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Focusing on your overall health is important for anyone no matter your age or current health status. While living a healthy lifestyle is crucial, having a primary care physician that you see regularly is also key to leading a healthy life.

A primary care physician, or “PCP”, can be the doctor you see for everyday health concerns as well as the doctor that will treat or refer you to specialists when more serious or complex health issues arise. These physicians are familiar with your overall health, family history and can be a dependable guide when navigating through your health and wellness. Keep reading to learn more about why you need a primary care physician.

Monitor Overall Health

While a primary care physician is there for you when you have the flu, a painful earache, or other health issues, they also play a huge role in keeping you healthy. They know your entire health history, and can take a look at the bigger picture when diagnosing whatever it may be that you came in for. PCP’s can also provide preventative care, helping you avoid illness and disease as well as catch serious issues early – providing you with more treatment options and typically a better outcome.

Receive Regular Screening

If you are in good health and under the age of 50, it is recommended you see your primary care physician every three years, or whenever a health concern arises. Once you are over 50, once a year is the recommendation as long as you continue to have a clean bill of health. These regular visits give your PCP the opportunity to order bloodwork to test things like cholesterol, blood sugar and other important aspects of your health such as thyroid, kidney and liver function. They will also record your height, weight, temperature, blood pressure and pulse rate to compare with past visits as well as listen to your heart and lungs to note anything abnormal.

Provide Access to Specialists

When a serious health concern arises, it can be scary and confusing to know where to turn, find out what doctors you need to visit, and learn what treatments are available to you. A primary care physician can act as a guide in this process, referring you to specialists as needed. Your PCP will work with the specialist to get them up to date on your health history and provide them with any information they may need to ensure that you are on the best treatment plan available.

Manage Chronic Illness

Chronic illnesses such as high blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and many others, can lead to other health issues if not managed correctly. A primary care physician can treat chronic health issues with medication and recommended lifestyle changes that can benefit these illnesses as well as your overall health. Having a PCP that regularly monitors any changes in your conditions will help to treat these issues early – helping avoid potential hospitalizations or surgeries.

Lower Healthcare Costs

Preventative healthcare has been known to have a direct impact on lowering overall and lifetime healthcare costs. By regularly getting screened by your PCP and having an open communication with your doctor, you can prevent conditions from worsening, avoid serious issues, and start treating conditions early, leading to lower costs in the long run. On top of that, many preventative healthcare options, such as checkups and physicals, are typically covered by insurance or are low in cost.

While visiting the doctor for a routine checkup is often not on the priority list, the benefits are crucial in managing your overall health. All primary care physicians are expertly trained to treat a broad range of health conditions, but each have a different background and focus. Some treat patients of all ages, while others specialize in the care of women, seniors or children. The right primary care doctor depends on your, and your family’s, personal health care needs. Southwoods Health has a growing list of primary care physicians located in offiffices around the Mahoning Valley. To see a complete list of these doctors, visit SouthwoodsPrimaryCare.com.

The month of May is Arthritis Awareness Month, a great time to educate yourself and spread awareness on the common condition that affects over 58 million Americans each year. Sufferers can experience debilitating pain and stiffness in their joints, limited mobility and a lower quality of life. Arthritis is the most common reason for disability, with an economic impact of over $156 million in medical expenses and lost wages. Keep reading to learn more about Arthritis Awareness Month and find out why you may need to see a rheumatologist.

Diagnosed with Arthritis or a Rheumatic Disease

There are over 100 different types of arthritis, and rheumatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating these conditions. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with any type of arthritis, scheduling a visit with a rheumatologist can help you learn more about the condition, treatment options and help prevent it from worsening. Rheumatologists also treat diseases of the immune system.

Joint Pain or Swelling

If you have been experiencing joint pain or swelling and aren’t sure of the cause, seeing a rheumatologist may be a good first step. While joint pain may be a common side effect of getting older or exercise, it also is often the first sign of a rheumatic disease. When it comes to arthritis, early detection and prevention is key, so finding out if your pain is a result of over exerting yourself, age or something more serious is very important. If you are suffering from joint symptoms, consider scheduling an appointment with a Southwoods rheumatologist for an evaluation.

Abnormal Blood Tests

If you are experiencing certain symptoms, your primary care physician may order blood tests to get a better understanding of what may be wrong. Some of these blood tests may include antinuclear antibodies (ANA), rheumatoid factor (RF) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). If you receive positive results for one or more of these tests, a rheumatologist can better determine if your symptoms may be caused by a rheumatic condition.

Other Symptoms

While joint pain is the most common symptom, rheumatic diseases often come with other symptoms as well. Osteoarthritis, which is the most common form of arthritis, may present symptoms including:

  • Pain during or after movement
  • Joint stiffness right after waking up or after inactivity
  • Joint tenderness
  • Loss of flexibility
  • Bone spurs
  • Swelling

Working with a rheumatologist is one of the most important steps in managing and treating arthritis. WIth their guidance and expertise, you can create a treatment plan and prevent the condition from worsening as much as possible.

Southwoods Health’s rheumatologists are committed to providing high quality, comprehensive care and work with your primary care physician to ensure that care is coordinated.If you are suffering from joint pain and discomfort or other symptoms common to arthritis, ask your doctor for a referral.

As the temperatures begin to rise and we finally say goodbye to winter, most families will find themselves spending more time in the great outdoors. There are countless benefits to getting your family outside, such as promoting exercise and curiosity, getting fresh air and helping develop social skills. However, with all these benefits comes some safety concerns. As you get outside and play this spring and summer, remember these tips for keeping your family safe!

Protect Your Skin

Since spring sun doesn’t often feel as intense as summer sun, many people decide to skip the sunscreen. The sun’s rays are in fact quite strong this time of year (and all year round!), and remembering SPF is extremely important. The first step in protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays is applying sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 about 30 minutes before you head outside. Be sure to apply sunscreen on any exposed skin, and reapply every two hours or immediately after being in water. Choosing clothing that protects your skin and finding shade when possible is also important to keeping your skin healthy.

Wear A Helmet

While outdoor physical activities are great for your families health, some of these activities can potentially be dangerous. Whenever riding anything with wheels, such as a bike, skateboard, scooter or roller skates, it is important to make sure your child is wearing a helmet that fits properly. Helmets can help absorb and cushion a blow to the head and are shown to reduce the risk of brain injury by 85%. Don’t forget to lead by example and make sure you’re wearing a helmet during these types of activities too!

Safely Enjoy the Water

During the warm months of late spring and summer, many families spend time by the pool, at the beach or on a lake. Between the months of May and August, drowning deaths among children increase by 89%. Making sure there are multiple safety measures in place when you’re by the water is crucial to keeping everyone safe. A few ways to ensure safety is to always supervise children in or anywhere near water, put barriers around the pool to restrict access, teach children how to swim at a young age, and wear a lifejacket when on a boat or in the water. Drowning is a real risk, and sadly only takes seconds. Water safety is an important topic that should be regularly discussed with your family.

Protect Against Bugs

Everyone loves the warmer temperatures this time of year – and so do bugs and other types of insects! As you and your family are heading outside, be sure to spray yourselves with insect repellant and wear proper clothing and footwear. Most insect bites will only cause itchy skin or irritation, but in rare cases there can be a risk of disease, like Lyme Disease and West Nile Virus. Other ways to stay clear of insects is to wear long sleeves and pants, stay away from stagnant water and avoid using scented lotions or soaps that may attract insects.

Bounce Safely

Trampolines are very popular among children and are a fun way to burn off energy and get some exercise. However, if they are not used properly or are set up incorrectly, serious injuries can occur. To ensure safety, never let more than one child on the trampoline at a time, don’t allow somersaults or flips, and never let anyone on the trampoline unsupervised.

Spring and summer are a fun time, and making sure everyone is safe will make your time outside even better. Planning ahead and taking necessary precautions can help you and your family enjoy yourselves while staying safe and healthy. If an accident does occur, Southwoods Express Care provides fast, easy access to medical care that is non-urgent but still requires immediate medical attention. With locations on the Southwoods campus in Boardman, on Struthers-Coitsville Road in Campbell and on Route 14 in Columbiana, Southwoods Express Care is open seven days a week.

If you wake up with a runny nose, sneezing and coughing – and overall, you just feel lousy – your first thought is probably that you’ve caught a cold. While that definitely may be the case, these are also typical symptoms of allergies. During this time of year, suffering from allergies is very common as pollen starts to fill the air. By better understanding the differences between the common cold and seasonal allergies, you will be able to choose the best treatment options and get back to feeling your best.

What is a Cold?

The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract that affects the throat and nose. While it is usually harmless, the symptoms that come with it are less than pleasant. Many types of viruses can cause a cold, and while the severity of symptoms may vary, there are usually some common characteristics. Most healthy adults will get two or three colds per year, and despite the name, they can occur at any time of the year.

Symptoms:

  • Fatigue
  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Runny nose
  • Watery eyes
  • Aches and pains
  • Sore throat
  • Fever

Treatment:

The common cold typically lasts about 7 to 10 days and can usually be treated at home. Since antibiotics only treat bacterial infections, they won’t help if you have a cold. In most cases, the only treatment is plenty of rest and liquids. However, there are medications and remedies that can help relieve symptoms while the virus runs its course.

  • Cough syrup
  • Decongestant nasal spray
  • Pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
  • Cough drops
  • Using a humidifier
  • Honey
  • Warm liquids

What are Seasonal Allergies?

Allergies occur when your body’s immune system has an adverse reaction to something. When the body is exposed to environmental triggers such as pollen or dust, the body releases compounds, such as histamines, to fight what it thinks is a harmful substance. This overreaction causes sneezing, runny nose, and other symptoms that come along with allergies. There are many things people can be allergic to all year round, however, seasonal allergies are very common during the spring and fall.

Symptoms:

  • Sneezing
  • Coughing
  • Sore throat
  • Runny nose
  • Nasal congestion
  • Itchy watery eyes
  • Skin rashes
  • Hives
  • Swelling
  • Wheezing or difficulty breathing

Treatment:

The only effective way to prevent allergies is to avoid your triggers, which isn’t always possible. Similar to a cold, there are medications and remedies that can help relieve your symptoms.

  • Antihistamines
  • Decongestants
  • Nasal corticosteroids
  • Eye drops
  • Allergy shots
  • Saline spray
  • Using a humidifier

How to Know the Difference

The best way to decide whether you are suffering from the common cold or seasonal allergies, is to focus on the symptoms that they do NOT share. If you’re extremely tired, are experiencing aches and pains and have a sore throat, you probably have a cold. If your eyes are itchy, you’re wheezing and you have a rash, you most likely have allergies. While many of the symptoms are similar, these two conditions are very different. Knowing which you have will help you decide on the best treatment options.

 

It is common to experience weakness, stiffness or tenderness as you recover from orthopaedic surgery. Causes include lack of exercise, as well as the strain the operation itself puts on the body. While rest is important during recovery, too much can cause lack of mobility, reduced range of motion, muscle atrophy and overall weakness. Physical therapy is key in building your muscle strength back up as you heal, and making sure your body is as strong as it can be. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of physical therapy after orthopaedic surgery.

Strengthened Muscles

A significant portion of the recovery process is participating in the therapy the doctor orders. Recovery and exercise plans will be tailored to meet each individual patient’s needs. With proper physical therapy, patients can perform exercises that will build muscle strength back to their functional best, helping them get back to their regular lives. It is important to remember each patient recovers at his or her own pace.

Enhanced Mobility

Some loss of mobility is common after orthopaedic surgery, but this can be extremely frustrating to the patient. While rest is important, it is crucial to not let lack of mobility worsen as you recover. With a good physical therapy regimen of stretching and exercise, you can help improve your mobility and quickly get back to using your muscles regularly. Canes, crutches, walkers or other assistive devices can also help reduce stress on your joints while recovering.

Improved Circulation

After orthopaedic surgery, many people spend a lot of time laying or sitting down. But lack of activity can lead to restricted blood flow, which can make it much harder for the body to heal properly. Poor blood circulation can increase your healing time, lead to more pain and a higher risk of infection. With regular physical therapy, you will increase blood flow providing the body with the circulation it needs to properly heal. Circulation exercises play an important role in reducing the chance of postoperative complications.

Pain Reduction

Recovering after a surgery can be painful, and many people worry that physical therapy may cause them more pain. However, physical therapy actually increases muscle strength and joint function which helps alleviate pain over time. This can make your recovery time shorter and decrease the need for pain medication.

Strengthened Core

Your core is the center of your body, and having a strong core is key to keeping you stable and preventing other injuries. A weakened core can lead to balance and stability issues, putting you at risk for injury and making recovery time longer. Physical therapists often focus on core exercises to increase stability and improve your overall health.

The decision to have surgery is such an important one. Studies show effective patient education prior to surgery and physical therapy participation after surgery contribute to more positive patient outcomes. At Southwoods, we focus on creating the best experience for our patients. If you are considering orthopaedic surgery, visit SouthwoodsHealthOrtho.com for more information on our services or to find a surgeon near you.

March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, a time to educate the community and promote awareness of the importance of colorectal cancer screening, prevention and treatment. Overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about 1 in 23 for men and 1 in 25 for women. While there’s no sure way to prevent colorectal cancer, there are things you can do to help lower your risk. Here are 5 tips to keep your colon healthy.

Eat Healthy

Fruits and vegetables are a vital part of a healthy diet, and have been linked to lowering the risk of colon cancer and other diseases. Focus on consuming an assortment of colorful fruits and vegetables like dark, leafy greens, and red, orange, blue and purple fruits. It is recommended to consume 25-35 grams of fiber a day. While all fruits have some fiber, there are some that are higher than others. Good sources of fiber include nuts, seeds, berries, lentils, beans, broccoli, carrots, apples and pears. Red meat and highly processed foods are full of saturated fat, which has been associated with increasing your risk of colon cancer. A diet rich with foods that are nutrient packed and high in antioxidants and fiber can help decrease your risk and benefit your overall health.

Stay Active

Not only is regular exercise crucial to a healthy lifestyle, it is also key to a healthy colon. Studies show that people who are physically active have a 24 percent lower risk of colon cancer than those who are not. Exercise causes an increase in blood flow and circulation which increases bowel movements and makes your GI system more effective and healthy.

Drink Plenty of Water

If you don’t stay properly hydrated, there is a potential for toxins to build up in your body. These toxins can cause gas, constipation, bloating, IBS and other digestive issues. It is recommended to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day to keep your body hydrated and keep your colon healthy.

Limit Alcohol and Quit Smoking

Drinking alcohol in excess has been linked to colon cancer. Drinking can increase the workload on the liver, which causes more toxins to build up and pass through the colon. It is important to drink in moderation or cut out alcohol completely. Smoking has also been linked to colon cancer, among many other types of cancer and health issues. It is best to quit smoking altogether to lower your risk. Quitting can be tough, consult your doctor to create a plan that works for you.

Get Screened

Although a colonoscopy may sound dreadful and uncomfortable, it is crucial in diagnosing colon cancer in its early stages. For people at average risk of developing colorectal cancer, screenings are recommended to start at age 50 and continue through age 75. Finding cancer early often allows for more treatment options and a higher rate of survival. Colorectal cancer screenings can help find cancer in people that don’t have symptoms, which can be life saving. There are a few different options for screenings, which are typically covered by insurance.

During Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and all year long, take the opportunity to learn more about the disease and find out how you can take steps to keep your colon healthy. Finding colorectal cancer early, when it’s small and hasn’t spread, often allows for more treatment options and more successful outcomes. Talk to your doctor today!

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