- Antibiotics can save lives when necessary but overuse can lead to resistance and side effects
- Each year in the US 2.8 million infections occur due to antibiotic resistant bacteria
- 35,000 people die each year due to antibiotic resistant infections
- Resistance means that the bacteria has developed an ability that keeps the drug from killing them
- Antibiotics do not work on viruses such as colds, flu, bronchitis even if the mucous is yellow or green
- Viruses will usually go away on their own in 1-2 weeks and taking antibiotics will not make you feel better when it is a viral infection. Discuss ways to manage your symptoms with your provider
- Antibiotics can have serious side effects however if your provider has prescribed antibiotics then the benefits outweigh the risks. You should notify your provider right away if you develop a rash or severe diarrhea. Severe diarrhea may indicate an infection due to antibiotic use called C. difficile that needs treatment
- If you are prescribed antibiotics be sure to take exactly as prescribed. Do not stop the medication early even if you are feeling better
- Stay healthy and keep others healthy by good hand-washing, covering your cough and staying home when sick. Also, get any recommended vaccines such as flu and pneumonia shots
With Wellness Wednesday, we will share best recommendations for feeling great without restricting yourself. Follow along to find tips and tricks for living a healthy life. We will introduce you to recipes, clean eating habits, and wellness tips that you’ll be using all year and offer consistent encouragement as you work toward your personal goals!
Wednesday, November 20, 2019
WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: ANTIBIOTIC AWARENESS
Monday, November 4, 2019
WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: DIABETES
DIABETES INFORMATION
Prediabetes
What
is it?
- Elevated blood sugar levels but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes
- Raises risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke
Cause
- Associated with older age obesity, family history, physical inactivity and certain ethnicities
Treatment/Management
- Reduce risk for developing type 2 diabetes by reducing body weight by 5-7%
- Done through improved diet and increased in physical activity
Type
I
What
is it?
- Autoimmune diseasesThe body’s immune system attacks the insulin producing cells in the pancreas
- Insulin is the hormone that allows our body to convert food to energy
Cause
- Currently unknown but believed autoimmune, genetic, environmental and other factors are involved
Treatment/Management
- Must be treated with insulin shots and possible other medications
- Healthy food choices and exercise help manage the condition
Type
II
What is it?
Cause
Treatment/Management
|
Friday, October 4, 2019
WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: Breast Cancer Awareness
- 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime.
- Every 2 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the US.
- 41,760 women will die of breast cancer this year.
- Although rare, even men can get breast cancer. In fact, 2,670 men will be diagnosed this year.
- Early detection is key!
- If diagnosed at the localized stage, the 5-year survival rate is 99%.
- In addition to seeing your provider yearly for a clinical breast exam, a self-breast exam should be done monthly. If you are having menstrual periods, the best time to do this is right after your period.
- Notify your provider of any breast lumps, tenderness, nipple discharge, or skin changes
- To lower your risk of breast cancer: don’t smoke, limit alcohol intake, eat fruits and vegetables, stay physically active and maintain a healthy weight
- After age 40, mammograms are recommended ever 1-2 years. Please contact your provider if you are overdue for your mammogram.
Thursday, August 29, 2019
WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: Hurricane Preparation
Are
your ready for hurricane season?
Hurricanes
are most active in September.
If
you haven’t already done so, now is the time to get prepared.
- Store at least 5 gallons of water per person or pet, this should last you 3-5 days
- If you run out of your stored water, you can disinfect tap water by boiling the water or using unscented household bleach. See this website for more instructions:
- Have a 2 week supply of your medications
- Gather any important documents and store in a waterproof container
- Gather a 5 day supply of non-perishable food items such as;
- peanut butter , canned tuna fish, vegetables, canned salmon, canned chicken
- crackers, cereal, trail mix, granola bars
- . Don’t forget baby food or formula if needed.
- Turn down the temperature on your freezer and fridge so that if you lose power the food will last longer.
- Gather safety items:
- fire extinguisher, battery-powered radio, flashlights, extra batteries, first aid kit
- Collect personal care items:
- soap, body wipes, hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene products and diapers
- Get your homes and cars ready:
- clear yard of anything that could blow around in the storm
- cover windows and doors with plywood
- move vehicles into your garage
- Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning; have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home
- Only use your generator outside, 20 feet away from open windows or doors.
- Follow storm and emergency instructions
- Follow evacuation orders
- Follow this website for more information to keep your home and family safe during hurricane season:
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: OPIOID CRISIS
August
30th is Opioid Misuse Prevention Day
Opioids
are powerful pain medications that can be effective in managing pain
however can also lead to overuse, addiction, overdoses and
death.
North Carolina has been especially hit by the opioid
crisis.
- 5 people die daily from overdoses
- More people die of opioid overdose than from car crashes
- 2,000 North Carolinians died from opioid overdose in 2017 - a 32% increase from the previous year.
- Overdoses have actually doubled over the previous 10 years.
- Nationwide 100 people die daily from opioid overdose.
How
can you help?
- Dispose of unused prescription medication through Operation Medicine Drop. Click on the following link to find a location:
- Lock up your controlled substances.
- Talk to your kids about the risks of opioids.
- Talk to you health care provider about alternative medications and any concerns you have regarding your medications.
- Get involved in community efforts to help raise awareness by visiting MorePowerfulNC.org
- Seek help for yourself if there is a concern about addiction by seeing your health care provider and locating community resources at smartrecovery.org
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: Salmon - Heart Healthy
RECIPE 
This recipe is packed full of flavor but also heart-healthy and rich in good fats. Salmon is a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids that have been shown to decrease inflammation, increase good cholesterol, and lower triglycerides. Avocados are rich in monounsaturated fat which helps to lower cholesterol levels. They are also high in fiber and have more potassium than a banana.
2 lbs salmon, cut into 4 filets
1 T olive oil
1 tsp salt
1 tsp cumin
1tsp paprika
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp chili powder
1 tsp black pepper
1 avocado
½ small red onion, diced
Juice from 2 limes
1-2 T finely chopped cilantro
Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
Combine the avocado, red onion, cilantro, lime juice and salt to taste in a bowl. Chill until ready to use.
Grill (or broil) the salmon for about 5 minutes
Top with avocado salsa
Wednesday, August 7, 2019
WEDNESDAY WELLNESS: Immunization Awareness
August
is National Immunization
Awareness
Month
We
all need shots (vaccines) to help protect us from serious diseases.
This protection is called immunization. You
have the power to protect yourself and your family from dangerous
vaccine-preventable
diseases
such
as measles, pneumonia, influenza, and
tetanus.
Vaccines are safe and effective and
work with your body’s natural defenses to develop immunity to
disease. Getting vaccinated at the recommended time is the best way
to prevent serious diseases.
Everyone
age 6 months and older needs to get a flu vaccine every year. Other
types of shots work best at specific ages or life stages.
Visit
the CDC website below to help determine what vaccines are recommended
for your child.
Click
the link below to determine what vaccines you may need as an adult.
Talk
to a provider
at Patient Centered Care
to make sure everyone in your family has
received
the shots they need to
stay safe and healthy!
Wilmington Office 910-799-6262
Bolivia Office 910-253-7990
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Depression/Stop Smoking/Advance Directive: Did you Know Patient Centered Care can help?
The Patient Centered Care Team is committed to improving your health by fully identifying and striving to satisfy your healthcare needs.
ADVANCE DIRECTIVE
An advance directive is a form that you fill out to describe the kinds of medical care you want to have if something happens to you and you can't speak for yourself. It tells your family and the medical community including your primary care provider, what to do if you're badly hurt or have a serious illness that keeps you from saying what you want.
ADVANCE DIRECTIVE
An advance directive is a form that you fill out to describe the kinds of medical care you want to have if something happens to you and you can't speak for yourself. It tells your family and the medical community including your primary care provider, what to do if you're badly hurt or have a serious illness that keeps you from saying what you want.
There are two main types of advance directives:
- A living will tells your family and your doctor what kinds of treatment you want to receive as you near the end of your life and if you can no longer speak for yourself. A living will is also called a treatment directive.
- A medical power of attorney lets you name a person to make treatment decisions for you when you can't speak for yourself. This person is called a health care agent or health care proxy.
These involve tough choices to make, but you don't have to make them alone. Take your time. Share your questions or concerns with your Nurse Practitioner at Patient Centered Care. Set an appointment to discuss your plan (your family or a friend are welcome to attend).
SMOKING CESSATION
Smoking cessation (also known as quitting smoking) is the process of discontinuing tobacco smoking. Tobacco smoke contains nicotine, which is addictive and can cause dependence. Nicotine withdrawal makes the process of quitting often difficult.
After just 12 hours without a cigarette, the body cleanses itself of the excess carbon monoxide from the cigarettes. The carbon monoxide level returns to normal, increasing the body's oxygen levels. Just 1 day after quitting smoking, the risk of heart attack begins to decrease.
Stopping smoking will:
(1) Lower your risk for lung cancer and many other types of cancer.
(2) Reduce your risk for heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease (narrowing of the blood vessels outside your heart).
(3) Reduce heart disease risk within 1 to 2 years of quitting.
If you would like help to stop nicotine, contact Patient Centered care to arrange a consultation with a nurse practitioner to develop a plan. The following websites may help you with your decision:
DEPRESSION
Many people think of depression as being sad, but it really is a complex medical condition different with each person. People with depression experience many symptoms, including:
- little interest or pleasure in doing things
- feeling down or hopeless
- trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or sleeping too much
- feeling tired or having little energy
- having a poor appetite, over eating or having weight change
- difficult concentrating or making decisions
- feeling bad about themselves, like they are a failure, or feeling guilty
If you or someone in your family may be experiencing these symptoms, reach out to the office for an appointment with a nurse practitioner. Is it time to talk about your symptoms?
Patient Centered Care, PLLC 910-799-6262 (phone)
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