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Tag: Family Medicine

  • Kidney Infection vs. Urinary Tract Infection: When Should You Go to the ER?

    If you’ve ever felt that familiar burning sensation when you urinate, you know how uncomfortable a urinary tract infection (UTI) can be. But what happens when you start having a fever, chills, or sharp pain in your back? These could be a sign that an infection has spread to your kidneys.

    Understanding the difference between a urinary tract infection (UTI) and a kidney infection and knowing where to seek care can make a real difference in how quickly you recover.

    What’s the Difference?

    A urinary tract infection (UTI) starts in the lower part of your urinary system, most often the bladder. It’s extremely common, especially in women, and usually causes symptoms like a burning feeling when you urinate, a frequent urge to go, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.

    A kidney infection (medically called pyelonephritis) happens when bacteria travel upward from the bladder into one or both kidneys. The kidneys are vital organs that filter your blood, so an infection is a much more serious matter. Left untreated, a kidney infection can spread into the bloodstream and become life-threatening.

    How to Tell Them Apart?

    A typical UTI usually involves some or all of these symptoms:

    • Burning or pain during urination
    • Feeling like you need to urinate frequently, even when little comes out
    • Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
    • Pressure or mild cramping in the lower abdomen or pelvis
    • Little to no fever

    A kidney infection includes those same symptoms, but with additional warning signs that signal something more serious is happening:

    • Fever of 101°F (38.3°C) or higher
    • Shaking chills or rigors
    • Persistent pain in your back, side, or flank
    • Nausea or vomiting
    • Fatigue or a feeling of being very unwell

    The key distinction: if you have urinary symptoms plus a fever, treat it as a kidney infection until a doctor tells you otherwise.

    Urgent Care or Emergency Room?

    Once you suspect a kidney infection, the next decision is where to go. Go to urgent care if:

    • Your symptoms are manageable, with a mild fever (below 101°F),
    • You have some back discomfort but can tolerate it,
    • You are not vomiting and are able to keep fluids down.

    Urgent care centers can diagnose a kidney infection with a urine test and prescribe the right antibiotic, often the same day. Go to the emergency room if:

    • Your symptoms are severe or escalating, with a high fever and shaking chills,
    • Intense pain in your back or abdomen,
    • Repeated vomiting, confusion, or an overall sense that something is seriously wrong.

    The ER can provide IV antibiotics, fluids, and monitoring that urgent care simply cannot. Always go to the ER if you are pregnant, over 65, under 2 years old, diabetic, or have a weakened immune system or kidney disease, even if your symptoms seem mild. These face a much higher risk of rapid deterioration.

    The Bottom Line

    Both UTIs and kidney infections are treated with antibiotics, but a kidney infection usually requires a longer course and sometimes IV treatment in a hospital setting. Do not wait to see if the symptoms improve on their own.

    If you’re asking yourself, “Should I go to the ER?” and you genuinely feel awful, the answer is yes. Kidney infections can escalate to sepsis, a dangerous, body-wide response to infection within hours. Getting checked out is always the right call.

    White-Wilson Immediate Care Clinic in Fort Walton Beach is open seven days a week with no appointment needed. If you’re experiencing a medical emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

    This article is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about your health.

  • Why Nutrition Matters In Your Healthcare Outcomes

    March is National Nutrition Month, and it’s the perfect time to take a closer look at what’s on your plate. The food you eat isn’t just about taste or convenience. It’s one of the most powerful tools you have for protecting your health, supporting your body when it’s healing, and building habits that pay off for years to come.

    Food Is Medicine

    The nutrients in the foods you eat play a direct role in how well your body functions. Vitamins, minerals, fiber, healthy fats, and proteins all work together to keep your immune system strong, your energy levels steady, and your organs running smoothly.

    When your body is fighting an illness or recovering from a medical condition, good nutrition becomes even more critical.

    What Does a Balanced Diet Actually Look Like?

    A healthy eating pattern is simpler than most people think. Focus on filling your plate with a variety of whole, minimally processed foods throughout the day.

    • Fruits and vegetables should take up about half your plate. They’re packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber that support digestion and reduce inflammation. Aim for a range of colors — each one signals a different set of nutrients.
    • Lean proteins like chicken, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts help your body build and repair tissue. They’re especially important when you’re recovering from an illness or procedure.
    • Whole grains like brown rice, oats, and whole wheat bread provide lasting energy and important B vitamins that support your nervous system and metabolism.
    • Healthy fats found in avocados, olive oil, and nuts help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins and keep your heart healthy.

    Making Informed Food Choices

    Reading a nutrition label can feel overwhelming, but start with the basics. Look at serving sizes, check for added sugars, and pay attention to sodium levels, especially if you have a heart condition or high blood pressure. When in doubt, choose foods with shorter ingredient lists and names you can actually recognize.

    Don’t Forget to Stay Active

    Nutrition and physical activity go hand in hand. Even small amounts of movement, such as a 10-minute walk, some gentle stretching, or light housework, can improve your mood, boost circulation, and help your body use nutrients more effectively. You don’t need to hit the gym every day. The goal is simply to move a little more than you did yesterday.

    Small Steps, Big Impact

    You don’t have to overhaul your entire diet overnight. Start with one small change like an extra serving of vegetables, swapping a sugary snack for a handful of nuts, or drinking more water throughout the day. Over time, these small shifts add up to meaningful improvements in how you feel and how well your body heals.

    This National Nutrition Month, make it personal. Talk to your care team about what foods and habits are best for your specific health needs. The best diet is one that works for you.

    Always consult with your healthcare provider about your specific medical needs. This information is for educational purposes only.

  • 12 Essential Health Screenings

    When was the last time you scheduled a checkup? If you’re similar to most individuals, your busy schedule often pushes preventive care to the back of your priority list. Between work deadlines, family obligations, and daily responsibilities, it’s easy to put off that appointment. But here’s the truth: catching health issues early can make all the difference between a simple intervention and a serious health crisis.

    APRN Margaret Avery, an Internal Medicine specialist at White-Wilson Internal Medicine in Fort Walton Beach, gives us a rundown of the essential health screenings.

    The Foundation: Annual Basics

    ·  Routine Physical Exams are yearly visits that give your primary care provider a complete picture of your health. “During your physical, we review your medical history, discuss any concerns, perform a comprehensive examination, and catch potential problems before they become serious” explained APRN Avery.

    ·  Blood Pressure checks are quick, painless, and absolutely important. High blood pressure often has no symptoms, yet it significantly increases your risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems. Early detection and management of high blood pressure, through lifestyle changes or medication, can often prevent serious complications down the road.

    · Blood Sugar Testing helps identify prediabetes and diabetes early, when lifestyle changes can have the biggest impact on your health. A simple blood test has never been more important. APRN Avery advises that early detection means you can take action before diabetes damages your eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood vessels.

    ·  Cholesterol Screening reveals your heart disease risk through a simple blood draw. Even if you feel perfectly fine, high cholesterol silently damages your arteries over time, setting the stage for heart attacks and strokes. Knowing your numbers empowers you to make informed decisions about diet, exercise, and treatment options.

    Cancer Screenings Save Lives

    When it comes to cancer, early detection is powerful medicine. When detected in their earliest stages, many cancers are highly treatable. APRN Margaret Avery explained age-specific and gender screenings.

    ·  Cervical Cancer Screening through Pap smears has dramatically reduced cervical cancer deaths over the past several decades. Most women should start screening at age 21 and continue at regular intervals. Combined with HPV testing, this screening has become one of medicine’s greatest success stories in cancer prevention.

    ·  Colorectal Cancer Screening should begin at age 45 for most people, though you may need to start earlier if you have a family history. Options include colonoscopy, stool-based tests, and other methods. While colonoscopy prep isn’t anyone’s favorite activity, this screening literally saves lives by detecting and removing precancerous polyps before they become dangerous.

    ·  Mammograms are recommended annually or biennially for women starting at age 40-50, depending on your individual risk factors and family history. Breast cancer is highly treatable when caught early, and mammography remains our best tool for early detection.

    ·  Skin Checks help catch melanoma and other skin cancers early, when they’re most treatable. During your appointment, your provider can examine any changes or suspicious moles. Between visits, perform self-checks monthly and watch for the ABCDEs: asymmetry, border irregularities, color changes, a diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and evolution or change over time.

    ·  Prostate Exams are important for men, typically starting at age 50 or earlier if you have risk factors like family history. The conversation about prostate screening has evolved. Speak to your primary care provider to learn about the benefits and limitations, which will help you make an informed decision about what’s right for you.

    Don’t forget these frequently overlooked tests.

    ·  Bone Density Scans screen for osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and increases fracture risk. This is especially important for women over 65, but men can develop osteoporosis too. Risk factors include family history, small body frame, smoking, excessive alcohol use, and certain medications. “The earlier we identify bone loss, the more we can do to prevent devastating fractures,” says APRN Avery.

    ·  Height and Weight measurements help track changes that might signal health concerns, from unexplained weight loss that could indicate an underlying condition to gradual weight gain that increases your risk for diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems. Height measurements are particularly important as we age, since significant height loss can indicate vertebral fractures or osteoporosis.

    ·  Dental Checkups twice yearly keep your teeth healthy and can reveal signs of other health problems you might not expect. Your dentist might be the first to spot signs of diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, acid reflux, or even heart disease. There is growing evidence that that gum disease is linked to heart problems, making those cleanings more important than ever.

    Making It Happen

    The best screening schedule is one tailored to you based on your age, family history, lifestyle, and risk factors. Some tests you will need annually, others every few years, and some only once or twice in your lifetime.

    “Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Many serious conditions develop silently, which is exactly why preventive screenings are so valuable. Health screenings give us the power to intervene early, when treatment is most effective and outcomes are best,” advises APRN Avery.

    Ready to get on track? Call your White-Wilson primary care provider today to schedule your next appointment. Your provider will review which screenings are right for you and create a personalized prevention plan. Your future self will thank you.

    APRN Margaret Avery is an advanced registered nurse practitioner at White-Wilson Internal Medicine Clinic in Fort Walton Beach. Learn more about APRN Margaret Avery and her approach to patient care here.

  • Living Well with Chronic Conditions: Empowering Patients through Personalized Care Plans

    Living with chronic conditions can be a major challenge, impacting not just physical health but also mental well-being and overall quality of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 60% of adults have at least one chronic condition, and 40% have two or more. The need for effective and personalized care has never been more important.

    We speak with Dr. Jennifer Whitfield, a Family Medicine physician from White-Wilson Medical Center Clinic in Niceville, about the significance of personalized care in managing chronic diseases, the role of patient empowerment, and the essential components of effective care plans.

    WWMC: What is a personalized care plan?

    Dr. Whitfield: A personalized care plan is a customized approach to managing chronic conditions, crafted to address an individual’s specific health needs, preferences, and goals. It involves thorough assessments, patient input, and ongoing adjustments to ensure the most effective management of the condition.

    WWMC: What is the role of patient empowerment?

    Dr. Whitfield: Knowledge is power. Patient empowerment is about providing you with the tools and information needed to take control of your health confidently. This includes making informed decisions, asking questions, and expressing your preferences.

    WWMC: How can patient empowerment improve health outcomes?

    Dr. Whitfield: When patients feel empowered, they are much more likely to follow through with their treatment plans. An empowered patient is more engaged, motivated, and likely to follow prescribed changes, communicate effectively with healthcare providers, and adopt healthier lifestyle choices.

    WWMC: How often should personalized care plans be reviewed?

    Dr. Whitfield: Personalized care plans should be reviewed regularly, generally every few months or whenever there’s a significant change in the patient’s health status. This ensures that the care plan stays relevant and effective, allowing for timely adjustments based on the patient’s progress and evolving needs.

    WWMC: What role do family and caregivers play in personalized care plans?

    Dr. Whitfield: Family members and caregivers are vital in personalized care plans. They offer support, encouragement, and help with the daily management of the condition. For older patients, family and caregivers can improve communication with healthcare providers and contribute to a more comprehensive approach to the patient’s care.

    WWMC: What are the benefits of using technology to manage your health?

    Dr. Whitfield: Technology enables you to monitor your health conveniently from home. Wearable devices, health apps, and telemedicine services can offer real-time insights and keep your primary care provider informed. But don’t get too caught up in the data—remember, it’s about using technology to enhance your experience in managing your health.

    WWMC: Do you have any final words for patients living with chronic conditions?

    Dr. Whitfield: Living with chronic conditions doesn’t have to be a lonely journey. Personalized care plans and patient empowerment help you and your family navigate health challenges with confidence and bring peace of mind. By understanding your health needs, setting realistic goals, and maintaining open communication with your provider, you can create a supportive environment that promotes better health outcomes.

    Dr. Jennifer Whitfield is a Family Medicine physician from White-Wilson Medical Center in Niceville. Dr. Whitfield provides comprehensive primary care for patients of all ages and specializes in preventive care, acute care, the diagnosis and treatment of chronic conditions, and women’s health. Learn more about Dr. Whitfield and her approach to patient care here.

  • Myth Busters: Monkeypox is the Next COVID-19

    Just as it seems like we are transitioning back to (a new) normal after the height of of COVID-19,  another illness is beginning to cause concern.

    Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by an infection with the monkeypox virus and is similar to smallpox. Beginning in January 2022, the United States, as well as many other countries around the world where monkeypox has not historically been reported, have been experiencing an outbreak of the disease. Understandably, this increase in numbers, as well as news coverage of the disease, has many wondering: Is this the next COVID-19?

    “There are many things that set COVID-19 and monkeypox apart,” explains White-Wilson Immediate Care Nurse Practitioner Mary Jean Middleton. “First and foremost, monkeypox has been around for decades whereas COVID-19 was a novel virus, first seen in late 2019. Therefore, we have significantly more research on monkeypox available to us than we did in 2020 for COVID-19”

    According to the CDC, monkeypox was first discovered in animals in 1958 and the first recorded human case occurred in 1970. Until recently, the majority of monkeypox cases were found in central and western Africa. Occasional cases were found in travelers who had been to countries where the disease usually occurs or in imported livestock, but the transmission was generally minimal.

    “One of the hardest parts of fighting COVID-19 was the fact that we knew little about it,” says APRN Middleton. “We had to quickly learn how it spread, how to prevent it and if it could be cured before we could really make any headway against it. With monkeypox, we have decades of experience and research to work off.”

    Like COVID-19, monkeypox can occur in patients of all ages and can be spread through respiratory droplets and bodily fluids as well as physical contact with infected people and items. However, the duration of the contact and exposure to respiratory droplets plays a role in the spread of monkeypox.

    “The current data shows that for monkeypox to spread from one person to another, there must be direct, prolonged exposure to respiratory secretions and bodily fluids,” say APRN Middleton. “That means you have to be in extremely close proximity to the person for a while, such as is the case with intimate contact or physical affection. A cursory pass by a person is not going to infect you nor is being in their presence for a few minutes. This is why the majority of the monkeypox cases we see are the result of close contact, like that between intimate partners. That’s a big difference from COVID, where the virus was spread unknowingly during quick interactions or in public spaces.,” she continues. “Add in the fact that only symptomatic people can spread the virus and infections are visible to those who are infected and to others, and you can see while it is much easier to get COVID-19 than monkeypox.”

    A person with monkeypox can spread it to others from the time symptoms start until the rash has fully healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. The illness typically lasts 2-4 weeks.

    Signs and symptoms of monkeypox as well as pictures of monkeypox rashes can be viewed on the CDC website. Perhaps one of the biggest differences between the two diseases lies in the availability of vaccines.

     “As I am sure we all remember, COVID-19 vaccines didn’t even exist until late 2020,” she says, “with most people unable to receive them until Spring of 2021 through FDA emergency-use authorizations. For monkeypox, there are two current vaccines with full FDA approval that have been on the market since the 2010s. So, we are able to get ahead of this before it gets bad like in the case of COVID-19.”

    While monkeypox vaccine eligibility is determined by each state’s department of health, most recommend a monkeypox vaccine for people who have been exposed to monkeypox or who may be more likely to get monkeypox, including:

    • People who have been identified by public health officials as a contact of someone with monkeypox.
    • People who know one of their sexual partners in the past two weeks has been diagnosed with monkeypox.
    • People who have had multiple sexual partners in the past two weeks in an area with known monkeypox transmission.

    “To sum everything up, I understand why people would be concerned with an outbreak of monkeypox following so closely behind COVID-19,” concludes APRN Middleton, “but you really don’t have much to worry about. We, as a country, are so much more prepared to fight monkeypox than we were with COVID-19, in part because of the lessons we learned over the past three years.”

    As always, if you have any concerns about your risk for monkeypox or think you may have been exposed, we at White-Wilson Medical Center are ready to help you through.”

    This Myth Is Busted!

    Mary Jean Middleton, APRN is a registered Nurse Practitioner caring for patients at the White-Wilson Immediate Care and Family Medicine clinics in Destin, Florida. Learn more about her approach to patient care here.

  • Mid-Year Health Screening Breakdown

    The halfway mark of the year is upon us and it’s time to take stock of all that you have accomplished and what is yet to come. While it’s a lot more fun to think about all the things you have achieved so far in the year, it is important to have a plan for those that still need to be done, especially when it comes to your health.

    “In order to keep yourself in tiptop shape, there are certain health screenings and exams we recommend patients receive every year,” explain Dr. Tyler Hamilton, a Family Medicine physician at White-Wilson Medical Center in Navarre. “First and foremost is your annual wellness exam.”

    As the name suggests, annual wellness exams are yearly physical where your primary care provider (PCP) reviews and charts your overall health. During these visits, your PCP will conduct a series of simple examinations, including noting your weight and height, taking a blood pressure reading, checking your lungs and heart and taking a visual examination of your physical wellbeing. The exam will include a series of questions that may be asked before your visit to get an in-depth health history and to determine areas your physician should pay extra attention to.

    “Dependent on a patient’s health history, a PCP may also order blood work to be completed prior to the annual wellness visit,” Dr. Hamilton explains. “Then when the patient comes in, we can go over the results and discuss if lifestyle or medication changes need to be made.”

    Beyond annual wellness exams, Dr. Hamilton highlights how your annual wellness visit can help you stay on track with important and potentially lifesaving screenings.

    “When I talk with a patient about a gap in their health history or the last time they received a screening, they are often surprised at how many years have lapsed,” notes Dr. Hamilton. “Especially during the pandemic, we tend to not realize how much time has passed and that we be past due for a screening. That is where a regular visit with your doctor can be lifesaving. Your doctor will make sure to order any of the screenings that you may need. The last thing we want to do is put off a screening and then find later that earlier detection would have been a game changer.”

    Additional, age based or risk factor-based screenings that your doctor may order include:

    • Colonoscopy – Should occur every 10 years beginning at age 45 for patients of normal risk. Patients with higher risk may need to begin screening earlier or receive them more often
    • Mammogram – Should occur annually for women 40 and older with normal risk of developing breast cancer. Patients with a higher risk may need to begin screening earlier.
    • Cervical cancer screening – Should occur every 3 years for females ages 20-29 and every 5 years for women ages 30-65, when combined with an HPV test.
    • Osteoporosis screening – Should occur every 15 years for female patients 60 and older with normal bone mass or only mild bone loss. More frequent testing may be required for female patients with greater bone loss.

    “Once we know your personal history and your family history, we can determine what screenings are best for you. Most of these screenings require a physician’s order so that the results can be sent to them for future monitoring and record keeping,” concluded Dr. Hamilton. “If you have a good relationship with your primary care physician, he or she will be the quarterback and your annual wellness visit is a time to review the playbook and make sure you have everything in place for the best, healthiest outcomes.”

    Dr. Tyler Hamilton cares for patients at White-Wilson Family Medicine Clinic in Navarre, Florida. He is now accepting patients of all ages. To learn more about him and his approach to patient care or to schedule an appointment online, click here.