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

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.

High Blood PressureGenetics 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…)

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How Often Should I Have Health Screenings?

How Often Should I Have Health Screenings?

 

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. 

How Often Should I Have a Health Screening?

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

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:

Top Summer Health Risks

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?

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 to carefully consider their diets. Certain foods can exacerbate diabetes, increasing the risk of serious conditions, including kidney disease and heart disease. 

What Food Should I Avoid If I Have Diabetes?

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. 

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Can You Get COVID-19 Again?

Can You Get COVID-19 Twice?

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 it, and studies are underway regarding the likelihood of reinfection. 

Can You Get COVID-19 Again

Cases of patients getting it again have been reported. However, these cases are very rare. Further research is required for more information about 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

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. 

Weight Loss Services

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

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. 

Lingering Symptoms of COVID-19

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

When To See Your Doctor After a Work Injury

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. 

When To See Your Doctor After a Work Injury

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

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.

Everything You Need To Know About Pre-Employment Physical Exams

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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Tips on Staying Healthy During the Winter Season

Staying Healthy During the Winter Season

This winter, more than ever, people are concerned about staying healthy throughout the cold-weather months. In the winter, people tend to get sick more often. People spend more time inside when it’s cold, and viruses can often survive longer in lower temperatures. Together, these side effects of the winter season can lead to more sickness. 

Tips on Staying Healthy During the Winter Season

Thankfully, there are many strategies that you can implement to boost your health in the winter. These tips will decrease your chances of infection and keep your immune system strong. 

Get the Flu Vaccine. 

Receiving your flu shot each year is important for protection against the flu virus. The vaccine will give you a small, inactive dose of the year’s flu virus. This allows your body to produce the antibodies required to fight off the flu. 

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