands you; and you will avoid unnecessary tests or trips to specialists.

The role of primary care provider is performed by more than one type of provider, and each provides care to the population that they have specialized in. Internists are experts in the care of adults, or those 18 years and older. Geriatricians, on the other hand, are internists that have additional training for the medical needs of adults 65 and older. Family Practice providers are qualified to provide primary care for patients of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, while pediatricians see patients from infancy through adolescence. Specialists in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) can provide primary care for women, including reproductive health and family planning. While we often think of primary care practices as those in outpatient offices and clinic, in reality, primary care can be performed in a number of settings. This includes long-term care settings such as nursing homes, home care, day-care and even in the hospital. Whichever the setting, the primary care provider carefully tailors the healthcare plan to meet the individual needs of each patient, with the goal of helping their patients achieve their highest level of health.

When your family medicine provider knows and understands you, and is carefully monitoring your health needs, the results are bound to be of benefit to you. With the focus on prevention and early action when an illness arises, the primary care provider can often help patients avoid severe illness, the need for specialists and hospitalizations. Experts agree that primary care increases everyone’s access to healthcare and improves the quality of health care. On a more personal level, patients and providers are given the opportunity to form trusting and lasting relationships.

We would be happy to answer any questions you may have about internal medicine or primary care. At Advanced Medical, PA, we pride ourselves in providing quality health care in both internal medicine and primary care. To learn more about us and the services we offer, or to schedule a visit, call us at (561) 434-1935 to request an appointment, or request one online.

Getting the Most From Your Primary Care Visit

Have you ever gotten home from a family medicine provider visit and realized you forgot to mention something you wanted to talk about? Or maybe you arrived at your visit without important information, like the name of the new medication a specialist prescribed. Your next appointment may not be scheduled for months, and it’s often difficult to make time for an extra trip. Yet, good communication is essential for insuring that all your health needs are met. So, whether you are seeing a new provider, or returning for a follow-up appointment, here are some tips to make sure you get the most from all of your primary care visits.

Go Prepared

The time to organize your thoughts is before you get to your appointment. Preparing ahead of time will help you maximize the time you spend with your provider. Write your questions down and bring the list to the appointment with you. If you’ve researched a new treatment or have questions about a specific illness, don’t bring pages of literature with you. There’s just not enough time to review this during an office visit. It’s better to add these concerns to your list of questions so that you don’t get bogged down on one topic and miss out on addressing other health issues.

To create the best plan to meet your healthcare needs, it is important that you supply all pertinent information. If you have orders for blood work, X-rays, or other diagnostic tests, make sure you complete them in enough time that the results have been sent to the office. Also, if you had any “homework,” such as keeping a log of your blood sugars or blood pressures, make sure you bring it to the visit. And, if you have seen a specialist, have been to an emergency room, or have been in the hospital, it is best if you arrange for your records to be forwarded to your primary care office before your scheduled visit. This gives your family medicine provider the time to review the information before you arrive, leaving more time for discussion and your physical exam.

If you are seeing a new primary care provider for the first time, it is even more important that you arrive with updated and accurate information. Try to have your medical records, including all your past immunizations, forwarded before your visit. It is also a good idea for you to write out your medical history, chronologically, in your own words and bring it to the visit. Additionally, you should include a history of any illnesses your siblings, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents had and the age that these illnesses occurred. This overview will give your new provider an even better picture of your healthcare needs.

All of Your Medications Matter

It cannot be stressed enough how important it is that your family medicine provider know ALL the medications you are taking. Five to 17% of all hospitalizations of older patients are the result of problems with medications; and drug interactions cost billions of dollars while increasing the average hospital stay by 7 days. Bring a complete list of all the medications, over the counter drugs, vitamins, herbs and supplements you are taking. It is also important to list the dosage and how many times per day you are taking them. Try to include why you are taking these medications and who originally prescribed them if you can. If you are unsure, or have any questions about what information is important regarding your medications, just put everything you are taking on a regular basis into a shopping bag, and bring it to the appointment. Updating your medication record is an important part of every visit, so make a routine of bringing updates regularly.

Use your Time Wisely

It is important to have a good relationship with your provider and he or she is genuinely interested in you, but be realistic about what can be accomplished in one visit. If you have a number of health issues, it is important to organize your thoughts and address all of your concerns. While telling stories may be entertaining, it may not be productive and could take time away from discussing important issues. So, budget your time and try to stay focused on your health. This is also not the time to paint rosy pictures or avoid embarrassing topics. Honesty and full disclosure will go a long way to help you achieve health. Use your primary care visit to its fullest potential by trusting your provider with sincere information.

Don’t Go It Alone

Sometimes you might have a lot to discuss at your visit, or you might be worried about the results of your tests. Not everyone is comfortable with medical information, so you may have trouble remembering everything your family medicine provider tells you during a visit. In these situations, you might bring a trusted friend, spouse or family member with you. They can offer you support, take notes for you, help you remember to cover all your concerns, or maybe even think of questions that you don’t.

Leave with a Plan

So now you have gone prepared, brought all your important information with you, and reviewed all of your concerns and test results. Most likely, there will be recommendations to be followed, prescriptions to be filled, or follow up testing to be done. Often, you will be advised to return within a certain amount of time. Make sure you understand all that is expected of you. Your health depends on it! So, ask questions, take notes, and clarify what you may not understand. Make sure you know the plan, agree with the plan, and are capable of carrying out all that is recommended. By arriving prepared, making the most of your time during the visit, and leaving with a good understanding of a realistic plan, you will have made the most of your primary care visit, and will be well on your way to good health.

At Advanced Medical PA, we look forward to providing you with all your primary care needs. To learn more about us and the services we offer, or to schedule your primary care visit, call us at (561) 434-1935 to request an appointment, or request one online.