Guardian Health Blog

It may seem counter-intuitive to see a doctor if you’re feeling fine, but there are many benefits of having a primary care physician.

But first, what exactly is primary care? According to healthcare.gov, primary care services include a range of prevention, wellness, and treatment options for common illnesses. Primary care generally includes family medicine and internal medicine, pediatrics, and obstetrics and gynecology. Primary care providers may also include nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants.

Your primary care physician (PCP) is someone you develop a long-term relationship with, who gets to know you and your health history, and has an eye on every aspect of your mental and physical well-being. They can also coordinate your care with specialists, if needed.

Seeing a primary care doctor: What to expect

When you visit your PCP, your doctor will review your medical history and talk to you about your current health condition, diet, and lifestyle behaviors.

For example, if you’re a smoker, your PCP may discuss strategies to help you quit smoking. If you’re dealing with depression, a referral to a mental health therapist may be in order. You can also get your flu, COVID, and other types of vaccines at your primary care physician’s office.

Depending on your age (and sex), your PCP may suggest certain types of diagnostic screening tests, such as:

• Colonoscopy
• Mammogram
• Lung CT scan

If you have a chronic health condition such as COPD or diabetes, your PCP will go over your medications and any challenges you might be having. They’ll also explore ways to solve problems you may be dealing with related to your health.

Main benefits of having a primary care physician

Primary care annual well-visits are now integral to most health care plans in the United States. That means that every insured American can see their primary care provider for a preventive care visit once a year at no additional cost. This shows just how important the primary care provider is to health care in our country; that is, so important that everyone should see a primary care physician annually.

Three of the main benefits of having a primary care physician include:

1. Early identification of health problems. 
Primary care doctors are often the first to diagnose longer term issues, from asthma to diabetes, and even cancer. Because primary care physicians see you on a regular basis, they will order blood work regularly, take your vital signs, and examine your body. They will take detailed notes about their findings. They’ll also ask you questions about what’s going on in your life.

• Are you dealing with a lot of stress?
• Are you eating healthy foods?
• Are you getting enough exercise?
• Are you taking your medications as prescribed?

If anything changes between visits, your primary care doctor is the one who can help identify the next course of action. Having a primary care physician on your team also means you have someone to call when things don’t feel right or you’re not sure what to do after a fall, for example. They are your personal connection to the health care system, and they truly care about your health and well-being.

2. Medication management. 
With age, people tend to be on more medications than when they were younger. It also becomes more challenging for patients to keep up with taking medications as prescribed and filling prescriptions in a timely manner. Without provider oversight, this process can be even more complicated and vulnerable to delays and mistakes. A primary care physician has knowledge of all the medications you’re on and is aware of any potential drug interactions.Your PCP can also help ensure that medications are being prescribed and filled in a timely manner. With every visit, you’ll also have an opportunity to discuss how you’re doing with the medications you’re taking and make any adjustments if needed. You can also call your PCP at any time to discuss medication issues.

3. Care continuity. 
If you were to need a specialist for a health condition, any test results or reports from a medical specialist would be shared back to your primary care physician. Your PCP “continues” to be your core health advocate, the one person who has their finger on the pulse of your entire health history and everything that happens when you seek help from medical specialists.In cases where there’s a chronic condition that requires ongoing specialty care, the specialist will work closely with your primary care physician. Both doctors keep each other in the loop to ensure your optimal health and outcomes.

Among the greatest benefits of having a primary care physician is knowing that someone has your back when it comes to your health. Navigating the health care system alone can be challenging and frustrating but having a PCP to guide you can provide peace of mind you might not have on your own.

Looking for a new primary care physician or just have questions?

Our doctors looking forward to meeting you! Call today at (941) 303-5713 or schedule an appointment online.

The post Three Most Important Benefits of Having a Primary Care Physician appeared first on Guardian Health.

How blood pressure changes as you age

Blood pressure readings consist of the upper and lower values of systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure. Systolic measures the pressure when your heart chambers contract to push blood through the vessels while diastolic measures the pressure in your blood vessels between heartbeats. This is when your heart chambers are refilling with blood.

As we age, the systolic blood pressure tends to rise and the diastolic tends to fall—even for people who have no history of hypertension. Some older people have what’s called isolated systolic hypertension in which only the systolic pressure goes above the normal 129 but the diastolic pressure stays below 90.

Find out what’s involved with chronic care management of hypertension and why it’s so important.

High blood pressure warning signs as you age

While these warning signs can apply to anyone, it may be particularly helpful for older adults and caregivers to know what to watch out for.

1. Shortness of breath
   Pay attention to any changes in your breathing. Shortness of breath during daily activities may be a sign of pulmonary hypertension, when the arteries that carry blood to your lungs and heart are working too hard. Unchecked high blood pressure can cause fatigue and shortness of breath while sudden shortness of breath could be an indication of heart attack or stroke.
2. Facial flushing
   While high blood pressure doesn’t necessarily cause facial flushing, having a flushed face is often associated with the condition. This is because having hypertension may cause the blood vessels in the face to dilate and cause the face to appear red or “flushed.”
3. Dizziness

   If you’re having dizzy spells, this could be an indication of prolonged and unchecked high blood pressure and you may be more at risk for stroke. Strokes happen when you experience a sudden loss of blood supply to the brain, which may induce the experience of dizziness.

   If you or someone close to you is having a medical emergency,
   call 9-1-1 immediately.

4. Anxiety

   High blood pressure can trigger anxiety and anxiety can also trigger a spike in blood pressure. Be aware of any changes in mood but also notice sweats, breathlessness, trembling, or heavy breathing—all of which could be warning signs of high blood pressure.

   

5. Blood spots in eyes

   Another warning sign of unchecked blood pressure in aging adults is blood spots in the eye. These are called subconjunctival hemorrhages caused by tiny blood vessels breaking and blood getting trapped, causing a “spot.” Having hypertension can cause too much pressure to be placed on the arteries that feed blood around the eyes.

6. Nosebleeds

   Having a nosebleed could be a sign of a “hypertensive crisis,” when you have a blood pressure spike over 180/120mm Hg. This excess pressure can damage your nasal blood vessels and increase the amount of time your nose bleeds.

7. Vomiting

   Another warning sign of high blood pressure and hypertensive crisis is vomiting, along with symptoms such as confusion and blurred vision. These are all signs of emergency and require immediate medical attention.

   Some older adults with high blood pressure may also notice blood in the urine and may have difficulty sleeping. If you’re having any symptoms that concern you, talk to your doctor and get help right away.

Need a doctor?

Our primary care and internal and family medicine doctors are accepting new patients. Make an appointment online or give us a call at (941) 303-5713.

The post High Blood Pressure and Aging: Warning Signs to Watch Out For appeared first on Guardian Health.

For some, this may happen because of genetic predisposition. The liver—where cholesterol gets produced—may signal the body to overproduce cholesterol. High cholesterol can also happen as a result of making poor dietary choices and overconsuming foods high in saturated in trans fats. These are often foods that come from animal products as well as oils that are found in baked goods.

Why and how to manage cholesterol over 55

High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other serious health conditions, so it’s especially important for people over 55 to manage their cholesterol levels.

Here are several best practices for reducing your risk:

Eat a healthy diet

A healthy diet is important for managing cholesterol levels and maintaining overall health. This includes eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and limiting saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, and sodium.

Get regular exercise

Regular exercise can help to improve cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and maintain a healthy weight. Adults over the age of 55 should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, per week.

Quit smoking

Smoking is a major risk factor for heart disease and other health problems. Quitting smoking can help to improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Take cholesterol-lowering medication

For people with high cholesterol who are unable to manage their cholesterol levels through diet and exercise alone, cholesterol-lowering medication may be recommended. These medications, such as statins, can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

If you’re over 55, it’s important to work with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for managing your cholesterol levels. This may involve a combination of lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, and medication, depending on your specific needs and goals.

When to see a doctor for high cholesterol

You should see a doctor for high cholesterol if you have any of the following risk factors for the condition:

• A family history of high cholesterol or heart disease
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• A sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking

You should also see a doctor for high cholesterol if you’re experiencing any symptoms of the condition, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue.

Also be sure to get regular check-ups with your healthcare provider, including regular cholesterol and blood pressure screenings. This can help to identify and address any potential health problems early on, when they’re most likely to be treatable.

Managing high cholesterol is an important aspect of maintaining good health for anyone over the age of 55. By making healthy lifestyle choices and taking medication as needed, you can reduce your risk of heart disease and other health problems and maintain good health as you age.

Concerned about high cholesterol?

We’re accepting new patients and one of our providers would be happy to talk with you about your concerns. Give us a call at (941) 303-5713 or schedule an appointment online.

The post Best Practices for Managing High Cholesterol Over 55 appeared first on Guardian Health.

Heart disease

One of the most common male health issues is heart disease. Men are more likely to develop heart disease than women, and the condition is the leading cause of death for men in the United States. Risk factors for heart disease include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is another common male health concern. The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system, and prostate cancer occurs when cells in the gland grow out of control. This type of cancer is most common in older men, and symptoms can include difficulty urinating, pain in the pelvic area, and changes in sexual function.

Mental health challenges

In addition to physical health concerns, men are also at higher risk for mental health issues. Men are less likely than women to seek help for mental health issues, and as a result, they are more likely to suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

How to manage male health issues

To protect their health, men should take steps to manage their risk factors for heart disease and other conditions. This can include eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.

It’s also important for men to talk to their healthcare provider about regular checkups and screenings, as early detection can improve the chances of successful treatment. An annual wellness visit is vital to long-term health and well-being.

If medication and care management become overwhelming, you may wish to explore chronic care management services.

When to see a doctor for male health issues

Men should see a doctor for male health problems if they’re experiencing any unusual symptoms, such as:

• Changes in bowel habits
• Difficulty urinating
• Painful or frequent urination
• Lumps or swelling in the testicles

Men should also see a doctor if they have a family history of prostate cancer or other male health conditions, or if they’re over the age of 50 and have not had a recent physical exam.

In general, it’s important for men to have regular physical exams and to discuss any concerns they have about their health with a doctor. This can help to identify and address any potential health problems early on, when they’re most likely to be treatable.

By taking steps to protect their health, men can reduce their risk of developing serious health conditions and live longer, healthier lives.

Need to see a primary care provider?

Our doctors are accepting new patients. Schedule an appointment online or give us a call at (941) 303-5713.

The post Male Health Issues (and When You Should See a Doctor) appeared first on Guardian Health.

The recommended vaccines for seniors include:

• COVID-19 vaccine
• Flu vaccine
• Pneumococcal vaccine (for pneumonia prevention)
• Shingles vaccine
• Tetanus-diptheria-pertussis (Tdap) vaccine

While vaccines can’t guarantee that you won’t become infected with disease, they do help minimize the risk of infection. And if you do become infected, they help minimize how ill you might become from infection.

Be sure talk to your primary care provider about which vaccines you or a senior loved one needs.

COVID vaccines and boosters for seniors

Beware of misinformation around COVID vaccination. COVID vaccines for seniors are shown to help reduce the risk of getting COVID or getting seriously ill or dying from COVID. This doesn’t mean that people in the 65 and older age group who get vaccinated for COVID or receive COVID booster shots won’t ever get COVID. There are sometimes “breakthrough” cases, just as with flu and flu vaccinations.

It’s better, however, to have been vaccinated and boosted for COVID. This helps reduce the likelihood of getting sick with coronavirus and of being hospitalized or dying.

If you are immunocompromised, meaning you have underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes, asthma, obesity, or other medical disorders, you are at even greater risk for becoming infected with COVID, and you could become even more gravely ill if you were to become infected.

Do you have COVID-19 symptoms? Be sure to call your primary care provider for guidance. You may need to get tested and your provider may recommend a telehealth or in-office visit. There is also a CDC coronavirus self-checker to assess your symptoms.

If you’re having a medical emergency, call 9-1-1 right away. Find out more about the importance of vaccines.

Flu vaccine for seniors

Other recommended vaccines for seniors include the annual flu vaccine. As you probably know, the influenza virus changes from year to year, as do the vaccines used to treat the virus. Most providers recommend the annual flu vaccine for seniors, starting as early in the flu season as possible (September, for example).

Keep in mind, if you have a heart condition or other chronic disease, you are particularly vulnerable to catching the flu and becoming extremely ill from it. One of the best ways to keep up with flu vaccines for seniors is to schedule your annual well-visit in autumn. That way you can get the flu vaccine in your doctor’s office. If you have a chronic condition, you may also want to discuss chronic care management options.

If you’re not eligible for the flu vaccine due to an egg or latex allergy or other condition, discuss your options with your doctor. Learn more about the importance of flu protection over 65 years old.

Pneumonia vaccine for seniors

Pneumonia is often a complication related to flu and other types of illnesses seniors are susceptible to. The pneumococcal vaccine is a one-time vaccine that helps prevent pneumonia. If you’re older than 65 and had a pneumonia vaccine more than five years ago, an additional pneumonia shot may be recommended.

Shingles vaccine for seniors

Additional recommended vaccines for seniors include the shingles vaccine. Shingles is a painful, contagious rash that causes blisters to form on the body, often on the torso and in the most uncomfortable areas, such as where the waistband of your clothing fits. The shingles or zoster vaccine is generally recommended for any eligible person over 60 years old. It can help reduce the risk of getting shingles by about 50 percent and help reduce how severe the infection in case you happen to get shingles even when vaccinated. The CDC has more information about the importance of the shingles vaccine.

Tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap)

Most people under 64 years old, if they have been on a regular vaccine schedule throughout their lives, have received Tdap vaccination. By the time you reach 65, however, it may be time for another round of vaccination. Nowadays, seniors are particularly vulnerable to pertussis, also known as whooping cough, which is making a comeback after having been nearly eradicated for decades.

Need more guidance on recommended vaccines for seniors?

Talk to a primary care provider at Guardian Health. Now accepting new patients and walk-in appointments. Serving the Venice, Florida, and surrounding communities with high-quality, compassionate care for seniors and families. Schedule online today or give us a call at (941) 303-5713.

Contact us

The post What Are Recommended Vaccines for Seniors (and Why Are They So Important)? appeared first on Guardian Health.

But some women experience mood changes and menopause differently.

Menopausal mood swings vs. depression

During perimenopause, you start to experience irregular periods due to fluctuating estrogen and progesterone levels. Women often experience extremely heavy periods for the first time in their lives, which can be frustrating itself and can certainly affect mood. All this while fluctuating estrogen levels are in the background affecting mood-boosting hormones such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.

Estrogen also affects brain function so women in perimenopause often complain of “brain fog,” another frustration that can affect work, family life, and general enjoyment of life.

Menopausal mood swings may swing a bit further for women with a history of depression or those dealing with high levels of stress or who are dealing with recent trauma in their lives. This could include physical trauma or a family event or even caregiving, which is common for women reaching the menopausal years. Women are often the primary caregivers for aging parents, which puts additional strain on physical, emotional, psychological, and financial resources.

When mood becomes so low or seems to last for two weeks or longer, it may be time to talk to a mental health therapist who can support you during this time. You don’t have to go through menopause mood changes alone. Your primary care provider is often a good place to start the conversation.

Menopausal mood changes and self-care

For many women, the perimenopausal years are when the kids are a little bit older or even leaving the nest. It may be a time when the marital relationship needs some attention, or you may be dealing with a breakup and associated grief and loss, and it’s time to focus on you. If you’re single, maybe you deserve to start looking for a partner again.

Wherever you are in your journey, this is the time to start putting yourself first—no matter what.

Menopausal mood changes are going to happen, and you need to give yourself time each day that is dedicated just for you. It might be hard to put yourself first if you’re used to doing everything for people around you. You might feel like you don’t have time to give to yourself because of work or family obligations.

You need to figure it out—and fast. Put yourself FIRST.

To help work through the challenges of menopause, putting yourself first is the best thing you can do. This means:

Setting aside quiet time each day.

Read, meditate, lie in bed for 10 extra minutes in the morning. Listen to a podcast. Drink your coffee or tea and listen to music, uninterrupted.

Taking a walk or a yoga or Pilates class.

Do something that honors your body and mind and spirit. Do it just for you, not because you need to lose weight or because you “should.”

Keeping your doctor’s appointments.

Schedule your mammograms, your colonoscopies, your primary care doctor appointments, your OB/GYNs, even your dentist—and keep up with them. Also stay on track with medications and supplements. Up your health game because you’re putting yourself first.

Saying no.

Some women find one of the greatest things about menopause is putting themselves first, which often means not doing things they don’t want to do! Start doing more of what you love and less of what you don’t. This might include saying no to immediate family expectations and obligations that no longer serve you.

Making connections.

Reach out to your girlfriends more than ever. Now is the time to pick up where you all left off before kids and families and after-school activities and the whirlwind of the last decade took over. Go out and have more fun with friends. They’re all going through the same thing. Share, commiserate, and get ideas for ways to work through mood changes and menopause.

Want to talk to a medical professional about menopause?

We’re here for you at (941) 303-5713. We serve the Venice, Florida, area and beyond.

Contact us

The post Mood Changes and Menopause: How to Deal with the ‘Crazies’ appeared first on Guardian Health.

You’ll be eligible for your first visit once you’ve had part B for 12 months. The goal of your first visit is to develop your personalized prevention plan. Your doctor will want to get in-depth on your and your family’s medical history. A personalized prevention plan covers many aspects of your health and includes a plan for the next 5-10 years so there will be a lot to go over.

While Medicare doesn’t cover a routine check-up, some parts of your AWV will be very similar to a routine check-up. They will get your weight, vitals, and other routine measurements. They may also measure things like sight and balance to access your functional ability and level of safety.

Another important part of an AWV is mental health screenings. Medicare doesn’t require specific screenings but your doctor will use their best judgment and any reports by you and your family to assess your mental health and determine any appropriate tests. Mental health and cognitive ability are just as important as our physical health.

After all the appropriate questionnaires and screenings are complete your personalized prevention plan. This plan will outline the next consultations and diagnostics your doctor recommends. On top of this, your doctor may have other advice to minimize any risks they have identified and promote overall wellness.

After your first AWV, you will be eligible every 12 months for another one. Ensuring that you get one every year will keep your prevention plan up-to-date and make sure any health issues that pop up between visits are accounted for and proper action is taken to remedy them. Just remember, you are only eligible for another AWV one year on Medicare Part B and at least one year after your previous AWV.

Your subsequent AWVs will be a similar, but more pared down, experience to your first one. Your doctor will just want to get any updates on the information they gathered from the last visit and to offer you the best path for your health moving forward.

One of the best parts of an AWV is that they are covered entirely by Medicare. They are offered with no deductable or co-pay meaning absolutely no cost to the patient. AWV are so important to Medicare recipients and keeping the system run smoothly that recipients are very incentiviezed to recieve theirs.

Keep in mind, there are circumstances where things discovered during your AWV will require additional screening and treatment that may not be 100% covered by Medicare. But any aditional treatments or diagnostics would be brought to your attention by your physician and any additional costs should be made apparent to you.

If you or a loved one recieve coverage under Medicare Part B getting your AWV is crucial to your coverage and ensuring your health, today and in the future!

Contact us

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