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Monkeypox: Signs, Symptoms, and Guidelines from Optima Medical Doctors

There is a lot of discussion about monkeypox and the risk of transmission. The first thing to understand is that monkeypox transmission is different than Covid. Transmission happens during close contact – prolonged physical contact or direct contact with body fluids or lesions. It may also spread face to face through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated bedding or clothing. 

It doesn’t spread through the air like COVID-19, as far as we know. And unlike COVID-19, monkeypox isn’t contagious until the infected person becomes symptomatic. That makes it much easier to isolate infected individuals and prevent the spread. 

Patient Guidelines

As an organization we are recommending that patients concerned about monkeypox or presenting with a typical rash or “flu-like” symptoms of fever, chills, body aches, etc be roomed as soon as possible and not be left in the waiting room. If a wait is unavoidable, please ask those patients to wait in their car until they can be seen. And as always, if they are coughing, please ask them to wear a mask. 

For patients with a rash and symptoms suggestive of monkeypox we recommend PPE including gloves and masks for providers and staff that will have close contact with the patient. 

Signs and Symptoms 

Rash may be located on or near the genitals (penis, testicles, labia, and vagina) or anus (butthole) and could be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth.

The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing. 

The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy. 

 Other symptoms of monkeypox can include 

Fever 

Chills 

Swollen lymph nodes 

Exhaustion 

Muscle aches and backache 

Headache 

Respiratory symptoms (e.g. sore throat, nasal congestion, or cough) 

How is Monkeypox spread? 

Monkeypox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including: 

Direct contact with monkeypox rash, scabs, or body fluids from a person with monkeypox. 

Touching objects, fabrics (clothing, bedding, or towels), and surfaces that have been used by someone with monkeypox. 

Contact with respiratory secretions. 

Intimate Contact 

Monkeypox Prevention Steps 

Take the following three steps to prevent getting monkeypox: 

Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox. 

Do not touch the rash or scabs of a person with monkeypox. 

Do not kiss, hug, cuddle or have sex with someone with monkeypox. 

Avoid contact with objects and materials that a person with monkeypox has used. 

Do not share eating utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox. 

Do not handle or touch the bedding, towels, or clothing of a person with monkeypox. 

Wash your hands often. 

Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially before eating or touching your face and after you use the bathroom. 

The post Monkeypox: Signs, Symptoms, and Guidelines from Optima Medical Doctors appeared first on Optima Medical AZ.

source https://optimamedicalaz.com/monkeypox-signs-symptoms-guidelines/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=monkeypox-signs-symptoms-guidelines

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Everything you should know about sports physicals in Arizona

School is coming up and for a lot of parents that can mean it’s time to schedule sports physicals in Arizona. However, you may have some questions. Optima Medical wants to ensure your child is safe and healthy to play sports this school season. Here are some of the questions we see the most:

Why should your child get a sports physical?

Sports physicals in Arizona are needed before your child can begin to compete in school or traveling sports activities. In fact, most schools require student athletes under the age of 18 to obtain a sports physical for medical clearance. During the physical, your provider can also discuss strategies to prevent injuries.

How far in advance should I schedule my child for their sports physical?

Due to high demand, we recommend scheduling your child’s appointment 4 to 6 weeks prior to the start of the season. Sports physicals must be completed prior to the first practice.

How often does my child need to have a sports physical?

Your child will need to have a sports physical each year they participate, regardless of health.

Who conducts the sports physical?

Your child’s family doctor typically conducts the sports physical. On occasion the school will offer sports physicals to its students.

What happens during a sports physical?

During the sports physical, your child’s provider will review your child’s medical history and complete a physical examination. However, the sports physical does not take the place of your child’s annual physical.

What will the sports physical reveal?

The sports physical will let you know if your child is medically eligible or not eligible to participate in sports.

How will my child’s school know that they have received a sports physical in Arizona?

If your child is cleared for playing sports this year, they will leave the appointment with sports physical forms signed by the provider that you may then give to your child’s school.

  Book a sports physical in Arizona at Optima Medical!

Optima Medical offers sports physicals in Arizona at all eleven of our locations. We look forward to helping your student prepare for the 2021-2022 school year! Schedule your child’s sports physical appointment with Optima Medical today.

The post Everything you should know about sports physicals in Arizona appeared first on Optima Medical AZ.

source https://www.optimamedicalaz.com/sports-physicals-in-arizona/

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4 Early signs of Alzheimer’s disease to look for

Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month is a great time to brush up on early signs of Alzheimer’s so that you may get care for your loved one if they need it.

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1. Problems with problem-solving

The first early signs of Alzheimer’s disease to look for is difficulty following a plan or working with numbers. It’s normal to make mistakes every now and then on household financials. However, if a loved one is having a hard time following their favorite recipe or is struggling to concentrate, you may want to bring it to the attention of their doctor.

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2. Losing track of time or place

Next, if your loved one is having a hard time keeping track of dates, seasons, or the passage of time, it may be one of the early signs of Alzheimer’s. It’s ok to forget what day it is for a moment or two. However, if they forget where they are or how they got there it may be an issue.

3. Misplacing things

Having to retrace your steps sometimes to find something you lost is normal. But putting things in unusual places or accusing people of stealing things that they have misplaced could be another early sign.

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4. Changes in personality

Sometimes we all become a bit irritated when something changes our routine. However, people with Alzheimer’s may experience something more than that. For example, they may become confused, depressed, or more anxious than usual.

Talk to a doctor about early signs of Alzheimer’s

It’s scary when our loved ones start having symptoms or acting unlike themselves. The first place to start if you think someone you may know may be suffering from this disease is to speak with a trusted professional. We have doctors standing by and locations across Arizona. This means we’re here to answer any questions you may have. Please contact us today to set up an appointment.

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It’s scary when our loved ones start having symptoms or acting unlike themselves. The first place to start if you think someone you may know may be suffering from this disease is to speak with a trusted professional. We have doctors standing by and locations across Arizona. This means we’re here to answer any questions you may have. Please contact us today to set up an appointment.It’s scary when our loved ones start having symptoms or acting unlike themselves. The first place to start if you think someone you may know may be suffering from this disease is to speak with a trusted professional. We have doctors standing by and locations across Arizona. This means we’re here to answer any questions you may have. Please contact us today to set up an appointment.

source https://www.optimamedicalaz.com/4-early-signs-of-alzheimers-disease/

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What Are Some Major Causes of Chronic Pain?

The top 3 major causes of chronic pain according to doctors around you

Bodily pain is something we all deal with routinely. Pain is the body’s way of telling that something is wrong and remedial action needs to be taken. If any part of your body has suffered an injury, the pain signal will move from the injured area up to your spinal cord and then to your brain. This is when you feel the sharp stab or pinch which we refer to as pain. 

The body helps us survive better by sending us pain signals and dealing with the problem at hand. Usually, the pain subsides with time as the body heals. However, in some cases, the pain persists even after the injury has healed. This type of persistent pain is called chronic pain. Chronic pain can be quite crippling. It limits one’s ability to perform everyday tasks. It also leaves a deep emotional impact on the person suffering from it. 

What is chronic pain and what causes it? Let us take a detailed look. 

What is Chronic Pain?

In medical terms, chronic pain is referred to as any bodily pain that spans over three months or more. The extent of the pain differs from time to time i.e. sometimes it can be a sharp stabbing pain and other times a dull throb. According to American Pain Foundation, 42-50 million Americans suffer from chronic pain. Chronic pain can occur in any part of the body. Chronic pain can be of the following types:

Headache

Pain after a surgery

Pain after a trauma

Lower back pain

Cancer pain

Arthritis

Multiple sclerosis

Pain caused by damaged nerves (neurogenic pain)

What Are The Causes of Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is circumstantial. A number of factors are responsible for it. For example, aging is one of the primary reasons for chronic pain. As we age, our bones become fragile and deformed. This can cause muscular and joint pain such as arthritis and osteoporosis. Apart from aging, deep injuries and nerve damage are responsible for causing chronic pain. 

Back pain is a form of chronic pain that is experienced by the majority of the population. Multiple factors are responsible for chronic back pain such as:

Consistent poor posture

Lifting of heavy objects without proper care

Obesity. Excess body weight puts a strain on the back

A curved spine that may be due to injury or maybe congenital

Consistent use of high heels

Poor sleeping posture

  Along with that, some chronic pains are also caused due to the following serious ailments: 

Chronic fatigue syndrome: this is caused due to extreme tiredness and lack of proper rest.

Endometriosis: this is a painful medical condition caused due to the abnormal growth of the uterine lining outside the uterus. 

Fibromyalgia: Musculoskeletal pain which is accompanied by fatigue and mood disorders.

Inflammatory bowel disease: Caused due to inflammation in the digestive tract and characterized by severe pain. 

Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ): this is characterized by painful clicking and locking of the jaw. 

How To Treat Chronic Pain?

Chronic pain is difficult to deal with. Any person suffering from it needs relief in order to live a healthy and stable life. Chronic pain can be treated and managed in the following ways:

By taking appropriate medicines. Over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin (Bufferin) or ibuprofen (Advil) are usually the first line of action to treat chronic pain. 

If the pain persists, then certain medical procedures are used to treat the pain. These procedures include electrical stimulation, nerve block, acupuncture, and surgery.

  To get more information on chronic pain and related medical procedures, contact Optima Medical. They have multiple offices located in the state of Arizona.  

source https://www.optimamedicalaz.com/causes-of-chronic-pain/

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What Are The Common Causes and Risks of Heart Diseases?

Here’s what top doctors near you say about the risks of heart diseases

The importance of the heart in the human body cannot be overstated. It pumps and supplies oxygen-rich blood to the body, round the clock. If the heart becomes ill, the routine functions of the human body cease to exist. As per the estimates of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), heart disease is the cause of every 1 in 4 deaths in the US.

It is a silent killer that does not distinguish along the lines of race or gender and claims the lives of approximately 655,000 Americans each year. To better deal with heart issues, it is important to know the common causes and risk factors involved in heart disease. Let us take a look.

Common Causes of Heart Disease

The heart suffers and gets damaged when the flow of blood to the heart is impeded and it does not receive sufficient blood. One of the common causes of this blockage of blood flow is the formation of plaque in coronary vessels. When the heart does not receive nutrients and oxygen due to blockage of blood, the cells of the heart start to die.

This leads to multiple heart issues such as angina pectoris, arrhythmia, heart attack, and eventually heart failure. Deposition of plaque on the coronary arteries is a gradual process. Plaque is a wax-like substance that is formed of cholesterol, fat, and minerals.

Plaque accumulation on the coronary arteries is accelerated by cigarette smoking, high blood pressure, and already increased levels of cholesterol. Now that we have understood the common causes of heart diseases, let us take a look at the risk factors which accelerate heart diseases.

Risk Factors for Heart Diseases

Age and genetic disposition are two important factors that determine one’s susceptibility to heart diseases. Other than that, the following factors can increase a person’s risk of developing heart disease:

Unhealthy Lifestyle

The following unhealthy lifestyle choices increase a person’s risk of having heart disease:

Lack of exercise and poor physical fitness

Consumption of unhealthy food that has a higher content of trans fat. Sugary beverages and higher quantities of sodium are also contributing factors.

Unchecked consumption of alcohol.

Stress and tension.

Unregulated diabetes.

Type 2 Diabetes Accelerates Heart Disease

People who suffer from Type 2 diabetes are more susceptible to heart disease. The reason behind this correlation lies in the way high levels of glucose impact the health of blood vessels. High levels of blood glucose or insulin resistance increase the quantity of plaque deposition in the blood vessels.

As plaque grows in the coronary vessels, the flow of blood to the heart decreases which leads to multiple heart ailments. If you have been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, manage your weight and your blood sugar to limit your chances of heart diseases.

Correlation Between Depression and Heart Disease

Depression and a general feeling of sadness are accelerators for heart disease. Disturbed mental health can cause multiple unwanted changes in the body such as increased blood pressure. This negatively impacts the heart and disrupts its day-to-day functions.

When a person suffers from depression, the body produces increased levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP causes inflammation in the body which restricts the passage of blood in the coronary vessels.

Depression has a negative impact on a person’s productivity. The energy levels go down and productive activities such as exercise are not carried out. This accelerates the buildup of plaque in coronary arteries and worsens the condition of the heart.

This information has been brought to you by Optima Medical. They offer Heart Risk Assessment services in several locations in Arizona.

source https://www.optimamedicalaz.com/causes-and-risks-of-heart-diseases/

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How To Speed Up Weight Loss With Unique Techniques

Here are tried and tested ways to speed up weight loss by doctors near you

Suppose you are chubby and want to look attractive. A fatty body doesn’t please anyone and obesity nurtures other deadly diseases that can further destroy an already destroyed body. Obesity puts limitations on you. You get trouble walking; running is out of the question, and worse of all, people start to judge you. You should be a free bird without any limitations, chains, and barriers in front of you. Studies have shown that 36% percent of African males are overweight.

Why do we gain weight?

There are many reasons for weight gain, it may be the medication you are using or your activity levels, but the most common cause is when your calorie intake is higher than your bodies need. You don’t need to visit the nutritionist to get a diet and a calorie plan. Just start eating in moderation. Don’t overeat, always leave a space for something in your stomach. Prevent eating only one type of food every day. Try a new menu every day, explore unique flavors. Gaining weight is more comfortable than losing it. Remember that precaution is better than treatment.

Risks of Having Extra Fat

There are many problems with having extra pounds. Weight gain changes your body from top to bottom. And its effects range from poor brain memory to joint pain. Some of the live risking causes of being chubby are:

High risk of heart disease: Heart diseases are worrisome and excessive fats are the leading cause of them. A heart attack is more common in chubby people than skinny people. Studies have found that the risk of cardiovascular failure was 34% higher for overweight folks and 104 % higher for obese people, which is bad. Eating is fun but its fool’s gold can never be as fun as actually enjoying life by running and spending your time with family.

High Risks of Stroke: Stroke has the potential to paralyze people and even kill them. Obese people are likely to get a stroke which can leave them unable to walk or talk. You should start to consider that there is a lot to this life and what you are doing is destroying it.

Arthritis: Arthritis limits your joint’s movement. Overweight causes your joint to swell up or scratched, causing arthritis. Imagine you are the only one not being able to go for a hike only because you can’t walk.

High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure causes you to have a headache, and can change your mood. You will start shouting, which can ruin your relationship with friends and family members. Many reports are claiming that an obese person has trouble finding friends.

Society and Obesity

Overweight people are looked at differently in every society. They have a hard time making friends, and even in jobs, they have a low acceptance rate because no one wants to be represented by an obese person. Following are some other issues that chubby people face in society:

Economic deprivation: Only to fulfill your hunger, you will buy more snacks than essential items which cause an obese to go under depth and become economically deprived. It is hard to control your habits, but not impossible.

Lower Wages: Only because obese people looked different are underestimated, and their skills are not encouraged. This behaviour is so typical that chubby people are given lower wages. This universal rule of judging people cannot be fixed, but the person being judged can improve themselves with simple steps.

Risk of Depression: Obese people are judged and bullied so severely that they become depressed and unhappy about themselves. But people often forget that it is not their permanent figure with a little hard work to get their dream figure.

Benefits of losing weight

The benefits of losing weight are endless. You will feel happy. People will start accepting you, and now you can do stuff that you can before. Following are some benefits of losing weight.

Promotion to higher ranks in work

Higher wages

Higher life expectancy

Better body figure

No joint pains

No more brain fog

And no cravings

These are only a few mentions. Your mental health also gets better, and you become active and more productive.

How to lose weight

Losing weight is pretty simple. All you have to is to take your food in moderation. It is not essential to use oils and tons of butter in your dishes. Just use them in moderation and exercise. Exercising is not hard; start off with easy jogging and walking then start cardio and aerobics. After this, if you want to get in shape, start doing the heavy lifting. With slow, steady steps, everything will become easy. There is nothing to rush but a lot to lose if you don’t take your action at the right time. Just be determined and motivated.

Conclusion

Obesity kills a person internally and externally. It becomes a boulder in your life which eventually becomes so big that it’s hard to break. Losing weight is easy if you are focused and willing to take every single step to make your life easier and healthier. Carrying a boulder is challenging and breaking it too but always remember that with a determined heart and enough motivation, you can crack that rock with only a single hit. Being overweight is a curse that can be taken off through exercise and diet control. Schedule an appointment with health experts at Optimamedicalaz to know how you can maintain weight.

source https://www.optimamedicalaz.com/speed-up-weight-loss-unique-techniques/

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What Are Some Health Risks of Sleep Apnea

Here are the top health risks of sleep apnea as described by doctors near you

Ask your doctor what the key to a healthy lifestyle is? Staying in shape and eating healthy are the two responses you will always receive. Be that as it may, turns out, getting enough, and quality sleep is also a critical concern for your health’s well-being.  

This article will cover what sleep apnea is and some of its health risks that have a detrimental impact on your health if left untreated. 

What is Sleep Apnea? 

Sleep Apnea is a serious health condition where your breathing stops while you’re sleeping. Not only does this increase your chances to develop a cardiovascular disease but can also disturb your daily routine. Interruptions in sleep can cause you to wake up with a headache, feel tired during the day and make it hard for you to concentrate on things. 

There are typically two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and central sleep apnea (CSA).

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): This type is more common than the two. It is when part of your upper airway is blocked due to something. It exerts an extra force on your diaphragm and muscles to pull the airway into your lungs, allowing you to breathe.

Central Sleep Apnea (CSA): In CSA, your breathing is hindered regularly when you sleep. This is due to your brain, not signaling your muscles properly to pull air into your respiratory tract. 

Health Risks of Sleep Apnea

Over time, if sleep apnea remains untreated, it puts a tremendous amount of stress on the body. This increases your chances of developing other health problems. Some of the common risks are: 

Blood Pressure

Sleep Apnea can also lead to developing high blood pressure. This is known as ‘hypertension’. The amount of rising in blood pressure is linked to the severity of sleep apnea; cases with more severe conditions of apnea tend to have higher blood pressure changes. 

Heart Disease

Poor quality sleep and heart disease are connected. This condition increases your risk for an irregular heartbeat, coronary artery disease, heart attack and congestive heart failure. According to Harvard Health, This sleep disorder is 47% to 83% of people with cardiovascular disease.

Diabetes

Impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance are associated with sleep apnea. Type 2 diabetes is a leading cause of death in the United States. This develops when the body fails to use insulin efficiently. Research suggests, sleep apnea may lead to the onset of diabetes. 

Emotional Concerns

Poor sleep is associated with emotional disturbances and may increase the risk of mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. 

Car Accidents

Lack of proper sleep may induce excessive sleepiness and cause you to fall asleep when at the wheel. This is a fatal risk. 

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

It can be challenging to perform a self-diagnosis. To lookout for symptoms of sleep disorder, ask someone to be with you while you’re asleep. Common signs to look out for are: 

Starting and Stopping of Breathing 

Making gasping, snorting, or choking noises

Waking up a lot

Snoring Loudly 

Waking up with a dry or sore mouth 

Conclusion 

Living with sleep apnea can be hard. Not only is it a problematic situation for you but also for your partner. This can also lead to putting a strain on your relationship with them.

If you suspect yourself of any of the symptoms of sleep apnea mentioned above, we recommend consulting a general practitioner or an ENT specialist for better guidance. You can always request an appointment at Optimamedicalaz for a quality-standard and professional diagnosis. We have several locations in Arizona. 

source https://www.optimamedicalaz.com/what-are-some-health-risks-of-sleep-apnea/

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What Is A Heart Risk Assessment According To Doctors Around You

Doctors near you reveal in detail what is a heart risk assessment

Heart disease or cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a universal term used to describe a range of disorders affecting one’s heart. There are a group of tests and health factors that estimate your chances of having a heart attack or a stroke within the next five years.

These risk assessment methods continue to get better. And have been refined to indicate the degree of the risk: borderline, intermediate, or high risk. 

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. Many people may not be aware of the risk of developing this disease. This is especially because you can not feel the risk factors. The good news is that these factors are preventable through regular check-ups. 

Heart risk assessment is a process, not a calculation. It takes its course to build your risk profile based on the following factors: 

Age 

Gender 

Ethnicity 

Cholesterol levels 

Smoking History 

Family History 

Blood Pressure 

Medical History 

Why Should You Get a Heart Risk Assessment?

It’s essential to have your heart tested. When you have a heart attack or another cardiovascular occurrence, it is not always that everyone will present signs of chest pain or discomfort. As per the AHA, it is recommended to go for regular checkups for your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, after you’re 20. 

What Happens in Heart Risk Assessment? 

When going for a heart checkup, these are some of the factors your doctor will screen for. The following include: 

Family History

If your family has heart disease, you’re at greater risk of developing one based on genetic factors. Your doctor might ask a few questions about your family’s history of any heart disease. This may cover immediate or extended family members.

Cholesterol

The cholesterol screening specialist will measure the amount of cholesterol in your body during a heart checkup. A Lipid Panel Screening, which includes testing three lipids in your blood, will do this. 

Your low-density lipoproteins (LDL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and triglycerides will be tested in this method of screening. When you have high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol), low levels of HDL (good cholesterol), or high levels of triglycerides, you’re at greater risk for heart disease.

Sugar levels (Diabetes)

Look for the level of blood sugar, better known as blood glucose levels, as well. This is to screen for diabetes, another leading risk factor for stroke and heart disease. 

Your doctor may ask you not to eat for approximately 8 hours before the success of this test.

Blood Pressure

Doctors can also take a look at the amount of pressure placed by the blood on the arterial walls of your heart.  This is what is known as blood pressure. 

And since there are no signs of high blood pressure in specific individuals, this examination will help determine more than expected. A significant risk factor for heart failure is high blood pressure.

Conclusion

You have an essential role to play in your heart’s health. Over time, what you eat, drink, do, and how you live increases or decreases your risk of heart disease and stroke. Heart disease can often be developing silently; therefore it is vital to get yourself checked periodically. 

Something to be optimistic about is that some factors at risk can be prevented. Work closely with your doctor by booking an appointment at Optimamedicalaz. 

Knowing your risk can allow you to make positive lifestyle changes.

source https://www.optimamedicalaz.com/what-is-a-heart-risk-assessment/

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How To Prevent Type 2 Diabetes With Simple Methods

Here are some very simple ways to prevent type 2 diabetes at home

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is the most common type of diabetes. It is a life-long condition, and millions of people suffer from it. What may seem immutable can be rather preventable. For years doctors go by the mantra “eat right and exercise more”, but it’s not as simple as it seems. 

However, that’s the only way. With the help of the right diet and exercise, you can genuinely avoid serious health problems like such. Here are a few ways you can prevent being diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. 

Healthy Intake

You are what you eat. The choices you make regarding your food intake is what reflects on the outside. These choices can either improve or harm your body weight, sugar level, cholesterol, blood pressure, and overall health. 

Pay no heed to fad diets, instead focus on consuming foods that are full of nourishment. Be mindful of the number of calories you consume per day. To help you lose weight, eat smaller portions. Another way to minimize calories is to opt for foods that contain less fat. Drink water instead of carbonated or sweetened drinks. 

Be sure to make fruits a regular part of your meal. Fruits are rich in fiber which will benefit in keeping your digestive in check. 

Regularly, keep track of what you eat and drink. Smartphone applications make monitoring of calories and food consumption simpler than ever before.

Move More 

Being physically active is of utmost importance. This doesn’t require you to do all the heavy lifting or hit the gym. Try to be active for at least 30 minutes during the day. Keeping fit and exercising daily will allow you to control the glucose level in your blood and prevent long-term health complications. 

People with type 2 diabetes have too much glucose in their blood. This is because either their body does not produce enough insulin to handle it or does not use insulin properly. According to Healthline, exercise increases the insulin sensitivity of your cells. The more you stay active, the more your blood sugar levels are under control; thus, the healthier you remain. 

Lose Weight

Controlling your weight is an essential part of diabetes prevention. If there’s a significant amount of fat deposited in your abdominal area, then this can affect the production of the hormone called ‘insulin’. Shedding that weight will improve your health. Each pound you lose reduces the risk for you to develop diabetes.

Quit Smoking

While smoking poses significant health problems, diabetes is also one of them. Smoking can contribute to insulin resistance which can develop type 2 diabetes. If you’re a smoker, try to quit.

Talk to Your Doctor 

If you have concerns about diabetes and are interested in its prevention, inform your doctor. Your doctor can best advise you on what diabetes tests to get done, which can help identify risks for the disease. They can also suggest whether you should enroll yourself in a diabetes prevention program that’ll be beneficial in the long run. 

The Bottom Line

Prevention is better than treatment. Like cancer and other serious illnesses, you have control over many of the factors that contribute to the development of diabetes. Eating the right foods, staying active, and maintaining a balanced weight are some of the ways you can avoid the risk of getting diabetes.

Focus on your long-term health. If you display any disease symptoms, it’s best to consult medical experts at Optima Medical. They have multiple locations in Arizona.

source https://www.optimamedicalaz.com/prevent-type-2-diabetes-simple-methods/

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How to Deal with Chronic Pain According to Doctors

Doctor reveals best tips on how to deal with chronic pain

For some people, chronic pain comes as a constant companion. It is inevitable and seems impossible to manage. Living with chronic pain is challenging, to say the least. From the point you wake up to when you go back to bed, the pain just sneaks around your day-to-day life. 

Not only is the pain physically hard to deal with, but it also comes with its fair share of mental turmoil. Some activities, such as even picking up a glass of water, can become difficult for those who deal with chronic pain. You wake up every day not knowing what day holds and how you would feel. 

No matter the intensity of the pain, it is never a good experience to deal with. We bring you some chronic pain management tips to help you deal with it more effectively.

Breathing Exercises or Meditation 

When you feel severe pain, breathing deeply can help you relax. Deep breathing sends a signal to the brain, which may help it soften the pain temporarily. It helps in easing down the soreness and tightness of the muscles.

Any type of repetitive activity such as chanting a mantra, breathing in a pattern, or counting can be considered meditation. This helps you focus on what you are doing at that moment and assists in ignoring recurring thoughts of the pain until it eases. You should take time out daily, sit in a quiet place, and meditate daily for better pain management. 

Exercise 

Exercising with pain may seem impossible. However, you need to try one step at a time to work out at home or at the gym. Exercise helps boost endorphins, which help boost chronic pain relief. It also enables you to strengthen your muscles to help prevent future injuries.

Other than that, working out is great for regulating so many other problems such as hypertension and increased blood sugar. A doctor may tell you which exercises are best to ease out pain in different parts of your body. 

Forget Smoking and Drinking

If you are an avid smoker or drinker, it is likely to make your problems worse. Consumption of alcohol causes disturbed sleep, which leads to discomfort and increases pain. On the other hand, smoking causes blood circulation issues, leading to cancer and heart diseases even. 

Eat a Healthy Diet 

An improvement in your overall health would help in decreasing your chronic pain. Having a well-balanced diet improves your health significantly. It helps you maintain weight, reduce increased blood sugar, and prevent many fatal illnesses.

You must have food that is low in fat and sodium rates and indulges in more fresh fruits and vegetables, whole-grain bread and cereal, low-fat milk, and lean meats. 

Get a Massage 

If you need the tension of your body relieved, then a massage is the way to go. People with all sorts of chronic pain use massages for relief. Whether you have neck pain or backaches, a massage would surely be able to ease it down. 

Don’t Stress Yourself 

We do understand that pain makes your life difficult however you need to learn to have control over it. Sometimes chronic pain takes time to get better and other times it’s just a part of your life.

However, it is important that you don’t let it take over your happiness. You deserve to feel happy and to enjoy life. Do things you enjoy to distract yourself and live your life more mindfully. Talk to medical experts and Optimamedicalaz to help you deal with your chronic pain and other health problems. 

source https://www.optimamedicalaz.com/how-to-deal-with-chronic-pain/

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What are the Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

These signs and symptoms of high blood pressure can help you save a life

A common condition in which the blood flow force is high against the artery walls is known as high blood pressure. It is determined by the amount of blood that flows in the arteries and the resistance against the flow. If the arteries are narrow and the blood flow has increased, it is what causes the blood pressure to rise. 

High blood pressure may eventually lead to health problems, like heart diseases. Hence, why it is important to get regular blood pressure monitoring done. The worst part of it all is that blood pressure has NO signs and symptoms and is known as a “silent killer” by many medical experts. 

Due to having no symptoms, high blood pressure often gets diagnosed later in life. This is where the problem has already been elevated. High blood pressure continues to damage your heart and blood vessels risking you to serious problems such as heart stroke and heart attack. 

High blood pressure develops gradually, over the years. And nearly everyone goes through it, early detection is important so that you can control it with the help of your doctors.  

Symptoms 

As we mentioned before, there are no symptoms of high blood pressure. Even if your blood pressure goes up to dangerously high levels, there is a high possibility that you would not be able to notice any signs or symptoms in your body. 

Some very known symptoms can be shortness of breath, nosebleeds, and even headaches but these usually do NOT happen, and even if they do, it is when things have gotten out of control and the rise in blood pressure has gotten to a life-threatening point. Hence, you require an early diagnosis. 

Causes 

High blood pressure comes in two types. 

Primary (essential) hypertension: Most adults have no identifiable cause for the increase in blood pressure. High blood pressure gradually develops over the year and this is known as primary (essential) hypertension and is likely to just happen. 

Secondary hypertension: it is likely that some people would suffer from high blood pressure due to an underlying cause. This is known as secondary hypertension and is far riskier than primary blood pressure, in which the level of blood pressure is higher. Different medications and medical conditions can lead to having secondary hypertension, and they are as follows: 

Kidney problems

Obstructive sleep apnea 

Adrenal gland tumors 

Illegal drugs i.e amphetamines and cocaine. 

Birth defects with congenital heart disease

Thyroid problems 

Medications such as cold remedy decongestants, birth control pills, OTC painkillers, and other prescription medications as well.

When to visit a doctor? 

In each routine appointment, the doctors normally check your blood pressure. When you turn 18, it is important to get your blood pressure monitored at least every 2 years. By the time you reach 30, you should get it checked at least once a year. The highest risk of getting hypertension is at the age of 18 to 40 and above. 

In case you get diagnosed with blood pressure, the doctor will suggest you to get regular blood pressure tests done. This is because patients with blood pressure are at a higher risk of blood pressure. 

There are publically available blood pressure monitors, as well. These come with a few limitations and are not suitable for some of the public. There are several factors that come in while determining high blood pressure, so it is always a good idea to get your blood pressure checked by a professional. Head towards your nearest Optima Medical Centre to get your blood pressure monitored. 

source https://www.optimamedicalaz.com/signs-and-symptoms-of-high-blood-pressure/

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How to Deal With Seasonal Allergies?

Learn how to deal with seasonal allergies at home with advice from top doctors in Arizona

Spring is a beautiful time but it can wreak havoc for people who suffer from seasonal allergies. According to estimates, 16.9 million Americans suffer from seasonal allergies. An allergy is basically an overresponse of the immune system to something it perceives as harmful.

When the body encounters a foreign substance such as pollen or hay, it perceives it to be dangerous and sends the body into overdrive to get rid of it. 

Hence the compulsive sneezing and wheezing occur. Typical symptoms of seasonal allergies are coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, nasal congestion, runny noses, and a feeling of droopiness. If you suffer from seasonal allergies, read these safe ways of dealing with allergies effectively, and minimizing their impact.

Clean Your Nose Frequently

Cleaning the nose frequently will eliminate the trapped irritants. Saltwater is the ideal solution for rinsing out the nose. The saltwater solution can be prepared at home. It regulates the nose’s pH and helps get rid of irritants. 

Saltwater rinses act better compared to saline nasal sprays. 

Reduce Contact With Allergy Triggers

The best way to deal with seasonal allergies is to reduce your exposure and contact with irritants. To do that, perform the following actions:

Monitor the pollen count. Stay indoors on days with particularly high pollen count.

Dry windy days are the worst. Pollen is everywhere. Limit your outdoor activities on such days. The best time to go outdoors is after a good rain as it filters away the pollen.

Limit gardening activities such as lawn mowing and pulling out weeds.

After coming back inside, take a shower and get rid of the clothes you wore outside. Pollen is everywhere.

Wear a pollen mask every time you go outside.

Avoid drying laundry outdoors and pollen sticks to it.

Maintain A Pollen Free Indoor Environment

Make sure that the indoors are free of pollens. In this regard, take the following steps:

Close windows and seal all outlets. Keep the air conditioning running indoors and in the car.

Buy High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filter as it removes most of the allergens.

Dust off the furniture regularly and use a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA filter installed. 

Over-the-Counter Remedies

There are multiple OTC medicines that can help alleviate allergy symptoms and provide you temporary relief. 

Administer Oral Antihistamines

Antihistamine is an OTC drug that helps relieve typical allergy symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes. They provide instant relief and can be taken without a doctor’s prescription. Some common antihistamine medicines include:

loratadine (Claritin, Alavert)

Cetirizine (Zyrtec Allergy)

Fexofenadine (Allegra Allergy)

Use Decongestants

They are a type of oral antihistamines. They help relieve nasal stuffiness. Some decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, Afrinol, others) can be administered orally while others such as xymetazoline (Afrin) and phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine) can be administered in the form of nasal sprays.

Care should be taken in using nasal decongestants. Use them a couple of times during a week and don’t overuse them.

Use Allergy Immunotherapy As A Last Resort

Allergy immunotherapy is one of the most effective ways to combat persistent allergy. As the name depicts, allergy immunotherapy involves injecting the body with a substance you are allergic to and stimulating the body to build a tolerance to that allergen.

When the allergen is introduced, the body reacts but overtime it becomes desensitized to it. Slowly, it builds sufficient tolerance to the allergen so that when the body encounters the real allergen, it does not have an allergic reaction. 

Successful administration of immunotherapy can help relieve allergic symptoms and visibly reduce the need for administrating oral medicine. However, immunotherapy requires time to settle in which can range from several months to a year. 

This information has been brought to you by Optima Medical. They provide services in several locations in Arizona.

source https://www.optimamedicalaz.com/blog/2020/12/16/deal-with-seasonal-allergies/

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What are The Symptoms of Common Respiratory Diseases?

Learn how to tell if you or someone you love suffers from common respiratory disease

Difficulty in breathing and coughing continuously should not be taken lightly. This is especially relevant these days as the world is suffering from Coronavirus, which is a lethal respiratory disease. Sometimes a symptom that apparently looks insignificant turns into a severe health condition. 

While rushing to the doctor due to a little cough and cold seems odd, knowing about the symptoms of common respiratory diseases helps to decide when to seek medical help. 

Some of the common respiratory diseases are Asthma, COPD, Chronic Bronchitis, Emphysema, Lung Cancer, Cystic Fibrosis/Bronchiectasis, Pneumonia, and Pleural Effusion.

According to The American Lung Association, the following are the warning signs and symptoms of common respiratory diseases:

Coughing Up Blood:

It is as much a serious health problem as it sounds and is quite scary. In medical language, it is called hemoptysis. In this condition, the blood comes from the lungs or respiratory tract as a result of consistent cough.

It may be a symptom of respiratory disease. But, in any case, visiting a doctor immediately is an absolute must. A doctor will tell you the source and causes of coughing up blood. Medicine will be suggested after diagnosing the right cause and disease.

Chronic Chest Pain:

Chest pain is always an alarming thing. But if it persists for a month or more, it might be a symptom of respiratory disease. Watch over if it gets worse while taking a breath or during a cough. If you experience chest pain, you must consult a doctor immediately. 

If chest pain causes difficulty in breathing, then it can be a sign of injury to the lungs or respiratory tracts. Many times chest pain because of respiratory problems feels like a heart attack.

Chest pain can cause shortness of breath, nausea, cold sweats, and light-headedness. Experiencing mild pain once in a while in the chest might not be a sign of a serious health condition but if it gets severe, then without delay, seek medical help.

Chronic Cough: 

Chronic cough is a classic symptom of a common respiratory disease, but not every cough is chronic. If a cough lingers on for eight weeks or longer, it is considered a chronic cough. But this period of eight weeks is for adults only and for children this period is four weeks. 

It is an important warning sign of a respiratory problem that demands a medical check-up. Taking it as insignificant and avoiding the matter would do no good to your health. A quick visit to the doctor is recommended because it may turn into a lung disease or a severe heart cough.

Wheezing:

Wheezing or noisy breathing is a symptom of a respiratory problem. It is usually related to the airways going to and from the lungs. When something blocks or obstructs these airways or makes them narrow, you feel difficulty in breathing. Your breaths become labored and noisy.

It is recommended to seek immediate medical help if you experience this symptom.

Difficulty In Breathing:

Difficulty in breathing is a common symptom of asthma and other respiratory diseases. Whereas experiencing shortness of breath is normal during any physical activity or during exercise. 

However, it should not persist after exercising or when you are done with laborious physical work. If it still persists, it is an indicator of any underlying respiratory disease. Difficulty in breathing is a serious problem and needs a thorough check-up by a doctor.

Chronic Mucus Production:

Mucus is a defense reaction of the body against infections or irritants. Respiratory airways produce mucus. But if it lingers on for a month or more, then it indicates a respiratory problem.

If you’re living in or near Arizona and feeling any of these symptoms, then pay a visit to the nearest office of Optima Medical for a quick examination.

source https://www.optimamedicalaz.com/blog/2020/12/14/common-respiratory-disease/

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How to Successfully Cope With Depression?

Dealing with depression? Here’s how you can cope with depression at home

Depression is a mood disorder. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss, irritability, hopelessness, and despair. Depression can negatively impact a person’s daily routine and productivity. As per the estimates of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 8.1 percent of Americans who are above the age of 20 suffer from depression. 

This makes it quite a common mood disorder. Anybody who suffers from depression has lower productivity and leads a poor quality of life. Depression can strike anyone at any point in life. It is essential to know how to cope with it successfully. 

Whereas dealing with depression is not always easy, with consistent effort one can overcome the feeling of gloominess and learn to lead a better life. Let us take a look at some useful strategies that can help overcome depression.

Surround Yourself With Your Support System

Our support system usually comes in the form of reliable friends and family. If you are going through a depressive phase in your life then surrounding yourself with your support system can help you get through with it. 

Spend quality time with your friends and family. Discuss your problems with trustworthy friends and share some laughter with them. If you don’t have strong familial ties then you should seek out depression support groups.

It can be a community group where you can find support from like-minded people.  

Eat Better and Healthier

As the saying goes: we are what we eat. Wholesome, nutritious, and good quality food does not only replenish us physically, it nourishes our brains as well. Studies have shown that deficiency of certain nutrients such as zinc can accelerate depression. 

Improve your eating habits and focus on consuming more fruits, vegetables, and nuts. These important food items are packed with brain enriching supplements. 

Develop Better Sleeping Habits

The quality and quantity of sleep we receive each night impacts all aspects of our life. Sleep plays an important role in determining our mood and energy. Studies have shown that people who suffer from depression receive poor quality of sleep and experience frequent sleep disturbances. 

Depression and poor sleep quality and interlinked. In order to sleep better, take the following steps:

Do not use electronic devices such as mobile phones or laptops at least an hour before going to sleep.

Do not exercise for two to three hours before hitting the bed.

Consume light and easily digestible food before sleeping. 

Improving your sleep quality and quantity goes a long way in regulating your mood and helps you overcome depression.

Get The Work Done

Depression takes a toll on our ability to get the work done. Even the simplest of tasks such as paying bills and doing your laundry become quite herculean. When even the basic chores are not done, it can disrupt your life and augment feelings of worthlessness. 

To overcome these negative feelings, it is important to regain control of your life. Make a doable to-do list and stick to it. When your chores would be completed, you will start to feel positive and a sense of achievement and satisfaction will prevail. 

Overcome Procrastination

The process of unnecessary delaying work is termed as procrastination. Procrastination is often a manifestation of depression. Depression decreases our motivation and makes it difficult for us to concentrate on even the easiest tasks. 

Procrastination leads to feelings of guilt and worthlessness which act as a fuel for depression. To get out of this catch 22 situations, it is important to get active and get your chores done. Set short-term goals for yourself. When you will achieve them, you will feel rewarded. This will act as an antidote to depression.

This information has been brought to you by Optima Medical. They have multiple clinics across Arizona. Visit their locations page to spot your nearest clinic. 

source https://www.optimamedicalaz.com/blog/2020/12/13/how-cope-with-depression/

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Optima Medical AZ

Primary Care Physicians, Family Practice, we provide personalized health care to your family. Our doctors and clinicians can create a treatment plan that is right for you. Services we provide, urgent care, family medicine, sleep apnea, weight management, behavioral health, addiction, depression, anxiety, heart disease, COPD, Respiratory disease, Covid-19 testing, high blood pressure treatment, diabetes, allergies, and chronic pain management.