Category: Health

For many of us, the good intentions and resolutions that came with the New Year are a distant memory by now. Many of us have slowly moved away from making health conscious decisions and have fallen back into our old habits.

Old habits die hard, and it can be difficult to find ways to get back on track. Family medicine physician, Dr. Andrei Androssov, offers 5 tips to help you make your health a priority.

1. Go the extra mile – A few extra steps here and there can have a big impact on your health. Try working them in throughout your day.
   • Go for a parking spot that is a little further away.
   • Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
   • Walk to the mailbox instead of driving.
   • Take a sunset stroll along the beach.
   • Use a fitness device to monitor your progress and motivate you with a little friendly competition!
2. Make time for what you love – When we are busy and stressed, it can be difficult to take time to slow down and enjoy the things you love. However, when stress levels are high, it is most important to find time to relax. Whether it is going to the beach, working in your garden, doing yoga, or making art, it is important to schedule a dedicated time for your favorite activity and stick to it–your physical and mental health will thank you!
3. Cut the sugar – Today’s foods are packed with unnecessary sugars and it can be tricky to determine what is healthy and what is loaded with sugar. We all know that cookies and cakes are unhealthy, but products like oatmeal, snack bars and salad dressings can contain just as much sugar as grandma’s homemade pie. Read your labels and don’t be fooled by products that are disguised as healthy.
4. Learn to say no – Saying no can be hard, but it empowers you to focus on your priorities—like your health. Say no to that piece of birthday cake. Say no to that second glass of wine. Say no to commitments that will over extend you or take away from the time designated to your health and wellness.
5. Give yourself a break – If you make poor choices and fall behind on your health goals, don’t beat yourself up. Becoming disappointed will only increase your likelihood of falling further behind. Cut yourself some slack, and reprioritize what needs to change to make your health a priority again. Set small obtainable goals, and go from there!

As always, be sure to consult your primary care physician prior to starting a new exercise program or making changes in your nutrition. Your primary care physician can provide additional suggestions on getting and staying healthy.

Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating condition that affects up to 1 million people in the U.S.[i] The average onset age of the disease is 60 years old[ii], but it can affect people much younger, even those in their teens or 20s.White-Wilson neurologist, Dr. Raymond Capps, has been caring for patients with Parkinson’s disease for over 30 years. He understands the effects of this progressive, neurodegenerative disorder and works with patients to manage its symptoms.

“Parkinson’s disease can be frightening,” said Dr. Capps. “However, by recognizing the signs, understanding your risk factors and working with a neurologist to develop a treatment plan, you can change the course of the disease.”

Spotting signs of the disease early is key. Dr. Capps offers insights on how to recognize early symptoms:

• Tremors or shaking in you finger, thumb, hand, chin or lip
• A sudden change in handwriting, particularly small or cramped lettering
• Partial or complete loss of smell
• Masked face, a blank or expressionless stare
• Trouble walking, less arm movement or trouble lifting feet

“Advancements in treatment options are astonishing,” said Dr. Capps. “Today, patients with Parkinson’s disease are able to manage the symptoms and maintain their quality of life.”

Parkinson’s disease is a slow progressing disease, and its symptoms can be managed for decades.

“Until there is a cure for Parkinson’s disease, my goal is to diagnose the disease early and work with patients to find treatment options that work for them,” said Dr. Capps. “This is how we can best manage the symptoms and ensure that patients continue to enjoy doing the things they love.”

Dr. Raymond Capps is a board-certified neurologist at White-Wilson Medical Center. He recently relocated from Tennessee to enjoy the beautiful Emerald Coast. He is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and has over 30 years of experience.

Dr. Capps is accepting new patients at the White-Wilson Neurology Clinic in Fort Walton Beach. To learn more about Dr. Capps or to schedule an appointment, call 850-863-8169.

[i] Source: Parkinson’s Disease Foundation

[ii] Source: Parkinson’s Disease Foundation

We have all heard a friend or family member say that there is going to be a change in weather, because they can “feel it in their bones.” Many claim to know that it is going to rain based on a feeling in their knee, elbow, ankle or shoulder; but is that just an old wives’ tale?

“Patients with arthritis often claim to experience increased swelling as the weather changes,” says Dr. Samuel Capra, an orthopaedic surgeon at White-Wilson Medical Center. “While we don’t have any hard and fast research to tell us why this is so common, the belief is that the changes in barometric pressure that come before a storm allows for additional swelling in problem areas.”

While we may not know the exact reason that these aches and pains occur, it may not be a bad idea to grab an umbrella the next time that you knee is feeling a little stiff.

This myth is plausible!

The old adage by Benjamin Franklin is still true today—“an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” However, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Americans use preventive services at about half of the recommended rate. Much of the time, individuals forgo these important screenings due to financial concerns, or time constraints.

Health insurance benefits can be confusing, and many people are unclear about what exams and screenings their health plan(s) may cover. Fortunately, most major health insurance plans pay for annual wellness exams and screenings.

“Routine annual visits serve many purposes for overall health,” said American Board of Internal Medicine certified physician, Vergil Brown, MD, PhD. “They provide continuity of care with your provider, and they allow your provider an opportunity to review your records and provide the most up to date vaccinations and screenings. They also allow an opportunity to address some conditions at an early stage, before they become more difficult to treat.”

Taking full advantage of the screenings and exams that your insurance plan will cover plays a big part in maintaining your overall health. Here is a list of the screenings and exams covered by most major insurance companies.

“As people age, these exams generally become more and more important. Accordingly, Medicare provides for the Medicare Annual Wellness Visit,” said Dr. Brown. “These visits allow your health care team to address your overall health needs and obtain the necessary screenings and exams to improve or maintain your health.”

The Care Coordination team at White-Wilson Medical Center works with your primary care physician to manage your overall health and conduct your yearly Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. These exams are covered in full by Medicare.

During these exams, your Care Coordination provider will work with you to ensure you are taking advantage of your benefits and getting disease-specific management and screenings. They serve as your partners in health.

“By taking a proactive approach to your health, you have an opportunity to find or prevent diseases and illnesses before they are life threatening,” said Dr. Brown.

Patients may contact our Care Coordination team at (850) 863-8244 to schedule a Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. Appointments are available at each White-Wilson Medical Center Clinic location.

While the leaves may not exactly change color along the Emerald Coast, we can count on more than college football to make a debut each Fall. Every year, millions fall victim to the annual flu. In fact, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that between 5 and 20 percent of the U.S. population will get the flu each year—that results in about 200,000 hospitalizations and thousands of deaths.

Although many recover after a few days or weeks, its important to note the flu can be life threatening—especially for the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those with certain chronic health conditions. The best way to fight the flu is to avoid it altogether.

Dr. Vien Van, a physician at White-Wilson’s Immediate Care Clinic, shares 5 ways to avoid the flu this season.

1. Get Vaccinated!The number one way to avoid the flu is by getting your flu shot—If you have not already been vaccinated, do so now. The flu hits as early as late fall and your body needs about two weeks to form protective antibodies. Make sure children (6 months or older) and the elderly receive their shots too, since they are at greatest risk.
2. Close Contact = Flu Spreading.Its not rocket science, but avoiding contact with people that are sick can protect you from getting sick too. When you are sick, try to stay home from work, school and other errands to help prevent your illness from spreading to others. And don’t forget to cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing to help keep germs from spreading.
3. Keep Clean. Cleaning your hands often will help protect you from germs that can lead to flu. It is a good idea to keep hand sanitizer close by during flu season, although warm soap and water is always the best way to wash your hands. Be sure to also clean and disinfect surfaces frequently touched—especially when someone in your home or office environment is sick.
4. Avoid Eyes, Nose & Mouth—Flu germs can make their way into your system when you touch your eyes, nose or mouth after you’ve touched something contaminated with germs.
5. Practice Good Health—By staying healthy, you can help your body fight off the flu. Maintain a well balanced diet, drink plenty of fluids, be physically active, watch your stress levels and get plenty of rest.

Don’t “flu around” with your health this fall. Follow these 5 simple suggestions to help avoid the flu.

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Chinh Vien Van, M.D. is board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and practices at the White-Wilson Medical Center’s Immediate Care Clinic in Fort Walton Beach. He specializes in all aspects of Immediate Care, including urgent care for illnesses such as flu, strep throat, non-life-threatening illnesses, and injuries, as well as adult vaccinations. For more information about Dr. Van, click here.