Concierge Medicine vs. Traditional Healthcare: Understanding the Differences

, , Concierge Medicine

In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, there are various models of care available to patients. Two such models that have gained popularity in recent years are concierge medicine and traditional healthcare. While both aim to provide quality healthcare services to individuals, they differ significantly in their approach, level of personalization, and cost structure. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of concierge medicine and traditional healthcare, highlighting their unique features and helping you understand the differences between the two.

Traditional Healthcare: The Familiar Model

Traditional healthcare, also known as fee-for-service or insurance-based healthcare, is the conventional approach that most people are accustomed to. It involves patients seeking care from primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, and other healthcare providers who accept insurance plans. In this model, patients typically pay for their medical services through insurance coverage or out-of-pocket fees for uninsured services.

Here are some key features of traditional healthcare:

  • Insurance dependency: Traditional healthcare heavily relies on insurance plans, where patients pay premiums to insurance companies, who in turn cover a portion of the medical expenses. The insurance provider negotiates rates with healthcare providers, and patients often have co-pays, deductibles, and limitations on covered services.
  • Limited time with physicians: Due to the demands of a traditional healthcare practice, physicians often have a large number of patients, leading to shorter appointment times. This can result in patients feeling rushed during their visits and limited opportunities to discuss their health concerns thoroughly.
  • Referrals for specialist care: In traditional healthcare, patients often require referrals from their primary care physicians to consult specialists or undergo certain medical procedures. This can cause delays in accessing specialized care and can add additional administrative steps to the process.
  • Insurance-driven limitations: Traditional healthcare models are subject to insurance regulations, which can dictate the coverage and reimbursement rates for specific procedures, medications, and tests. This may sometimes restrict physicians’ treatment options or create administrative burdens.

Concierge Medicine: Personalized Care and Beyond

Concierge medicine, also known as boutique or retainer-based medicine, is a healthcare model that offers enhanced personalized care and direct access to physicians in exchange for an annual or monthly fee. This model aims to provide a higher level of attention, convenience, and comprehensive care to patients.

Here are some key features of concierge medicine:

  • Membership-based care: In concierge medicine, patients pay an annual or monthly membership fee to a primary care physician or a practice. This fee grants them access to a range of personalized services and benefits beyond what traditional healthcare offers.
  • Extended and unhurried appointments: Concierge medicine allows for longer appointment times, ensuring that patients have ample opportunity to discuss their health concerns and receive comprehensive care. This model emphasizes building strong doctor-patient relationships and prioritizes individualized attention.
  • Enhanced access and convenience: Concierge practices often provide same-day or next-day appointments, 24/7 access to physicians via phone or email, and reduced waiting times. This accessibility allows patients to receive timely medical advice and attention, promoting a higher level of convenience and peace of mind.
  • Preventive care and wellness focus: Concierge medicine emphasizes proactive and preventive care, focusing on wellness and disease prevention. Physicians have the freedom to develop personalized health plans, including tailored screenings, lifestyle counseling, and wellness programs.
  • Additional services and amenities: Depending on the concierge practice, patients may have access to additional services such as telemedicine consultations, in-depth health assessments, coordination of specialist care, personalized health coaching, and more.

Understanding the Differences

The primary differences between concierge medicine and traditional healthcare can be summarized as follows:

  • Payment structure: Traditional healthcare relies on insurance payments and out-of-pocket fees, while concierge medicine operates on a membership or retainer fee structure.
  • Level of access and time with physicians: Concierge medicine offers extended appointment times, enhanced access to physicians, and a greater emphasis on building strong doctor-patient relationships, whereas traditional healthcare often involves shorter appointment times and limited access to physicians.
  • Personalization and comprehensive care: Concierge medicine focuses on personalized care plans, preventive medicine, and comprehensive wellness services beyond what is typically offered in traditional healthcare settings.
  • Additional services and amenities: Concierge medicine practices often provide additional services and amenities, such as 24/7 physician access, telemedicine consultations, and coordination of specialist care, to enhance the patient experience.

It’s important to note that while concierge medicine offers numerous advantages, it may not be accessible or affordable for everyone due to its higher cost structure. Traditional healthcare, on the other hand, remains the more common and widely available model for most individuals.

In conclusion, concierge medicine and traditional healthcare represent two distinct approaches to delivering medical care. Our concierge doctors in Jupiter emphasize personalization, extended time with patients, and comprehensive services, while traditional healthcare operates within the framework of insurance-based models. Understanding the differences between these two models can help patients make informed decisions about their healthcare needs and preferences.

Improve Your Nutrition with these Simple Steps 

Concierge Medicine, Environment, Health Basics, Healthy Living, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Preventative Health

Nutrition plays a crucial role in providing the necessary nutrients for our bodies to function properly. These essential nutrients include carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Carbohydrates provide energy, proteins are vital for tissue growth and repair, fats contribute to insulation and organ protection, while vitamins and minerals are required for various bodily functions, such as building strong bones, maintaining a healthy immune system, and supporting heart and brain health.

A balanced and healthy diet, consisting of a variety of foods from different food groups, ensures that our bodies receive all the necessary nutrients. Proper nutrition not only helps to maintain healthy body weight but also reduces the risk of chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. On the other hand, a poor diet lacking essential nutrients can lead to malnutrition and various health problems. Therefore, good nutrition is essential for overall health and well-being.

There are several ways to improve your nutrition, including:

  • Encouraging a balanced diet: Consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. A balanced diet provides the necessary nutrients for the body to function properly.
  • Ensuring adequate hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and other fluids. This helps prevent dehydration, which can lead to health problems.
  • Providing smaller, more frequent meals: Instead of large meals, consider offering smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day, especially for adults. This ensures they receive the necessary nutrients without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Offering nutrient-dense snacks: Opt for nutrient-dense snacks such as fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. These snacks boost energy levels and provide essential nutrients.

In conclusion, in addition to prioritizing good nutrition, it is beneficial to seek guidance and support from primary care concierge doctors in Jupiter. These healthcare professionals specialize in personalized care and can offer valuable insights and recommendations tailored to individual needs. Collaborating with primary care doctors can further enhance one’s journey toward optimal nutrition and overall health. By combining their expertise with the principles of a balanced diet, hydration, and nutrient-dense snacks, individuals can receive comprehensive care that addresses their unique requirements and fosters long-term well-being. Together, the commitment to sound nutrition and the assistance of primary care concierge doctors empower patients to lead fulfilling and healthy lives.

Why is Elderly Nutrition So Important?

, , , , , , , , Healthy Living, Lifestyle, Nutrition, Preventative Health

If our primary care concierge doctors in Jupiter could choose the most important thing for elderly care, it would be nutrition. Elderly nutrition is crucial because as we age, our bodies undergo changes that make it more challenging to obtain the nutrients we need to stay healthy.  

Older Age Means More Changes

As we age, our metabolism slows down, our digestive system becomes less efficient, and our senses of taste and smell may diminish, which leads to a reduced appetite and a decreased interest in eating.

Additionally, older adults are more likely to have chronic health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and osteoporosis, which can all be affected by diet. Proper nutrition can help manage these conditions, prevent complications, and improve overall quality of life.

Get the Good Stuff

Good nutrition is essential for maintaining muscle mass and bone density, which can help prevent falls and fractures. A balanced diet that includes adequate protein, calcium, and vitamin D is crucial for older adults to maintain strong bones and muscles.

Elderly nutrition is essential for several reasons:

  1. Health: Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining good health, especially as we age. A balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from all food groups helps to provide the necessary nutrients for good health, such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
  2. Chronic Diseases: Good nutrition can help prevent or manage chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis, which are more common in older adults.
  3. Immune System: Adequate nutrition is crucial for maintaining a healthy immune system, which can help protect against infectious diseases and illnesses.
  4. Mental health: Good nutrition impacts mental health, such as reducing the risk of depression and cognitive decline.
  5. Quality of Life: Proper nutrition can improve the quality of life for older adults by increasing energy levels, maintaining a healthy weight, and improving overall physical and mental well-being.

Overall, elderly nutrition is essential for maintaining good health, preventing chronic diseases, and improving the quality of life in older adults. 

Learn About this Devastating Mental Disease and How to Stay Ahead

, , , , Concierge Medicine, Health Basics, Healthy Living, Preventative Health

Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain, causing progressive cognitive decline, memory loss, and behavioral changes. It is the most common cause of dementia and is characterized by the accumulation of abnormal proteins in the brain.


June is recognized as Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about this devastating disease and to support those who are affected by it. Our concierge primary care doctors in Jupiter want to discuss some important facts about Alzheimer’s disease, as well as tips for maintaining brain health and reducing your risk of developing the disease.

Facts about Alzheimer’s disease:

  • Alzheimer’s disease affects more than 6 million people in the United States, and that number is expected to triple by 2060.
  • There is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, but early detection and intervention can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
  • Alzheimer’s disease is more common in older adults, but it can also affect younger people.
  • Genetics, lifestyle factors, and environmental factors may all play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
  • There are several different types of dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease is just one of them.

Tips for maintaining brain health:

  • Stay physically active: Regular exercise can help improve blood flow to the brain and promote the growth of new brain cells.
  • Eat a healthy diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help support brain health.
  • Stay mentally active: Engage in activities that challenge your brain, such as puzzles, reading, or learning a new skill.
  • Stay socially connected: Social interaction can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.
  • Manage chronic health conditions: Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity can increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, so it’s important to manage these conditions through lifestyle changes and/or medication.

In conclusion, Alzheimer’s disease is a complex and devastating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. By raising awareness and taking steps to maintain brain health, we can work to reduce the impact of this disease and improve the quality of life for those affected by it.

Are Veggie Burgers Really Healthier?

, , Nutrition

Our primary care doctors in Jupiter are always asked whether veggie burgers are healthier than traditional meat-based burgers. The answer is, that it truly depends on various factors, such as the specific ingredients used to make the veggie burger and the way it is prepared.

The Facts

Generally speaking, veggie burgers are typically lower in saturated fat and calories than beef burgers, which can be beneficial for heart health and weight management. Many veggie burgers are also a good source of dietary fiber and plant-based protein, which can help support digestive health and muscle growth.

Don’t Let the Freezer Fool You

However, it’s worth noting that not all veggie burgers are created equal. Some store-bought veggie burgers can be high in sodium, added sugars, and artificial ingredients, which can detract from their overall health benefits. Additionally, veggie burgers made from highly processed ingredients may not be as nutrient-dense as whole food-based options.

Ultimately, whether a veggie burger is healthier than a meat-based burger will depend on the specific ingredients used and how it is prepared. As with any food, it’s important to consider the overall nutritional profile and quality of ingredients when making choices about what to eat.

More Variety

Whether you’re a vegetarian, a vegan, or just someone who enjoys a good plant-based meal, veggie burgers are a great option that are both tasty and nutritious.

One of the great things about veggie burgers is their versatility. There are so many different kinds of veggie burgers available today, ranging from classic black bean burgers to more adventurous options like quinoa and mushroom burgers. They can be made with a wide variety of ingredients, including beans, lentils, mushrooms, tofu, and even vegetables like sweet potatoes and zucchini.

Veggie burgers are not only delicious, but they’re also a healthier option than traditional meat burgers. They’re lower in saturated fat and calories, and they’re packed with fiber and other essential nutrients. Plus, they’re better for the environment, as producing meat has a much larger carbon footprint than producing plant-based foods.

No matter which means option you choose, just remember that veggie burgers are a delicious and healthy option that’s worth exploring!

Water Flavor Social Media Trend: Healthy?

Health Basics, Healthy Living, Lifestyle, Nutrition

Now that summer is officially here, our primary care concierge doctors in Jupiter want to bring to your attention the new “water trend” trending all over social media. 

In recent years, a new trend has emerged on social media: adding flavorings to water in order to make it more appealing and encourage people to drink more of it. This trend has been popularized by influencers and fitness enthusiasts who promote the idea that adding flavors to water can help individuals to stay hydrated and improve their overall health. However, the question remains: is this trend healthy?

It is Not That Easy

The answer is not straightforward. On the one hand, adding natural flavorings to water can make it more palatable, which may encourage individuals to drink more water throughout the day. Drinking enough water is crucial for maintaining optimal health, as it helps to regulate body temperature, prevent dehydration, and support proper digestion and elimination.

On the other hand, many commercial flavorings that are marketed for adding to water contain added sugars and artificial sweeteners. These ingredients can contribute to the overconsumption of calories, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems such as diabetes and heart disease. Additionally, artificial sweeteners have been linked to a range of health concerns, including disruption of gut microbiota, increased risk of metabolic disorders, and even cancer.

Moreover, some natural flavorings, such as fruit juices and honey, can also contain high amounts of sugar. While these may be healthier than artificial sweeteners, they should still be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Healthy Flavorful Alternatives

Ultimately, the key to making water more appealing and encouraging adequate hydration is to find a flavoring that is healthy and fits your individual dietary needs. Some healthy options for flavoring water include adding slices of fresh fruit, such as lemon, lime, or cucumber, or infusing water with herbs like mint or basil. These natural flavorings can provide a burst of flavor without adding unnecessary calories or artificial sweeteners.

In conclusion, while adding flavorings to water can be a useful tool for staying hydrated, it is important to choose healthy options that do not contain added sugars or artificial sweeteners. By making this choice, you can reap the benefits of proper hydration without compromising your overall health and well-being.

Free-Range, Cage-Free, Organic: What Do Meat and Egg Labels Mean?

Concierge Medicine, Healthy Living, Lifestyle, Nutrition

Our primary care concierge doctors in Jupiter know that these days our patients are interested in not just their own health, but also the health of the planet and the welfare of animals. So you try to shop in ways that consciously take all these factors into consideration.

But how do you know what the many bewildering grocery store labels mean? Let us help sort out some of the confusion.

Win-win Practices

According to Treehugger.com, so-called humane farming practices are no more sustainable than those of factory-farmed meats, because the animals raised for food require just as much food and water as those in concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). 

On the other hand, as the Cleveland Clinic points out, many of these CAFOs use more chemicals and fertilizers that pollute both the land and water sources, so they’re not as earth-friendly as traditional farming practices.

We’ve often extolled the health advantages of plant-based diets, however, so for now we’ll just say that the fewer meats and meat products you consume, the better for the planet (and your health).

The good thing about taking animal welfare into your buying decisions, however, is that you benefit, as well.

“The alternative to factory-farm meat—grass-fed meat—is not just better for the environment and better for the animals, but better for you, too,” says the Cleveland Clinic’s Functional Medicine Director Mark Hyman.

Grass-fed meat is so nutritionally superior to factor-farmed meat, he adds, that is practically a different food.

Animals raised without antibiotics are another health plus for humans because their rampant use can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, making it harder to treat our own infections.

Sorting Out Labels

Unfortunately, knowing their customers are interested in more humanely raised foods, many manufacturers select labels that may tend to mislead buyers.

For example, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) does not regulate the term “pasture-raised.” “Humane” is also not an official term, so it can mean anything.

Consumer Reports (CR) says that the claim “no growth hormones” doesn’t mean the animal was not given antibiotics, or that hogs were not given a non-hormonal growth enhancer called ractopamine. On the other hand, beef labels that say “no hormones” are useful, because cattle can be raised with hormones; however, the USDA does not allow hormones to be used in poultry or pork.

In addition, labels that say “no growth-promoting antibiotics” can also be misleading, because they can still be given to “ensure animal health” or to prevent or control disease, CR says.

Likewise, “natural” simply means that meat has been minimally processed and doesn’t contain any artificial ingredients such as chemical preservatives, spices or sauces, or artificial coloring. As Insider reports, a “natural” egg is simply a real egg that came from a real hen.

Similarly, “farm fresh” means nothing: All meat and eggs come from farms, whether in bucolic outdoor settings or cramped cages on CAFOs. And “Omega-3” doesn’t tell you whether the eggs contain enough of this essential fatty acid.

What They Mean

The labels manufacturers use can be baffling, so here’s a quick guide to the most common meat and egg labels.

Meats

  • Grass-fed: This term gets a little tricky. The USDA’s definition means the meat must come from animals that have never been given grain and have access to pasture during the grazing season. According to CR, however, the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) does not inspect these farms, and they can still be raised with antibiotics or hormones.
  • In addition, grass-fed cattle still may not have continuous access to pasture and may spend at least a part of their lives confined to a feedlot.
  • Organic: This is a more reliable term because the USDA organic seal indicates that the animal was given only organic feed, and was not given antibiotics or growth hormones. Even sick animals that were treated with antibiotics can no longer legally be labeled “organic.”
  • Pasture-raised: Again, this term can be misleading, because many meat producers will use it if their cows were only periodically allowed brief access to the outdoors.

Eggs

  • Cage-free: This means hens are not kept in cages, but that doesn’t mean they’re allowed outdoor access. In fact, they can still be raised in crowded (read: “overcrowded”) conditions indoors.
  • Free-range: This means the animals have at least some access to the outdoors, and aren’t caged, but they still may be raised primarily in crowded conditions.
  • Organic: These eggs come from hens that haven’t been fed grains grown with GMOs or synthetic pesticides. In addition, they aren’t raised in cages and must be given outdoor access. Again, though, “outdoor access” can still mean being confined in cramped conditions on tiny concrete porches.
  • Pasture-raised: Although there’s no standard definition for this term if the egg label contains either the Certified Humane or American Humane Certified pasture-raised labels, it means the hens must have access to a pasture with room for natural behaviors, such as pecking for bugs and seeds.

How to be Sure

As Vox reports, “For the grocery shopper buying animal products, the independent rating programs created by advocacy programs are the most important labels to look out for, since they actually have auditing systems built in to hold producers accountable.”

These certification labels include “GAP-Certified,” “Certified Humane,” and “Animal Welfare Approved.”

Finally, remember that what’s best for animal welfare is usually best for our health, as well.

Surprising Facts About Skin Cancer

, Concierge Medicine, Health Basics, Healthy Living, Preventative Health

You may think you already know everything about skin cancer. But because May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, our concierge primary care doctors in Jupiter want to share some facts about this often-deadly disease that you may not be aware of.

Brief Skin Cancer Recap

Let’s start with some facts about skin cancer you may already know:

  • Basal cell carcinoma is the most common form of skin cancer, followed by squamous cell carcinoma. Both can easily be cured if caught in time, but they can be disfiguring and expensive to treat.
  • Malignant melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer. It represents only about three percent of all skin cancers diagnosed but is responsible for the most deaths. That’s because of its tendency to spread to other parts of the body, including vital organs. But when diagnosed early, its five-year survival rate is 99 percent.
  • The most preventable cause of skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, either from the sun or from artificial sources like tanning beds.
  • About 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers and 85 percent of melanoma cases are associated with exposure to UV radiation.
  • One bad sunburn in childhood doubles the risk for melanoma later in life. Having five or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma. A single indoor tanning session increases your risk of melanoma by 20 percent.
  • Even if it’s cool and cloudy, you still need protection, because ultraviolet (UV) light can penetrate clouds.

Odd Skin Cancer Facts

There are other facts about skin cancer that you might never have heard before.

1. For example, did you know that more men than women die of melanoma? The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says that one reason may be that men know less than women about skin cancer and that they use sunscreen less than women do.

Men’s skin is also more prone to penetration by UV rays than women’s because they have thicker skin with less fat beneath. A man’s skin also contains more collagen and elastin, making men’s skin more likely to be damaged by UV light.

2. On the other hand, one study found a greater association between white wine consumption and a higher risk of melanoma in women. Those who drink a glass of white wine each day showed a 13 percent increased risk of invasive melanoma (meaning it’s gone deeper than the top layer of skin), while those who drank the most white wine had an increased risk of 50 percent or higher than those who don’t drink any alcohol.

3. UV rays can penetrate glass in windows, both at home and in the car. This helps explain why left-sided facial cancers, especially in men, are more common. It’s all about the position we drive in, with the left side of the body exposed to more UV light. Windshields are treated to block UV rays, but side, back and sunroof windows aren’t. Also, be aware that UV rays can not only penetrate glass, but also can “bounce” under beach umbrellas and reflect off of concrete surfaces.

4. It’s extremely rare for a mole to transform into a melanoma, according to Dr. Ashfaq Marghoob, a dermatologist with the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. While melanoma can develop in a preexisting mole, nearly 70 percent do not. At the same time, the presence of many moles can identify those who are at an increased risk for developing melanoma somewhere else on their skin.

That’s why it’s important to apply sunscreen to all parts of the body.

“Some people use sunblock only where they have moles because they think the moles themselves are dangerous,” he says.

5. Caffeine may protect against skin cancer. One study found that women who drank more than three cups of coffee daily were 21 percent less likely to develop basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common type of skin cancer. Men were 10 percent less likely to develop BCC.

6. Melanomas are not necessarily brown. Some have no color or are pink or appear as simple bumps on the skin. That’s why it’s important not to try to diagnose skin cancer on your own.

“Be aware of isolated or pink spots, especially if the spot looks different than any other marks on the skin,” Marghoob says. “Pay attention to any spot or mark that has an uneven texture, shape, border, or distribution of colors,” he added. “In addition, any spot that has changed in some way should prompt a visit to your doctor.”

Avoiding Skin Cancer

To avoid getting skin cancer, the most common cancer in the U.S. and around the world, the AAD recommends these steps.

  • Seek shade. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If your shadow appears to be shorter than you are, stay in the shade as much as possible.
  • Wear sun-protective clothing, such as a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection. For more effective protection, choose clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number on the label.
  • Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing. Broad-spectrum sunscreen provides protection from both UVA and UVB rays.

If you have any questions about how to protect yourself from the sun or notice new or suspicious spots on your skin or any spots that are changing, itching, or bleeding, let us know.

Staying Safe In Flooding Events

, , , , Environment, Health Basics, Natural Disaster

In light of last month’s flood disaster in Fort Lauderdale, and the fact that such events are happening more often, our primary care concierge doctors in Jupiter want to review what you should know to stay safe in similar situations.

Not only are extreme flooding events more likely these days, but here on the east coast of Florida we also regularly deal with the threat of hurricanes. And with hurricane season arriving in just a few weeks, it pays to be prepared.

More to Come

In the aftermath of the Fort Lauderdale flooding, Kevin Guthrie, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, said, “This is the second most-catastrophic flooding event that I’ve seen in my tenure as emergency manager . . . over the last 33 years,” with Hurricane Ian being the worst.

Unfortunately, with the changing climate, such events are becoming more common, both in Florida and across the country. Warmer air holds more water vapor than cooler air, thus intensifying rainfall amounts.

The National Weather Service (NWS) reports that flooding kills more people than almost any other weather-related hazard. That’s why it’s important to know what to do in storm emergencies.

Before the Storm

  • Be sure you have a 30-day supply of your medications—both prescription and non-prescription—on hand before the storm hits. See us if you need refills of any drugs you may be taking.
  • If your medications need to be refrigerated, talk to us about how to keep them properly stored if your power goes out.
  • If you are on dialysis, talk to the doctors or staff at the dialysis center about where to go after the storm.
  • If you use medical devices such as ventilators or oxygen concentrators, be sure the batteries are fully charged, and know where to go if the battery doesn’t work.
  • If you are on a special diet, be sure to have enough food available to last at least a week. And have enough bottled water available for everyone in the household to prevent dehydration. The rule of thumb is one gallon per person per day.
  • If you have service animals or pets, ensure they have enough water, food, and any medications to last at least 10 days after the storm.
  • Be sure to have plenty of hand sanitizers and hand wipes available.
  • Make sure to take all your medical paperwork with you if you evacuate: a list of current medications, a list of drug allergies, insurance cards, and contact numbers for your physicians.
  • If you haven’t had a tetanus vaccine in the past 10 years, see us now to be inoculated. During after-storm cleanup, tetanus bacteria can infect you from even a minor cut or scratch.

Driving Safely

Flash floods are caused by slow-moving thunderstorms, or storms that move over the same area one right after the other, known as “training,” because they follow each other like train cars. The NWS says that most deaths associated with floods occur at night or when people become trapped in cars that stall while driving in flooded areas. 

In April’s flooding, CNN reported that a month’s worth of rain fell on Fort Lauderdale in just one hour. Many of the city’s streets turned into lakes as two feet of rain left over 1,000 people calling for help.

If you encounter flooding, remember: Turn around, don’t drown. It takes just a foot of water to float a car; two feet will float most vehicles, including pick-up trucks.

One final tip from the man who helped create the “turn around, don’t drown” slogan: Hector Guerrero, formerly with the NWS, tells NPR that floodwaters can make it challenging to open car doors or windows. That’s why he keeps a safety hammer in his car in case he gets stuck in rising waters.

“You hit the corner of that windshield,” he says. “You can break it out if it has to come to that.”

Then head to higher ground: a nearby hill, a building, or even a tree.

After the Storm

Many deaths and injuries occur after a disaster. So here’s what you need to know to stay safe.

  • Avoid floodwaters if at all possible. They are filled with such contaminants as oil and gas, infectious diseases, household chemicals, and sewage, not to mention displaced animals. Water may also cover potholes and sinkholes.
  • If you’re using a generator to maintain power, be sure it’s far enough away from the house to prevent carbon monoxide from seeping into the home.
  • Do not eat any food or water that may have come into contact with floodwater. If in doubt, throw it out.
  • If lifesaving drugs have been exposed to floodwaters, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says that if the container is contaminated but the contents appear unaffected (i.e., the pills are dry), they may be used until replacements are available. Other types of drugs or drug products such as inhalers, oral liquids, drugs for injections, and so forth, should be discarded if they have come in contact with contaminated water.
  • Insulin loses its potency according to the temperature it is exposed to and the length of the exposure. Under emergency conditions, you might still need to use insulin that has been stored above 86 degrees Fahrenheit. When a fresh supply becomes available, discard any questionable insulin remaining.
  • Take care during cleanup. Be aware of downed power lines, the hazards of power tools like chainsaws, and the dangers of overexertion and heat.

Surviving Spring Allergies Without Gaining Weight

, , , , , Health Basics, Healthy Living, Medications

With the fresh air of the ocean and year-round warmth, you might be surprised to find that Florida is one of the top hot spots in the country for spring allergies. You might also be surprised to learn that some of the over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications you automatically reach for to stop the resulting sneezing and sniffling can cause you to gain weight.

So our concierge primary care doctors in Jupiter want to tell you the differences between the various types of antihistamines and suggest other ways of battling spring allergies.

‘Pollen Storm’

As NBC News reported last month, a growing number of adults in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who’ve never had allergies before are experiencing them now.

“What I see is people coming in for the first time, especially over the last five, seven years or so,” Dr. Clifford Bassett, an allergist at NYU Langone Health in New York City, told NBC.

“They will always say, ‘I don’t understand how this is happening to me,’ ” he added.

The culprit appears to be climate change, the network reported. As CO2 levels rise, plants and trees produce more pollen, coupled with earlier spring blooms from trees. This is driving a longer season, with more severe reactions from sufferers.

“The pollen season right now is about three weeks longer than it was 30 years ago, and there’s about 20 percent more pollen in the air,” Dr. Neelu Tummala, an ear, nose, and throat specialist and co-director of the Climate Health Institute at George Washington University, told the network.

Dr. Stanley Fineman, an allergist at Atlanta Allergy and Asthma and a spokesperson for the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, calls the phenomenon a “pollen storm.”

“The pollen counts, particularly this season, have been much, much higher than we’ve seen in the past,” he told NBC.

COVID, Cold, or Allergies?

And since the dawn of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, now people are wondering whether their stuffy or runny nose, loss of taste or smell, and itchy, watery eyes are symptoms of COVID-19.

For instance, the loss of the senses of taste and smell can also happen with allergies and colds when the nasal passages become blocked.

In the past, doctors would say that if you’ve never had allergies before, your symptoms are likely something else, such as a cold or other type of virus. But because more people are now experiencing allergies, that’s not necessarily a reliable indicator.

Experts generally agree, however, that fever, chills, and body aches typically indicate viruses, while the telltale symptom of allergies is itching.

“The biggest symptom I would suggest is the itchiness of the eyes, nose, and throat,” Bassett said. “You don’t get itchiness if you have a cold or if you’re having a sinus infection.”

Nevertheless, it’s best to get tested if you’re experiencing new symptoms.

“We’ve definitely had patients come to our clinic who thought they were having allergies, but they had COVID instead,” Dr. Michelle Pham, an allergist, and immunologist at USCF Health in San Francisco, told NBC.

The Risk of Weight Gain

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, there are several ways to treat allergies.  One of these is oral antihistamines.

But a 2010 Yale University Study that found those who regularly took antihistamines weighed more than those who didn’t gave some allergy sufferers pause. The researchers cautioned that it wasn’t clear whether those who were already overweight were more prone to allergies, and thus more likely to take antihistamines.

According to the non-profit Obesity Medicine Association, however, “Histamine decreases our hunger by in part affecting the appetite control center in our brains, and it makes sense [that] an anti-histamine would have the opposite effect. These drugs can interfere with the ‘I’m full’ signal coming from the rest of our bodies and lead to overeating.”

In fact, some antihistamines—particularly cyproheptadine—are prescribed for children and pets to increase appetite.

But not all antihistamines have this effect. The Cleveland Clinic explains that so-called first-generation antihistamines were approved in the 1930s, but had more serious side effects, including drowsiness, dry mouth, and rapid heart rate. The second-generation antihistamines, approved in the 1980s, carry far fewer side effects. They also don’t relieve nasal congestion the way many first-generation antihistamines do.

What To Do Instead

If you want to try to do without antihistamines, first, avoid exposing yourself as much as possible to pollen.

  • Avoid outdoor activity in the early morning when pollen counts are highest.
  • Keep windows closed, in the home and car.
  • Wear a mask, hat, and sunglasses if you need to be outdoors.
  • Use a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter.

Next, rinse frequently with a saline nasal spray or a neti pot to clean out pollen in your sinuses.

Finally, try switching to second-generation antihistamines. These include:

  • azelastine (Astelin)
  • loratadine (Claritin, Alavert)
  • cetirizine (Zyrtec)
  • desloratadine (Clarinex)
  • fexofenadine (Allegra)

If OTC medications aren’t working, be sure to let us know. There are prescription approaches that may help.

Keep in mind that, even if your allergies have been manageable in the past, with the stepped-up pollen levels accompanying global warming, you may need more intensive therapy.

“Before, you could get away with just using an intranasal steroid,” Tummala told NBC, “and now you have to do a neti pot rinse and then the steroid,” she said.

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