June is Men’s Health Month! This month is dedicated to helping men, including boys and the men’s families, to learn about taking better care of their bodies through healthy eating and living, and then implementing that knowledge. We also want men to know and understand how healthy living and a healthy diet can help them live not only healthier, but longer as well. Healthy Diet While the stereotypical meal of men is steak, hamburgers, and more red meat, it’s important to consider what you’re putting into your body. Don’t forget to round off your meals with fruits and vegetables. Nutrients, rath ..read more

Many people all over the world suffer from one or more chronic medical conditions. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 6 in 10 adults in the United States have a chronic disease. A chronic medical condition is not the same thing as a person getting the flu every year or frequently getting the common cold. It is a long-term illness that requires ongoing treatment and care. We explain what a chronic medical condition is, how it affects patients and their families and, thankfully, how it can be managed. What is a Chronic Medical Condition? Chronic medical conditions are ..read more

You’ve been feeling sick lately, but you’re not sure what it is. You’ve eliminated all possibilities. It’s not the flu, a cold, nor allergies. You’ve even cleaned your entire house from top to bottom, but you still can’t seem to shake this feeling of being sick. Maybe there’s something in your house that’s making you sick without you even realizing it! Check out this list of seven common household items that could be causing your sickness and how to get rid of them for good! Mold: Mold can cause a variety of health problems, from mild allergies to more serious respiratory issues. If you thin ..read more

A typical visit to your doctor’s office will likely begin with a nurse taking your vital signs. You’ll probably see numbers flash up on a screen after the nurse takes your blood pressure, but what do all those numbers mean? And why does the nurse clip that little blue thing onto the end of your finger? Our team at Compass Family Medicine is here to explain what all those numbers mean and why it’s important to track your vital signs. What are Vital Signs? Vital signs are the measure of your body’s most basic functions. They include heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure and body temperature ..read more

Delaying primary care can have serious consequences. By putting off visits to the doctor, you could be allowing small problems to become big ones, and even risking your life. Primary care is important for everyone, so don’t wait any longer – schedule that appointment today! Importance Primary care is important for everyone, regardless of age or health status. By visiting your doctor for regular check-ups, you can catch potential problems early on and prevent them from becoming bigger issues. Primary care also includes screenings for cancer and other diseases, so it’s essential to make sure yo ..read more

Mental health is often viewed as a taboo topic, and many people suffer from a mental illness but do not seek help because of the stigma attached to it. However, it’s important to be aware of the signs of mental health issues so that you can get help if needed. What is Mental Health? Mental health doesn’t just mean the physical health of your mind. Rather, mental health care seeks to address our psychological, social and emotional wellness. Our mental health impacts all aspects of our daily lives, from how we relate to others to how we manage stress and make life choices. Symptoms of Mental Ill ..read more

We wish you a season of everything Merry and Bright! And a joyous new year! The post Happy Holidays From Compass Family Medicine! appeared first on Compass Family Medicine ..read more

An allergic reaction is defined as an overreaction of the immune system to an otherwise harmless substance or allergen. The immune system creates antibodies that identify the allergen as harmful, even though it generally is not. Allergens are typically things such as pollen, dust, mold, foods, pet dander, insect stings and some medications. Whether or not a person is allergic to something entirely depends on their individual makeup. Allergic reactions range from mild to severe and can even be life-threatening. What Kinds Of Symptoms Occur? Many different symptoms can accompany an allergic rea ..read more

With so many choices of places to visit when an illness or injury occurs, it can be hard to know which is the right one for your particular circumstance. You may choose between a primary care provider, an urgent care facility, and a hospital emergency room. How do you know when urgent care is the best fit for your symptoms? Is This an Emergency? A good first step is determining if the injury or illness is an emergency. While this is sometimes obvious, dangerous symptoms like chest pain may masquerade as something benign, like heartburn. This list provided by the National Institutes of Health g ..read more

Should You Go To Urgent Care for a Headache? Headaches are an annoying but incredibly common ailment. They affect almost 22 percent of the world’s population each year – or around 1.6 billion individuals. Most of the time, a headache is nothing to worry about. They can be caused by: a need to eat or drink stress eye strain jaw strain neck strain ear pressure exhaustion getting too much physical exercise (overexertion) allergies the common cold or flu sinus infection When one of these underlying issues is to blame, the best thing you can do is simply get some rest, drink some water, and have ..read more