Family Medical Centers, Author at Family Medical greenfield

Signs of Thyroid Problems

Your thyroid is a gland that releases hormones into your body that regulates your metabolism. Thyroid problems occur when the thyroid either secretes too much or not enough hormones. When this happens, it’s called thyroid disease. Thyroid disease comes in two main varieties, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, with several sub-variants. While anyone can get thyroid disease, you have a higher risk if any of the following apply to you:

family history of thyroid disease
have certain medical conditions, including:
- Pernicious anemia
- Type 1 diabetes
- Primary adrenal insufficiency
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sjögren’s syndrome
- Turner syndrome
take any medication that’s high in iodine
are older than 60
are female
have been treated for cancer

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High Blood Pressure: 7 Steps You Can Take That Could Save Your Life

According to the CDC, 45% of Americans have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. That’s over 108 million people! Hypertension simply means that your blood is pushing too hard against your artery walls which can cause damage after some time. Blood pressure is measured in two figures: Systolic (the top number) and Diastolic (the bottom number). A systolic reading over 130 mm Hg or a diastolic reading over 80 mm Hg indicates hypertension.

Genetics plays a part in hypertension, but luckily there is still a lot you can do to reduce your risk and possibly save your life. Here are our top seven tips to prevent high blood pressure and be the healthiest you possible:

Eat a Healthy Diet

You should be eating a healthy diet anyway, but proper nutrition is even more important for those with high blood pressure. Decreasing your sodium (salt) and saturated fat intake while upping your protein, fiber, and potassium intake is a good rule of thumb. Also, be sure to eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables! If you’re having a hard time knowing what to eat with high blood pressure, try the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating plan for some guidance. (more…)

How Often Should I Have a Health Screening?

Health screenings are performed routinely to check for specific diseases and conditions. Screenings help make early intervention possible for these diseases and conditions, leading to more successful medical treatment. With that in mind, many patients aren’t sure of how often to get health screenings done. The answer is different for everyone depending on factors like age, family medical history, and other risk factors for certain conditions.

Here, we’ll discuss what to consider as you decide when to have health screenings. If you’re unsure, make sure to consult a doctor, such as a member of the team at Family Medical Centers.

Physicals

First off, let’s talk about routine physicals. For most people, a routine physical exam should be completed once annually. This is especially true for patients over the age of 50 or who have preexisting medical conditions.

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Top Summer Health Risks

Summer is the time to enjoy the great outdoors, socialize with your loved ones, and take a well-deserved vacation from the daily grind. While you’re enjoying the summer season, however, it’s important to be aware of the health risks associated with summer activities. These include:

Sports Injuries

During the summer, many outdoor sports are in season. Plus, with vacation time from school and work, many people have the time to enjoy the summer sports that they love. While outdoor sports are a great way to exercise, they also pose the risk of injury.

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What Food Should I Avoid If I Have Diabetes?

Diabetes impacts millions of people of all ages in the United States today. This condition stems from high blood sugar, which makes it important for people with diabetes to carefully consider their diets. Certain foods can exacerbate diabetes, increasing the risk of serious conditions, including kidney disease and heart disease.

This article will outline the main foods that people with diabetes should avoid. Keep in mind that a medical expert, such as a member of the team at Family Medical Centers, can help you manage your diet for diabetes management.

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Can You Get COVID-19 Again?

The question of whether or not you can get COVID-19 has been asked frequently over the past year. In truth, there’s much that we still don’t know about COVID-19, and studies are underway regarding the likelihood of reinfection.

Cases of patients getting COVID-19 again have been reported. However, these cases are very rare. Further research is required for more information about COVID-19 reinfection, including risk factors and what reinfection indicates about a person’s immunity.

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Get Summer Ready with Family Medical’s Weight Loss Services

As summer approaches, many people kick-start weight loss programs to get ready for warm-weather clothing. But if you had trouble losing weight on your own, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with weight loss and all too often get caught up in fad diets or other trendy weight loss programs.

Family Medical Center offers a physician-managed weight loss program to help you get ready for swimsuit season! Our weight loss services utilize evidence-based methods and physician support to help you reach your weight loss goals.

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Lingering Symptoms of COVID-19

There are many symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection. Not everyone will experience the same symptoms, and many people are completed asymptomatic. However, unfortunately, there are some symptoms of COVID-19 that can linger. While people who are over 60 or have underlying medical conditions are the most likely to experience lingering COVID-19 symptoms, many young people have experienced symptoms for weeks or even months after getting infected.

What Are Possible Lingering Symptoms of COVID-19?

The most common long-term symptoms of COVID-19 include:

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When To See Your Doctor After a Work Injury

Family Medical Centers
February 20, 2021
Injuries

In many professions, there’s a risk of injury. But after sustaining a work injury, many are unsure of when to see a doctor, keeping in mind that workers’ compensation laws are in place.

By understanding the proper steps to take after getting injured at work, you can receive the proper care while adhering to workers’ comp regulations. Read on to learn more.

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Everything You Need To Know About Pre-Employment Physical Exams

Some career paths require prospective employees to take a physical exam before making the hire. Called pre-employment exams, these physicals vary based on the job type and serve to assure your employer that you’re physically and mentally able to perform the job.

There are legal guidelines in place to regulate pre-employment exams and the information that your employer can ask for. Prospective employees need to understand these limitations to avoid possible discrimination.

Let’s learn more about pre-employment physical exams and what you should expect going into one as a prospective employee.

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Eat a Healthy Diet

Physicals

Sports Injuries

What Are Possible Lingering Symptoms of COVID-19?