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Tag: White-Wilson Medical Center

  • Cooling off with Healthy Lungs: Experience a Breathable Summer Season 

    As the summer heat rolls in, it becomes increasingly important to stay in tune with our bodies. The most common thought that comes to mind is wearing sunscreen and protective gear, such as hats and sunglasses, to shield our skin from harmful UV rays. However, many people forget that it is also necessary to prioritize lung health amid the sweltering season. 

    “The summer months can be challenging when it comes to lung health,” says White-Wilson Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Ashley “Nani” Cusson. “While those with respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease need to be especially mindful, the effects of our environment can cause lung issues for anyone who isn’t taking the right precautions.”

    During the scorching summer months, your body will utilize more oxygen than normal to regulate body temperature, explains APRN Cusson. Thus, you tend to breathe in large amounts of pollen, water vapor and pollution, all of which are in excess quantities anyway due to the hot temperatures causing plants to bloom, humidity levels to be higher and pollution to become more easily trapped in the ambient air. 

    “Breathing in an excess amount of these can cause irritation of the nasal cavity and lungs, as well increase the likelihood of coughing, breathing difficulties or shortness of breath,” continues APRN Cusson. “Thankfully, there are steps we can take to safeguard our lungs during this time of year.”   

    • Stay Hydrated: Hot weather can make you sweat, causing dehydration. Ensure you’re drinking enough fluids, especially water, throughout the day to ensure your body is getting the hydration it needs to promote proper lung function. 
    • Practice Sun Safety: Protecting yourself from UV rays will indirectly benefit your respiratory system because it will help regulate your body temperature and avoid the possibility of overheating. Apply board-spectrum sunscreen, wear protective clothing and avoid being out for long periods of time or during peak heat times. 
    • Check the Weather: Daily weather forecasts typically show air quality indexes, including heat waves, pollen count and smog or pollution levels. Be sure to use this forecast to plan your activities for the day. 
    • Keep the Inside Cool & Clean: Use air conditioners to help remove moisture and keep temperatures low but be sure to routinely replace filters to avoid circulating indoor air pollutants. Regularly clean and dust, keep windows and doors closed and consider using air purifiers or plants that naturally improve air quality. 
    • Take Advantage of Indoor Activities: Engaging in indoor activities such as visiting a museum, library, store or gym will allow you to escape the heat and avoid overworking your lungs.  

    APRN Cusson emphasizes that, at the end of the day, taking action to minimize the potential for lung issues during this time of year is crucial. Although you should not feel that you must shelter inside during summer, it is nevertheless good to understand how to keep your lungs healthy while enjoying the weather. All in all, be sure to talk with your primary care provider for further explanation and guidance on your unique lung health needs and how your routines may be impacting your overall health and wellness.  

    Ashely Cusson, APRN provides comprehensive care with the White-Wilson Pulmonology, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine team in Fort Walton Beach. She believes that focusing on her patients’ health care needs and treatment plans, as well as making their visits with her comfortable and educational, allows her to provide the best care possible. Learn more about APRN Cusson and her approach to patient care here. 

  • Myth Busters: Cheap Sunglasses Don’t Offer Protection 

    It’s finally summertime and you’ve been waiting all week for the perfect beach weekend! The cooler is packed, sunscreen has been applied, floaties have been inflated and your favorite swimsuit is on. Next stop: paradise. 

    But wait! You’ve lost your sunglasses (again!) and need to quickly get a pair before beginning your staycation. Not to worry – the gas station sells them, so you run in to buy a pair. Yet, as you make your selection from the rack, you pause and wonder: Do cheap sunglasses actually offer protection? 

    “The best way to differentiate good sunglasses from bad sunglasses is by first understanding what ultraviolet radiation is and how it can be harmful,” says White-Wilson Ophthalmologist Dr. Julian Tokarev. 

    Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of radiation that is present in sunlight. “It is known for allowing the body to produce vitamin D, an important vitamin for human health,” explains Dr. Tokarev. While it certainly has its benefits, exposure only in small quantities is recommended. In fact, The World Health Organization recommends 5 to 15 minutes of sun exposure two to three times every week. 

    “People typically associate UV radiation with a sunburn, which is why sunscreen should be applied to the skin prior to going out into the sun,” continues Dr. Tokarev. “However, your eyes are also susceptible to damage from UV radiation, which means wearing sunglasses is just as important.”  

    Failing to protect your eyes from sunlight can lead to long-term problems and even potentially blinding eye diseases, so ensuring you select the right pair of sunglasses is essential. That being said, just because a pair is inexpensive does not mean they are “bad sunglasses,” just like an expensive pair does not guarantee they are “good sunglasses.”

    “At the end of the day, what constitutes quality protection when it comes to sunglasses is the amount of UV rays that they block,” says Dr. Tokarev. “If you find a pair with a label that indicates UV 400 or 100% UV-blocking, this means it offers maximum defense and you will be good to go. It’s important not to settle for less because harm may occur.” 

    Dr. Tokarev emphasizes that there are many inexpensive sunglasses out there that offer full protection, but you just need to keep your eye out for a label and imprint that confirms this. Whether you are considering name brand or generic, be sure to check the level of UV protection and opt for the maximum. While you should also take into consideration additional features such as comfort, visibility and glare protection when making your selection, it shouldn’t be difficult to find a low-cost, adequate pair in a pinch. 

    Dr. Julian Tokarev leads the White-Wilson Medical Center Ophthalmology Clinic in Fort Walton Beach and cares for patients of all ages. He is a comprehensive ophthalmologist who is able to diagnose and treat a wide range of eye conditions in adults. Learn more about Dr. Tokarev and his approach to patient care here. 

  • Stomach Bug Survival Tips 

    Catching a stomach bug, also called viral gastroenteritis, is never fun. The sickness is most often associated with vomiting, diarrhea, fever, cramps and nausea, and it is unfortunately very common, especially among young children. While the sickness typically lasts a few hours to a few days, it is nevertheless important to be prepared if or when you or a family member catches it. 

    There are several viruses that can cause a stomach bug, explains White-Wilson Nurse Practitioner (APRN) Julie Powell. Two of the most common ones are norovirus and rotavirus, and they both are spread through close interaction with infected individuals and from contact with contaminated objects or surfaces. 

    “One of the most effective ways to prevent catching a stomach bug is through washing your hands regularly,” says APRN Powell. “Before eating, after using the bathroom and once arriving home from an outing will help. These types of viruses can spread quickly through a household, particularly if you have children. In that case, your best defense is to thoroughly clean high touch surface areas and doorhandles, remotes, cell phones, and toys.”

    If you or a family member does catch a stomach bug, APRN Powell recommends following these care tips:

    • Remain hydrated. Even if you are not able to keep solid foods down, be sure to frequently take small sips of water and an electrolyte solution, such as Gatorade or Pedialyte. Sucking on ice chips is another common way to help stay hydrated.
    • Avoid certain foods. Consuming foods such as caffeine, candy or ice cream may make symptoms like diarrhea worse. Instead, opt for soft and bland foods that are easy on the stomach such as chicken and vegetable soups and broths or plain crackers. 
    • Stay home and rest up. Illnesses such as this one can make you feel weak and tired, so it is important to give yourself time to regain your energy. Additionally, be sure to avoid contact with others to mitigate the potential spread of the virus. The CDC recommends staying home for two days after symptoms stop. 

    “While stomach bugs are usually treatable at home, be sure to seek additional care if you become dehydrated or your symptoms persist beyond three days,” stresses APRN Powell. “Our Immediate Care team treats stomach bugs frequently, but be sure to seek emergency medical care as soon as possible if your symptoms become worse.”

    Julie Powell, APRN is a registered nurse practitioner with White-Wilson Medical Center’s Immediate Care team. She prides herself on her attention to detail, being down-to-Earth and easy to talk to. Learn more about APRN Powell and her approach to patient care here. 

  • Myth Busters: Ice is the best way to relieve pain from a burn

    Picture this: You set your favorite dinner, fresh out of the oven, onto the counter to let it cool while you grab a plate and fix your drink. In the process of moving items around, you accidentally brush against the scalding hot dish, giving yourself a minor yet painful burn. Ouch! 

    Is your first reaction to pluck an ice cube out of your glass?

    Thankfully, the majority of first-degree burns can be treated at home. However, there are so many rumored remedies for tending to your red and stinging skin that you might be feeling overwhelmed trying to figure out which one is best. This could leave you asking: Is it okay to ice a burn? 

    A first-degree, or superficial, burn is one that only disturbs the outer layer of skin, explains White-Wilson Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Shawn Lee. Minor burns like this don’t typically create blisters, but they are usually red, dry and painful. It is important to properly treat them to avoid scarring or prolonged discomfort. 

    “While you should work to cool a burn immediately after it occurs, never place ice on it,” warns APRN Lee. “Because ice is extremely cold, it can actually cause damage to the skin tissue and increase your risk of an infection.”

    APRN Lee continues, “If you place ice on a burn, you will likely not be able to feel just how cold your skin gets. Making the skin too cold will lead to a decrease in blood flow, effectively depriving the tissue of oxygen and causing lasting harm.”

    Instead, place the burn under cool tap water or use a wet, cold compress, elaborates APRN Lee. Doing this for at least 10 to 20 minutes will reduce the stinging sensation as well as help decrease the possibility of scarring or swelling. Once the pain subsides and the skin has cooled, be sure to follow these steps for a full recovery:

    • Carefully apply moisturizer such as petroleum jelly or aloe vera gel to avoid drying out the skin. This will diminish soreness and the chance of infection.
    • Cover the area with a sterile nonstick bandage or dry cloth to protect it from additional damage. 
    • Use mild soap and antibiotic cream as needed to keep the area clean. 
    • Take over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to subdue any persistent aching or inflammation. 

    “When in doubt, always err on the side of caution,” emphasizes APRN Lee. “Never use ice, and be sure to consult a health care professional if you are concerned. Our Immediate Care team treats these types of common injuries all the time and can work with you to help prevent infection or scarring. However, if you experience a severe burn, be sure to seek emergency medical care as soon as possible.” 

    This myth is busted!

    Shawn Lee, APRN provides care at White-Wilson Immediate Care in Niceville. Calming and decisive, she believes that communication, listening and explaining the rationale for treatment helps patients to be comfortable in making informed health-related decisions. Learn more about APRN Lee and her approach to patient care here.  

  • Women’s Wellness: The Importance of Self-Care

    For many women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, life is very demanding. Between working, caring for children and older family members, and tending to household needs, there seems to be little time for much else. When you are always focused on helping others, it quickly becomes easy to neglect your personal well-being. 

    “Women frequently disregard their own health for long periods of time because they tend to put others first such as their spouse, children, parents and friends,” says White-Wilson Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Mary Jean Middleton. “While proactively caring for yourself does consume precious time and energy, it is important to understand the benefits and how prioritizing your own needs can help you in the long-term.”

    Women at every age are faced with a multitude of life changes and challenges, both of which can be positive and negative, explains APRN Middleton. The status of parenting, family roles, metabolism, work, interpersonal relationships and hormones all fluctuate throughout a women’s life, and ignoring the body’s needs can often lead to heightened levels of stress or depression, as well as cause more serious health issues down the road.

    “Self-care looks different for everyone,” says Middleton. “For example, I have young children and work full-time, so taking a break with a paperback book or playing with my dog allows me some quiet time to myself and an opportunity to take stock of my physical and mental well-being. Making time for those activities helps me decompress and recharge so that I am ready to face whatever life throws my way next.”

    The benefits of maintaining your physical and mental wellness can include decreasing the risk of anxiety and depression, improving sleep, bolstering brain health and cognitive function, and benefiting the overall quality of life, elaborates APRN Middleton. Finding what works best for you and then sticking with it will help you discover and fulfill your unique needs.  

    Here are some simple examples of how you can include self-care in your day-to-day life:

    • Get moving. Walking, practicing yoga or playing a game can bolster heart health and decrease blood pressure levels.  Strive to get 30 minutes of moderate to intense exercise per day. This can be something as simple as a brisk walk. 
    • Read a book. Taking a break from your phone or computer screen can increase productivity, learning and awareness.  
    • Take a bath. Soaking in warm water before bed can elevate your mood and help you sleep better.
    • Get an annual check-up. An annual wellness exam is a time to address changes in your body and catch potential issues early. Putting these off will only lead to more stress and possibly more issues later. 

    APRN Middleton emphasizes that you should not underestimate the power of self-care. Always give yourself priority when divvying up your time and energy because doing so will ultimately strengthen your capacity to focus on those around you. Be sure to visit your primary care provider to receive your annual wellness exam as well as talk through any questions or concerns you may have about your overall health and wellness. 

    Mary Jean Middleton, APRN provides comprehensive care at White-Wilson Medical Center in Destin. She works with patients to treat and manage a wide range of urgent health conditions and offers same day appointments. Learn more about APRN Middleton and her approach to patient care here. 

  • A Senior’s Guide to Managing Stress

    Throughout our lifetime, we will inevitably experience stress or changes that cause physical, emotional or psychological strain. Feeling stress is common for everyone, but undergoing too much can be overwhelming, especially for seniors. This is why it is essential to understand common causes of stress as well as how it affects the body and how it can be managed.

    While seniors have likely had their fair share of stress over the years, moving into a new age range comes with its own unique set of challenges.  Stress for those 65 and older can show up in many forms and be both positive and negative. For example, positive stress may come from exciting life events such as retirement, weddings and births, and negative stress may come from pain or mobility issues, death of loved ones and financial dependence.

    “Seniors are typically more susceptible to adverse physical reactions when it comes to stress because of age-related changes to the body,” says White-Wilson Advance Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) Pamela Lee. “This is why it is important to identify stressors and work to reduce them as much as possible. Understanding how you are personally affected can lead to better long-term health outcomes.”

    In older adults, stress can cause health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease, warns APRN Lee. Recognizing whether your stress is physical, mental or emotional can help place you on the correct path to stress discovery and management.

    “For many patients, lowering stress levels can come from taking surprisingly simple steps,” says APRN Lee. “I always recommend establishing a healthy diet, participating in physical activity and setting aside time for mental reflection. These actions will improve your heart’s health while reducing the impacts of stress on the body.

    Healthy Eating Plate, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

    Eating a balanced diet can facilitate a healthy immune system and repair damaged cells. Harvard Medical School provides this example of a Healthy Eating Plate which explains how to create well-balanced meals.

    Consistent physical activity helps improve blood pressure, cholesterol levels and overall heart health. The American Heart Association recommends that adults participate in at least 150 minutes of physical activity every week. Several popular exercises among seniors include pickleball, walking and water aerobics. 

    Reflecting and connecting through meditation, yoga and journaling reduces muscular tension, calms the mind and slows the heart rate. Set aside some time each day to take a breath and focus on the positives. 

    “Once you have established these relieving practices, it is important to also remember that stress is normal function of life,” says APRN Lee. “In other words, stress is unavoidable at any age, but taking certain steps will help you to control or reduce the physical and mental strain it may cause.”

    APRN Lee emphasizes that stress can actually provide several cognitive benefits if it is managed properly. Always be aware of how your body responds to stress and the actions you take to control its affects. If you continue to experience issues related to stress, be sure to talk with your primary care provider for further explanation and guidance on your unique health and wellness needs.   

    Pamela Lee, APRN provides Internal Medicine care at White-Wilson Medical Center in Destin. Friendly and empathic, she helps her patients to be well-informed on their treatment options and works with them to make health-related decisions that will result in successful health outcomes. Learn more about APRN Lee 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.

  • Myth Busters: I Have to See a Gynecologist to Receive a Well Woman Screening

    By now, we should all know the importance of regular checkups with your doctor. These annual wellness visits are just as big a part of staying healthy as exercise and a nutritious diet; most importantly because it is often during these visits that doctors perform screenings for serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.

    While there are multiple screenings required for an in-depth annual wellness visit, the good news is that, in most cases, your primary care provider (PCP) can do them all. And this is especially true at White-Wilson Medical Center where our in-house laboratory and imaging services allow for more complex screenings to be done in one convenient location.

    However, when it comes to women’s health, there is the belief that the one-stop shop approach just doesn’t work.

    “Some women believe that their well woman screening has to be administered by a gynecologist,” explains Dr. Karen Hoffman, an internist at White-Wilson Medical Center in Niceville. “However, many primary care practices, including White-Wilson, are more than happy to provide well woman exams including the recommended screenings and tests.”

    According to Dr. Hoffman, basic women’s health needs are well within the scope of primary care providers training. If your provider offers these services, this means you won’t have to book with your gynecologist for things such as Pap smears, STD testing and even providing means of contraceptive.

    “It all comes down to the patient, their preferences and, especially, their health history,” says Dr. Hoffman. “For many women, their primary care physician is ready to provide the care they need in an environment they are already comfortable in. After the visit, your health history will be updated so your physician can continue to work alongside you to ensure you are doing everything you can to catch potential issues early. If you need more specialized care, your physician will be a good resource for getting you to the right place”

    Well woman exams, as well as annual wellness exams, are fully covered by most insurance policies. To schedule your next well woman exam, call White-Wilson Medical Center at 850-863-8100.

    THIS MYTH IS BUSTED.

    Karen Hoffman, DO is board-certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Internal Medicine, American Board of Internal Medicine and the National Board of Physicians and Surgeons. She has more than 22 years of experience caring for patients, including providing annual wellness and well woman examinations, as well a chronic disease treatment and management. Dr. Hoffman is accepting patients at the White-Wilson Internal Medicine Clinic in Niceville.