Author: Gulfcoasthc

Why It’s Important To Get A Cancer Screening

Cancer can be treated successfully if it is detected early, making cancer screenings a critical component of preventative healthcare. In this blog post, we will discuss why it is so important to get cancer screenings.

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Cancer is a term used to describe a group of diseases that involve the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or race. Cancer can be treated successfully if it is detected early, making cancer screenings a critical component of preventative healthcare. In this blog post, we will discuss why it is so important to get cancer screenings.

The Top 5 Benefits To Getting A Cancer Screening

Early Detection

Cancer screenings can help detect cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable. Screening tests can detect cancer before symptoms develop, allowing for earlier intervention and treatment. Early detection can improve treatment outcomes, increase survival rates, and reduce the need for more extensive treatments like chemotherapy or surgery.

Prevention

Cancer screenings can also help prevent cancer from developing in the first place. Some screening tests, like colonoscopies, can identify and remove precancerous growths before they become cancerous. Early detection and removal of these growths can prevent the development of colorectal cancer.
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Personalized Risk Assessment

Screening tests can also provide valuable information about an individual’s risk for developing cancer. This information can be used to create a personalized screening plan tailored to the individual’s specific needs. For example, individuals with a family history of breast cancer may be advised to start getting mammograms earlier or to get them more frequently.

Peace of Mind

For many individuals, cancer screenings can provide peace of mind. Knowing that you have been screened for cancer and that no abnormalities were found can be reassuring. It can also help alleviate anxiety and stress associated with the fear of cancer.

Cost-Effective

Cancer screenings are cost-effective. It is much cheaper to detect and treat cancer at an early stage than to treat advanced cancer. The cost of cancer treatment is not only financial but also emotional and physical. Early detection can help reduce the burden of cancer on individuals, their families, and society as a whole.
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Cancer Screenings At Gulf Coast Health Center

If you are due for a cancer screening or have concerns about your risk for cancer, Gulf Coast Health Center offers a variety of cancer screening services at our Texas locations. Our experienced healthcare providers are committed to providing comprehensive and personalized care to our patients. Don’t hesitate to schedule a screening today and take control of your health.

5 Strategies for Preventing Cervical Cancer

The most common form of cervical cancer develops as a result of pre-cancerous changes that occur at the cellular level in cervical tissue cells. There are steps you can take to protect yourself from this disease by reducing your risk of developing cervical cancer.

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Cervical cancer is a cancer of the cervix. The most common form of cervical cancer develops as a result of pre-cancerous changes that occur at the cellular level in cervical tissue cells. There are steps you can take to protect yourself from this disease by reducing your risk of developing cervical cancer.

5 Steps to Take to Reduce Your Risk of Cervical Cancer

1. Get the HPV Vaccine

The most important thing that young people can do to protect themselves from cervical cancer is to get vaccinated against human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is responsible for the development of the majority of cervical cancer cases. The HPV vaccine is now recommended for children between the ages of 11 and 12, but anyone under age 26 who has not received this vaccine should get it.

2. Schedule Pap-Smear Tests Regularly

A pap smear (or pap test) is a test that can be performed during a pelvic exam with your primary care provider or with a gynecologist. During a pap smear, a small swab is taken allowing the patient’s cervical cells to be screened for abnormalities, precancerous cells, and cancerous cells. Pap tests are designed to detect changes in these tissues early so that early interventions can often be performed to remove abnormalities and prevent cancer from developing.
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3. Get Tested for HPV

To determine how often you should be scheduling pelvic exams and pap-smear tests, you can be tested for HPV. If you are positive for the virus, then you should have more frequent pap smears to monitor your cervical tissue for any changes.

4. Use Barrier Protection

Condoms provide some protection from HPV during sexual intercourse, but they are not a 100% effective method of preventing the spread of HPV because HPV can be spread from skin-to-skin contact with any infected area of the body. This means you could contract HPV simply by touching the infected skin of someone else who has it.

5. Limit Sexual Partners and Get Tested Together

The best way to protect yourself from getting HPV is by limiting the number of people with whom you have intimate contact and by testing yourself and asking your partner to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases.
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Cervical Cancer Screenings and STD Testing at Gulf Coast Health Center

To learn more about reducing your risk of cervical cancer or to schedule an appointment for a pap-smear, pelvic exam, and HPV test, we welcome you to contact Gulf Coast Health Center today.

How to Find the Right Counselor for You

Counseling is much more effective when patients work with the right counselor for them. It’s important to find a counselor you trust and who has the right experience and credentials to help you achieve your goals in your unique situation.

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Counseling is much more effective when patients work with the right counselor for them. It’s important to find a counselor you trust and who has the right experience and credentials to help you achieve your goals in your unique situation. To find the counselor who is right for you, consider the following tips.

5 Things to Consider When Looking for a Counselor

1. What You Want to Get Out of Counseling

When searching for a therapist, you should spend some time thinking about your goals for therapy and whether there are any types of treatments or counseling approaches that appeal to you. For example, if you’ve read about cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and think it might be something you’d like to try, you’ll want to look for a therapist who is certified and experienced in providing CBT. Additionally, consider whether you think you could benefit from medication because not all counselors are able to prescribe medications.

2. The Types of Issues You Want to Address

Certain therapists use different techniques, complete different training, and have different levels of experience working with patients in different areas. For example, if you have trauma or abuse to address, look for a therapist with experience and the right qualifications for diagnosing and treating PTSD. If you want to improve relationships, then you might consider a therapist with experience in family and couples counseling. If you’re struggling with an addiction or eating disorder, then find a therapist who specializes in these types of concerns.
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3. Licenses and Qualifications

Make sure your counselor has the proper licenses, certifications, and experience.

4. Referrals and Recommendations

There are plenty of reputable databases of therapists available for researching online. However, you can also ask your general healthcare provider for recommendations.

5. Personal Details

It’s also good to consider the type of person you might feel most comfortable speaking with. For example, some patients feel more comfortable talking to a person of a certain age, gender, religious affiliation, race, etc. It’s okay to consider these types of details when looking for a therapist because it’s essential that you feel comfortable talking with the counselor you choose.
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Counseling and Therapy at Gulf Coast Health Center in Texas

Gulf Coast Health Center is proud to offer our patients counseling services with licensed, experienced, and highly educated professionals who are certified and trained in a variety of different types of counseling. Our mental health professionals are here to work with you to help you address your concerns and achieve your life goals. To learn more about our providers or schedule an appointment, we welcome you to contact Gulf Coast Health Center today.

Why It’s Important to Have A Lung Cancer Screening?

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and at Gulf Coast Health Center, we like to recognize the occasion by helping to raise awareness about lung cancer, the importance of lung cancer screenings, and the factors that could increase your risk of developing lung cancer.

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November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and at Gulf Coast Health Center, we like to recognize the occasion by helping to raise awareness about lung cancer, the importance of lung cancer screenings, and the factors that could increase your risk of developing lung cancer.

What Is Lung Cancer Screening?

A lung cancer screening is a diagnostic test that is performed for the purpose of examining a patient for signs of lung cancer. A lung cancer screening cannot diagnose lung cancer but simply checks for signs of abnormalities in the lungs.
The only test currently approved for lung cancer screening is a computed tomography (CT) scan. This scan uses advanced x-ray technology to take detailed images of a patient’s lungs. If visual signs of lung cancer or other abnormalities are present, further tests, such as a biopsy might be recommended.
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Why Lung Cancer Screening Is Essential

Like most types of cancer, the early detection of lung cancer greatly increases the chances of achieving a successful treatment outcome. In its earliest stages, lung cancer is much more successfully treated than when treatment begins in the later stages after the disease has had time to advance.

Lung Cancer Risk Factors: Who Should Be Screened Regularly for Lung Cancer?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that individuals in the following high-risk categories be screened annually for lung cancer:
  • Individuals with a 20-pack-year total of smoking (i.e. smoking one pack per day for 20 years or two packs per day for 10 years)
  • Individuals who currently smoke or quit smoking less than 15 years ago
  • Individuals who are between 50 and 80 years of age
We recommend scheduling a lung cancer screening if you fall into any of these categories or are concerned about your lung health for other reasons (such as exposure to long-term second-hand smoke, respiratory carcinogens, or other harmful chemicals).
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Lung Cancer Screenings and Respiratory Healthcare in Texas

If you’re concerned about the health of your lungs and respiratory system, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with a doctor at Gulf Coast Health Center. We can give your lungs a listen and talk with you about your medical history, lifestyle, risk factors, and any symptoms you might be experiencing to help you determine the best course of action. To learn more or schedule a lung cancer screening, we welcome you to contact one of our locations along the Gulf Coast of Texas today.

Mental Health Awareness Week: The Stigma Behind Mental Illness & How You Can Show Your Support For Those Struggeling

Mental Health Awareness Week (MIAW) is an annual event that takes place during the first week of October. The goal of the week is to raise awareness of mental health conditions, fight discrimination, and provide support to those affected by mental illness.

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Mental Health Awareness Week (MIAW) is an annual event that takes place during the first week of October. The goal of the week is to raise awareness of mental health conditions, fight discrimination, and provide support to those affected by mental illness. Mental health conditions affect millions of Americans each year, and the number of people affected continues to rise. This week is an important opportunity to learn more about these conditions and how we can all help improve the lives of those living with them.

What is Mental Illness?

Mental illness is a condition that affects a person’s thinking, feelings and/or mood. It can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including changes in behavior, energy levels, concentration, appetite, and sleep. Mental illness can affect anyone at any time, but often starts during the teenage years or young adulthood.
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There are many different types of mental illness. The most common types are:

Depression: Depressed people often feel sad, hopeless and worthless. They may lose interest in activities they used to enjoy and have trouble sleeping or eating.
Anxiety disorders: People with anxiety disorders often feel extremely worried or anxious all the time and have trouble controlling their fears. This can lead to problems such as avoiding social situations, panic attacks and problems with sleeping and eating.
Bipolar disorder: People with bipolar disorder experience extreme mood swings, from mania (a high period where they feel very happy and energetic) to depression (a low period where they feel very sad and hopeless).

Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a condition that causes people to see, hear or believe things that aren’t real. They may also have trouble thinking clearly, managing their feelings and relating to others.

Common Behaviors Associated With Mental Health Disorders:

Mental health conditions can often be difficult to spot, as many people with these conditions may seem perfectly normal from the outside. However, there are some behaviors that can be warning signs of a mental illness. If you notice that a friend, family member, or acquaintance is displaying any of the following behaviors, they may be struggling with a mental health condition:
  • Excessive worry or anxiety
  • Mood swings or erratic behavior
  • Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
  • Social isolation or withdrawing from friends and family
  • Persistent feelings of sadness or emptiness
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How Can You Help Someone Cope With A Mental Health Disorder?

The common misconceptions and stigmas surrounding mental health disorders cause many to feel alone and misunderstood. It’s crucial to remember that people with mental health disorders are just that: people. They are the friends, family members, co-workers, and neighbors we all know.
If you believe someone you know is struggling with a mental health condition, the best thing you can do is offer your support. Let them know that you care and are there for them, and offer to help them find resources and treatment. It can be challenging to cope with a mental illness, but with the right support, it is possible to manage the condition and live a happy and productive life.

Mental Health Treatment At Gulf Coast Health Center

By providing access to affordable care, Gulf Coast Health Center is helping to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness by making it easier for people to get the help they need. Through Counseling, Psychiatric Evaluations, Medication Management, and Substance Abuse Treatment, the Doctors and Staff at GCHC provide people with the support they need to manage their mental health disorders and live healthy, happy, and productive lives. Call today to Schedule an Appointment with one of our Mental Health Professionals!
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Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month: What You Need to Know

Did you know that Ovarian Cancer is the deadliest form of cancer in women? In fact, it is responsible for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and we want to do our part in raising awareness about this deadly disease

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Did you know that Ovarian Cancer is the deadliest form of cancer in women? In fact, it is responsible for more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, and we want to do our part in raising awareness about this deadly disease. Here at Gulf Coast Health Center, we pride ourselves on being a reliable source of information for common health issues. Our goal is to help as many people as possible live long, happy, and healthy lives. So, here is what we think you need to know about Ovarian Cancer.

What is Ovarian Cancer and Who Does it Affect?

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the ovaries. The ovaries are two small, almond-shaped organs located on either side of the uterus that produce eggs and hormones. Ovarian cancer usually occurs after menopause, but it can happen at any age; however, it is most common in women over 60 years old.
One possible reason why ovarian cancer happens more often in older women is that the ovaries are more likely to have abnormalities as a woman gets older. These abnormalities can lead to the development of ovarian cancer. Additionally, as a woman gets older, her body’s ability to fight off cancer cells may decline, which can also lead to an increased risk of developing cancer.
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Different Types of Ovarian Cancer

There are several types of ovarian cancer, but the most common type is epithelial ovarian cancer. This type of ovarian cancer starts in the thin layer of tissue that covers the ovary. Other types of ovarian cancer include germ cell tumors and stromal tumors. Germ cell tumors start in the cells that make eggs, and stromal tumors start in the connective tissues that hold the ovary together.
Ovarian cancer is difficult to detect in its early stages because it often does not cause any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are often vague and nonspecific, such as bloating, pelvic pain, or feeling full quickly. As the disease progresses, other symptoms may develop, such as abdominal pain, back pain, constipation, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. If you experience any of these symptoms on a regular basis for more than two weeks, you should see your doctor right away.

Can You Prevent Ovarian Cancer?

There is no sure way to prevent ovarian cancer. However, there are some things you can do to reduce your risk. These include maintaining a healthy weight, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco products. If you have a family history of ovarian cancer, you may be able to reduce your risk by taking birth control pills or having your ovaries removed.
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Treatment Options for Woman With Ovarian Cancer

If you are diagnosed with ovarian cancer, treatment will depend on the stage of the disease. The earlier the disease is caught, the better the chances for successful treatment. Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Ovarian cancer is a serious disease, but it is treatable. With early detection and proper treatment, many women with ovarian cancer can go on to live long and healthy lives. Schedule an appointment for a cancer screening today!

Early Cancer Detection With The Help of Gulf Coast Health Center

If you have questions about your health, or simply want to talk to someone please call Call Gulf Coast Health Center today! Our passionate and loving doctors and staff want to help and are standing by to take your call.
Spread the word and let’s work together to make a difference. Thanks for reading!

Am I Drinking Too Much Coffee? 7 Signs You Need to Cut Back on Caffeine

Consider the following signs of drinking too much caffeine to determine whether you might benefit from cutting back on your coffee and soda breaks. Gulf Coast Health Center is here to help you maintain healthy habits. Contact us today for a free consultation!

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When most people think about consuming too much caffeine, they picture themselves bouncing off the walls and getting all of their work done. The reality, however, is a bit more subtle. Consider the following signs of drinking too much caffeine to determine whether you might benefit from cutting back on your coffee and soda breaks.

7 Signs You're Drinking Too Much Coffee (or Too Much Caffeine)

1. You Feel Anxious

Too much caffeine can exacerbate your worries. It not only triggers the fight or flight response (the physiological response to stress) but it also can keep you from getting quality sleep. Both of these can make you feel more anxious than normal.

2. You Have a Stomach Ache

Coffee can increase the acids inside your stomach, leading to a stomach ache and heartburn.

3. You Feel Like Your Heart Is Racing

Caffeine can increase your heart rate and even lead to feelings of dizziness. If you feel like your heart is going to flutter out of your chest, then you should probably reduce your caffeine intake.
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4. You're Running to the Bathroom Frequently

Coffee also has laxative properties that result in diarrhea. Additionally, caffeine is a diuretic that might have you running to the bathroom for other reasons, too.

5. You Can't Sleep

Too much caffeine intake or consuming caffeine too late in the day can cause insomnia and other sleep disturbances.

6. You Feel Jittery

If you start to feel jumpy or jittery after consuming caffeine, this is because it speeds up your central nervous system. This effect is why coffee helps you feel more awake and alert. Too much of a good thing, however, can leave you feeling unwell.

7. You're Getting Frequent Headaches

A little caffeine can increase the effectiveness of certain pain medications. Too much coffee, however, can lead to caffeine withdrawal which causes severe headaches and fatigue.

Nutritional Counseling and Wellness Checks Along the Gulf Coast

Whether you think you’re drinking too much caffeine or you’re drinking too much caffeine because you’re suffering from chronic fatigue, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with a doctor at Gulf Coast Health Center. We can talk with you about your symptoms and help you get your health back on track.
To learn more or schedule an appointment, we welcome you to contact any of our locations along the Texas Gulf Coast today.

3 Simple Things to Do Before Bed for a Healthier Lifestyle

If you’ve branded yourself a “night owl” and find that you have a difficult time falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling rested, we recommend starting with the following three tips to sleep better and have a healthier lifestyle.

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 70 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep problems. That’s a lot of tossing and turning and sleepless nights (not just in Seattle), and these numbers don’t include those who are undiagnosed or who suffer from curable sleep problems that are caused by poor sleep hygiene or avoidable stresses.
If you’ve branded yourself a “night owl” and find that you have a difficult time falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up feeling rested, we recommend starting with the following three tips to sleep better and have a healthier lifestyle.

3 Simple Things to Do Before Bed for a Healthier Lifestyle

1. Watch What and When You Eat and Drink

Your diet can have a big impact on your sleep. You probably know that you should cut the caffeine early in the day, but you should also avoid drinking alcohol too late at night, too. Additionally, don’t eat right before bed because digesting can actually keep you awake.

2. Get Bright Light Exposure During the Day

We all have what’s called a circadian rhythm, and this is an internal clock that regulates the body’s hormone production that tells it when to feel sleepy and when to have energy and be awake. Make sure you are exposed to plenty of bright, natural sunlight during the daytime. This natural light helps to regulate your circadian rhythm, making sure it’s in sync with the sunrise and sunset.

3. Unplug Early

Blue light (the kind of light that comes from computers, tablets, television, and smartphone screens) has the same effect on the body’s circadian rhythm that natural sunlight light does – it keeps you awake. Unplug from your devices and turn off the television at least an hour before going to bed. The dark will help encourage your body to start producing melatonin, a hormone that makes you feel sleepy and helps you to fall asleep.

Trouble Sleeping? Schedule a Checkup at Gulf Coast Health Center

If you’re having trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or feeling rested in the morning, we recommend scheduling an appointment to see a doctor. Sleep problems can go beyond playing Words With Friends too late into the night, and any issues or changes with your sleep warrant a medical checkup. To schedule an appointment, we welcome you to contact any of our locations along the Gulf Coast today.

5 Tips for Clear and Healthy Skin

Whether you suffer from chronic acne, hormonal breakouts, rashes, dry skin, eczema, or sensitive skin, skin problems can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and have a negative effect on a person’s self-esteem. If you find yourself struggling with skin concerns, consider the following tips to promote clear and healthy skin.

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Whether you suffer from chronic acne, hormonal breakouts, rashes, dry skin, eczema, or sensitive skin, skin problems can be frustrating, uncomfortable, and have a negative effect on a person’s self-esteem. If you find yourself struggling with skin concerns, consider the following tips to promote clear and healthy skin.

5 Tips for Clear and Healthy Skin

1. Eat a Healthy Diet

Eat a nutritious diet filled with antioxidant-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, fish, nuts, and green and black tea). Avoid high-glycemic foods such as simple sugars and starch (bread, white rice, sweets, pasta, skim milk, and potatoes).

2. Stop Touching Your Face

Don’t touch your face with your hands or with your cellphone. Unless they’ve just been sanitized, your hands and your phone are likely covered with bacteria that can invade pores and lead to zits.

3. Wash Your Face and Moisturize

To help keep bacteria, pollution, dead skin cells, and oil from building up and clogging pores, wash your face in the morning and before bed. Typically a mild cleanser followed by an oil-free, sensitive-skin moisturizer works best.
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4. Use Sunscreen

Sunscreen not only helps your skin stay free from freckles, sun damage, and skin cancer, but it also keeps your skin cooler which helps to calm oil glands and prevent breakouts.

5. Choose Sensitive Skin Products

Sometimes, skin problems arise as a result of allergies and irritation. Choose products formulated for sensitive skin that have no fragrance, dyes, or other harsh ingredients that might irritate your skin.

Dermatology Appointments at Gulf Coast Health Center

If you feel like you have read all of the advice and tried absolutely everything, but you still struggle to keep your skin clear and healthy, then we strongly encourage you to schedule an appointment with your family doctor or a dermatologist (a skin specialist). Sometimes, medical issues such as hormonal imbalances can result in frequent breakouts, and your doctor might be able to help you manage the underlying condition causing your trouble.
Whether you are a teenager or an adult and you find yourself frequently frustrated with blemishes, rashes, or other recurring skin problems, we strongly encourage you to schedule an appointment with a doctor at Gulf Coast Health Center. We can talk with you about your concerns, perform an examination, run any necessary diagnostic tests, and help you determine the most appropriate course of action to get healthy, clear, and comfortable skin.

Preventing and Managing Arthritis

May is Arthritis Awareness Month, and the team at Gulf Coast Health Center is taking the opportunity to help educate our patients about arthritis while providing them with tips for living a healthier, more active, and less painful life with the condition.

Preventing and Managing Arthritis

May is Arthritis Awareness Month, and the team at Gulf Coast Health Center is taking the opportunity to help educate our patients about arthritis while providing them with tips for living a healthier, more active, and less painful life with the condition.
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5 Tips to Prevent or Manage Arthritis

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1. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Carrying around excess weight not only puts you at an increased risk for systemic health problems like cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but it also exacerbates the painful symptoms of arthritis. Being overweight or obese means that your joints have to carry a heavier load. This puts an excessive amount of stress on your joints, resulting in worse arthritis pain.

2. Exercise Regularly

Although it might sound painful, physical activity is actually one of the best ways to combat arthritis pain. Keeping yourself active throughout the day will help to prevent your joints from stiffening up. Additionally, it’ll help you combat weight gain. Physical activity also releases feel-good endorphins that make you feel happier while actually reducing pain.

3. Keep Your Blood Sugar in Check

Arthritis and diabetes go hand in hand. Having diabetes puts you at a higher risk of developing arthritis and having arthritis puts you at an increased risk of developing diabetes. If you’ve already been diagnosed, keep a close watch on your blood sugar because high blood sugar can actually worsen the stiffening of joints, making arthritis symptoms even more painful.

4. Avoid Injury

A joint with a history of injury is much more likely to develop arthritis than an uninjured one. Wear protective gear when participating in sports and work with a personal trainer when exercising in the gym to ensure you aren’t exhibiting any unhealthy postures or techniques that could result in an injury.

5. Eat an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

You can prevent and manage arthritis by focusing on eating the right nutrition, specifically nutrients that can reduce inflammation in your body and help to lubricate your joints. Fill your diet with foods containing omega-3 fatty acids and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Talk to a Doctor About Your Arthritis Risk and Management Plan

If you’re concerned about arthritis, we welcome you to schedule a pain management consultation with a doctor at Gulf Coast Health Center. We can talk with you about your lifestyle and provide you with a variety of treatments and recommendations designed to help you manage pain and prevent your arthritis from worsening. To learn more, contact any of our locations today.
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