Category: Health

Imagine how promising it can be to have a medical approach that focuses on you as a person and not on diagnosis or treatments. Generally, every aspect of your body and mind is critical to your overall wellness and healing ability. Therefore, having a specialty more about optimizing your health and life quality can be very beneficial. Fortunately, this is what goodyear az functional medicine services entail. This approach usually rotates around each patient’s history, lifestyle, nutrition, and genetics.

Understanding functional medicine

Functional medicine is a health approach designed to offer patient-centered advanced care based on your unique healthcare needs. Functional doctors typically incorporate a multi-disciplinary model detailed to comprehend what is happening in your body. This includes looking into your genetic composition and lifestyle factors to create a treatment plan to address your concerns from the root cause.

Since each person is uniquely created, functional medicine customizes its services to diagnose or treat diseases and provide preventive care. Let’s examine the top reasons why you should invest in functional medicine.

1. It’s highly personalized and patient-focused

Since this approach focuses much on the individual’s information, it helps create a highly personalized treatment plan. For instance, two patients can have the same disease that manifests differently; thus, functional medicine can help create a treatment plan tailored to each patient’s unique concerns. This personalized approach results in positive and improved outcomes, guaranteeing better health in the long run.

2. Focuses on the ideal root cause of your disease

Unlike other treatment options that focus on relieving symptoms, functional medicine doctors seek to provide you with treatments by identifying and addressing the root cause of the disease. Once they comprehend the primary cause of your illness, they are well-equipped with the knowledge to help you obtain wellness and prevent further consequences. Besides providing you with result-proven treatments, functional medicine doctors also advise on relevant lifestyle changes that will help optimize your health.

3. Offers a roadmap for your overall health

Knowing you suffer from certain conditions is the best thing to shield you from severe health issues. Because functional medicine analyzes all your risk factors, this can equip you on how to prevent certain health issues from occurring. This key data is vital in maintaining your overall wellness and is an essential prevention tool.

4. It involves a multi-disciplinary approach to treatment

Functional medicine doctors walk you through your wellness journey despite understanding your health. Furthermore, they incorporate well-experienced specialists, advanced technology, and various physician, each responsible for a specific healthcare concern. It offers integrative modalities to ensure that you get to see improved results. Even if you suffer from mental health issues, you will receive treatments and lifestyle adjustments to alleviate your situation.

5. An effective and science-based approach

Unlike conventional medicine, which usually takes years to collect effective medical data, functional medicine is science-based and quick to determine the underlying reasons why you suffer from certain conditions. A functional medicine doctor can quickly determine what is ailing you by thoroughly analyzing your medical history, biochemical, lifestyle factors, and genetics. This data is also instrumental in creating your treatment plan.

Considering how frustrating and overwhelming it is to treat a chronic condition, you’d rather invest in functional medicine and prevent such issues. Furthermore, treating an underlying condition will cost you more than it takes to prevent its occurrence. If you desire to lead a healthy life in the long run, don’t hesitate to include functional medicine as one of your top priorities.

Hammertoes are a common foot deformity that can cause pain, discomfort, and difficulty walking. It occurs when the middle joint of a toe becomes permanently bent or curled, resembling a hammer. While hammertoes can be caused by various factors, including genetics and injury, there are some common causes that everyone should be aware of. Understanding these causes can help you prevent hammertoes Pico Robertson, Beverly Hills.

Hammertoes evaluation and diagnosis

If you suspect you have hammertoes, you should seek evaluation and diagnosis from a qualified medical professional, such as a podiatrist or orthopedic surgeon. Here are some of the typical steps involved in the evaluation and diagnosis of hammertoes:

• Medical history: Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, such as when the condition started and how hammertoes affect your daily activities. The doctor may also ask about your family history, medical history, and past foot injuries.
• Physical examination: Your doctor will physically examine your feet, looking for any signs of hammertoes, such as a toe that is bent or curled. The foot specialist can also assess your foot flexibility, muscle strength, and range of motion.
• Imaging tests: Your doctor may order imaging tests, such as X-rays, to get a closer look at the structure of your foot and to rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
• Diagnosis: Based on your medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests, your doctor will be able to diagnose whether you have hammertoes and determine the severity of your condition.

Once you are diagnosed with hammertoes, your doctor will discuss treatment options. Before starting any treatment option, knowing the main causes of hammertoes is advisable. These causes include:

• Genetics: Hammertoes can be inherited from your parents, which means that if someone in your family has hammertoes, you may be more likely to develop hammertoes. This is because some people may have a foot structure that makes hammertoes more susceptible to developing hammertoes.
• Foot structure: Some foot structures can lead to the development of hammertoes, such as flat feet, high arches, or a second toe that is longer than the big toe. These conditions can cause the muscles and tendons in the foot to become imbalanced, leading to the development of hammertoes.
• Trauma: Injuries to the foot, such as a stubbed toe or a fracture, can cause the muscles and tendons to become imbalanced, leading to the development of hammertoes.
• Tight footwear: Wearing shoes that are too tight or high-heeled can force your toes into a cramped position, which can cause the muscles and tendons to become imbalanced, leading to the development of hammertoes.
• Arthritis: Arthritis can cause joint deformities, including hammertoes. This is because the disease can cause the joints in the foot to become inflamed and damaged, leading to a change in the foot’s structure.
• Nerve damage: Nerve damage in the foot, such as from diabetes or a stroke, can cause the muscles and tendons to become imbalanced, leading to the development of hammertoes.
• Aging: As you age, your muscles and tendons may become weaker, which can cause the toes to become imbalanced and lead to the development of hammertoes.

If you have hammertoes, visit Eazy Foot & Ankle and speak to your doctor about possible treatment methods. 

Are you tired of suffering from chronic pain, seizures, or anxiety? Do you want to explore alternative treatments for your medical condition? Medical marijuana may be the solution you are looking for. With its natural properties and therapeutic benefits, Haverford medical marijuana has proved effective in treating various conditions, from physical to mental health issues.

Here are some of the most common conditions and how medical marijuana can be used to treat them:

• Chronic pain: Medical marijuana effectively reduces chronic pain caused by arthritis, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis. The active compounds in marijuana, including THC and CBD, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
• Anxiety: Medical marijuana can treat anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The calming effects of marijuana can help reduce anxiety symptoms and improve the overall quality of life.
• Epilepsy: It effectively reduces the frequency and severity of seizures in people with epilepsy. The cannabinoid CBD has anticonvulsant properties and can help prevent seizures.
• Cancer: Medical marijuana can manage cancer symptoms and its treatment, such as nausea and vomiting, pain, and loss of appetite. THC effectively reduces nausea and vomiting, while CBD can help with pain management.
• Crohn’s Disease: Medical marijuana can help reduce inflammation in the gut and improve symptoms of Crohn’s disease, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss.
• Glaucoma: Medical marijuana can help reduce intraocular pressure in the eyes, a major risk factor for glaucoma. THC is effective in reducing intraocular pressure and can help prevent vision loss.
• Multiple sclerosis: Medical marijuana can be used to manage symptoms of multiple sclerosis, including muscle spasticity, pain, and bladder dysfunction. The cannabinoids in marijuana can help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.

There are several ways medical marijuana can be administered, including:

• Smoking: Smoking is one of the most common methods of administering medical marijuana. The dried flowers of the marijuana plant are rolled into a joint or packed into a pipe and smoked.
• Vaporization: Vaporization involves heating the marijuana to a temperature that releases the active compounds as a vapor. This vapor is then inhaled.
• Edibles: Medical marijuana can be added to food or drink orally. Edibles can take longer to take effect but can provide longer-lasting effects.
• Tinctures: Tinctures are liquid extracts of marijuana that are administered orally. They are usually placed under the tongue or added to food or drink.
• Topicals: Medical marijuana can be applied topically to the skin through creams, lotions, or balms. This method is often used to treat localized pain or inflammation.
• Suppositories: Medical marijuana can be administered as a suppository and inserted into the rectum or vagina. This method is often used to treat gastrointestinal or menstrual symptoms.

The method of administration may depend on the patient’s medical condition, personal preference, and the healthcare provider’s recommendation. It is important to note that the effects of medical marijuana can vary depending on the method of administration.

It is advisable to note that medical marijuana should only be used under the guidance of your healthcare professional at LSR Wellness.

You might not understand the services offered by a primary doctor even if you visit a family medicine clinic often. Some people underrate spring family medicine and only seek their services when dealing with minor issues such as flu, but the family doctors treat different health conditions. You should ask your family doctor about the services the next time you visit their clinic. The family doctors are knowledgeable and will only refer patients who are critically ill to an expertized doctor. These are the services you would receive at a primary doctor’s office.

Annual Exams

The annual exams are wellness exams that ensure you are healthy and act as a pillar for preventive healthcare. The family doctor will take your vitals, and examine the skin and other organs to ensure you are healthy. They recommend further diagnosis and treatments when they feel something is not right. Therefore, they prevent health conditions in the early stages preventing the severity of symptoms and restoring your health.

Pediatric Care

Young children are predisposed to health issues as their immunity is still developing. Therefore, you should let them visit a family medicine facility often for pediatric care. Pediatric care ensures your child meets the recommended developmental milestones. Additionally, the family doctor will treat issues specific to young children and walk with the children from a young age into adulthood. They will have their medical history later in life making it possible to deal with emergent health conditions. It helps if you let a family doctor treat the whole household as it makes it easy to identify hereditary issues and deal with them in the early stages.

Men’s Healthcare

Men require specific health needs and they should go for men’s wellness exams to stay healthy. Men should check for issues such as prostate cancer after 40 years and keep their weight in check. Hormonal changes might make it possible for men to gain weight easily in adulthood due to the decline in testosterone hormones. Your family doctor works with dieticians and physical therapists to formulate exercise plans and diets that increase testosterone production and weight loss.

Women’s Healthcare

Women require specialized healthcare. You should discuss issues such as fertility, painful periods, and STDs with your family doctor. Family doctors can help women navigate their reproductive health with ease. Additionally, women might have different symptoms for a given disease from men, making a diagnosis of the health issues difficult.

Management of Chronic Diseases

Your family doctor will manage chronic diseases, but they will refer patients to other professionals for proper treatments. However, they will take essential vitals to ensure the medications are effective. They will recommend a change of medication to improve your health.

Vaccinations and Immunizations

Your family doctor will educate you about the vaccines which can improve your health and update the immunization programs. Vaccinations reduce the severity of symptoms and in some cases prevent diseases completely. They are safe and protect future generations from preventable diseases.

Most people who visit a family medicine clinic only ask for specific services such as the treatment of the flu. However, there are many more services you would get at a primary doctor’s office. For instance, they offer preventive care which reduces the severity of health issues. Moreover, the family doctor offers vaccinations and immunizations which are safe and protect future generations from preventable health issues. They treat men and women by applying gender-specific strategies which meet their needs. Additionally, family clinics offer pediatric healthcare and walk with the patients to adulthood.

According to the CDC, only about 15% of American adults were obese from 1960 to 1962. But, presently, the CDC notes that the condition affects over 70% of adult Americans. If you have tried various strategies, including eating healthily and frequently exercising, yet cannot achieve a healthy weight, consult a Southlake primary care physician. The importance of maintaining a healthy weight to lessen your risk of health complications cannot be overstated.

Excessive weight accumulation can impair your health and lead to various problems, including type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, bowel cancer, and sleep apnea.

After factoring in your health problems, dietary needs, and physical health, your primary care physician will make your unique weight management program.

Subsequently, below are some nutritious foods that your primary care doctor may recommend for maintaining a healthy weight.

Fruits

The high nutritional value and higher concentration of healthy micronutrients in fruits help significantly reduce any negative effects from their natural sugar. Also, fruits are richly packed with fiber content, which prevents the quick release of natural sugar into your bloodstream.

Healthy fruits you should consume regularly include grapefruit, apples, berries, passion fruit, kiwifruit, melons, avocadoes, and oranges.

Always eat fresh fruits instead of dried and canned fruits. Dried and canned fruits can have added sugars that are unhealthy for your body.

Vegetables

When trying to achieve or maintain a healthy weight, your nutritionist will also require that you eat plenty of vegetables regularly.

Most vegetables contain low calories, and the filling fiber reduces the urge to eat frequently. Moreover, the significant water content in vegetables helps you feel fuller faster and longer; hence, you do not overeat, leading to weight loss.

Vegetables that should be part of your regular diet include spinach, broccoli, green peas, and cauliflower. If you are to eat canned vegetables, ensure they do not have added salt.

Meat

Healthy meats you can eat to help you achieve a healthy weight are skinless chicken breast, grass-fed beef, salmon, turkey, and ostrich.

For instance, turkey meat is lean and rich in vitamin B6. Vitamin B6 plays a vital role in the proper function of proteins, sugars, and fats in your body.

Furthermore, vitamin B6 is essential in the development of different parts of the body, including nerves, skin, and brain.

Eggs

Eggs can help you lose unwanted body fat or maintain a healthy weight since they make you feel fuller faster, so you do not eat excessively. Eggs also contain fewer calories and are rich in vitamins and minerals.

However, since eggs have bad cholesterol, consume a minimum of 7-12 eggs weekly.

Also, remember you must avoid or limit the intake of certain foods and drinks if you desire a healthy weight. These foods and drinks promoting unhealthy weight gain include french fries, potato chips, white bread, sugary drinks, candy bars, cake, ice cream, and alcohol.

Contact Executive Medicine of Texas today to schedule an appointment with a primary care physician and learn more about the services offered.

The skin is the largest organ in the body and, unfortunately, this makes it a target for many pathogens and illnesses. Some skin conditions are temporary while others are chronic, uncomfortable, and painful. And while many of them are not dangerous, some skin problems can be debilitating or life-threatening. This is why it is always a good idea to discuss common skin conditions with a trained dermatologist Decatur. In addition to helping you find relief, they can protect you from potentially dangerous complications. Here is a list of at least five skin disorders you should let your doctor know about.

Acne (Acne vulgaris)

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States. Because it appears on prominent areas of the skin like the face, it is a major source of anxiety for teens and adults alike. Acne is caused by blocked oil glands and hair follicles in the skin, which is often triggered by changes in hormone levels in the body. It is characterized by pimples, nodules, blackheads, or cysts on the face, chest, back, and other areas. Left untreated by a dermatologist, acne can lead to permanent facial spots and scars.

Athlete’s Foot

Your feet can get infected by fungal pathogens called dermatophytes, leading to athlete’s foot, a common dermatological problem. Athlete’s foot can cause cracked skin and extreme redness and itchiness in between the toes and on your feet. Unchecked, this infection can linger for weeks, causing untold pain and discomfort. It can also invade the skin under your toenails and cause your toenails to appear brown, yellow, or white. This level of infection may require the intervention of a podiatrist.

Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

There are multiple forms of eczema, with atopic dermatitis being the most prevalent among children. Medical experts are unclear on its exact cause but believe that risk factors may include a combination of immunity, environmental, and genetic elements. Typically, atopic dermatitis occurs on the feet, hands, face, and the folds and creases of the skin. It can cause itchiness, skin thickening, and scales that worsen the longer they remain untreated.

Shingles

You may recognize shingles as the extensive red and blistered rashes that appear around the torso and are often accompanied by headaches, fatigue, and a fever. According to medical researchers, this skin condition results from the varicella-zoster virus – the same virus behind chickenpox. It is more likely in older patients and people with a weakened immune system. When shingles occur, they are often painful and disruptive until treated with antivirals.

Basal Cell Carcinoma

BCC is the most prevalent type of skin cancer in the United States. This type of cancer affects the basal cells for which it is named – basal cell carcinoma – and is common in people who are overexposed to sunlight and tanning beds. BCC occurs in the neck, nose, ears, and head and may appear as open sores or red, shiny, and scaly skin. If caught early, BCC is curable.

Why Seek Treatment for Common Skin Conditions?

Skin disorders often vary in severity, symptom, and impact on your health. While some are minor cosmetic nuisance, others can be painful and life-threatening or can indicate a more serious medical condition. Rather than take the chance, you should discuss any skin concerns with your dermatologist. They can help allay your fears if your symptoms are harmless or protect you from a fatal condition. Call them today to discuss any worrying symptoms.

Retainers Carmichael is an essential part of orthodontic treatment. After months or even years of wearing braces to straighten teeth, it is important to maintain the progress made by wearing retainers. Retainers help keep teeth in their new position and prevent them from shifting back to their original position.

WHAT ARE RETAINERS?

Retainers are custom-made devices that fit snugly over the teeth. They are typically made of plastic or a combination of plastic and metal wires. Retainers hold the teeth in their new position to prevent them from shifting. There are two types of retainers: removable and fixed.

WHY ARE RETAINERS IMPORTANT?

Retainers are important because they help maintain the results achieved by braces. After braces are removed, teeth have a tendency to shift back to their original position. This is because the bone and tissue surrounding the teeth need time to adjust to their new position. Retainers help hold the teeth in place while this adjustment takes place.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD RETAINERS BE WORN?

The frequency of retainer wear depends on the patient’s individual needs. In most cases, retainers are worn full-time for a few months after braces are removed. After that, patients are instructed to wear their retainers at night while they sleep. The length of time a patient needs to wear their retainers varies, but it is typically for an extended period of time.

WHAT HAPPENS IF RETAINERS ARE NOT WORN?

If retainers are not worn as directed, teeth may shift out of their new position. This can cause gaps to appear between teeth or teeth to become crooked again. In some cases, patients may need to wear braces again to correct the shift.

HOW DO I TAKE CARE OF MY RETAINERS?

To ensure that retainers last as long as possible, it is important to take care of them properly. Removable retainers should be cleaned daily with a toothbrush and toothpaste. They should also be soaked in a retainer cleaning solution regularly to remove bacteria and prevent odor. Fixed retainers should be cleaned with floss and a threader to remove food particles.

CONCLUSION

Retainers are an essential part of orthodontic treatment. They help maintain the results achieved by braces and prevent teeth from shifting back to their original position. Patients should follow their orthodontist’s instructions for wearing their retainers to ensure the best possible outcome.