PORT ST. LUCIE St Lucie News
Tribune (TC Palm), December 17, 2012
URGENT CARE MATTERS: Male menopause -- myth or monster?
If you find yourself totally depleted and sprawled on the sofa at the end of the day, feeling more like Oscar the Grouch than Superman, if you've noticed you've not only developed a bulging middle but "man boobs" as well, and if your sex drive, well, isn't what it used to be, you may have low testosterone, or “ Low T,” as it's commonly called.
The connection between the testes and vigor has been known since the first written medical texts. In the 1800s, physicians described beneficial responses to testicular extracts, and even attempted testicular transplants. In 1940 and 1944, American doctors published reports of testosterone use for the “male climacteric.” Today, after much research, so much more is known about low testosterone, its side effects and the ability to treat this condition.
Testosterone is a steroid hormone found in both men and women, but men produce 10 times more of it than women. The normal total testosterone range for men varies from 300-1,200 ng/dl. A simple specific blood test can determine your score. Studies have shown that after the age of 30, testosterone levels may decline an average of 2 percent a year, this decline a result of several concurrent changes.
According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 13 million men suffer from low testosterone. It often goes undiagnosed because its symptoms mirror other medical conditions. Medications and other conditions, such as chemotherapy, radiation treatment, obesity, Type 2 Diabetes and chronic liver or kidney disease are among the conditions that also may affect testosterone level. Then, too, it's normal for levels to drop as one ages.
Testosterone is an anabolic (or building) hormone and a decline in testosterone levels is associated with the following identifiable signs or symptoms.
-
A decline in muscle mass and strength
-
Increase in body fat mass, particularly abdominal fat
-
Decrease in bone mass
-
Decline in sex drive
-
Decreased sense of overall well-being, perception of energy levels and vigor
-
Decline in stamina and exertional performance
-
Decline in cognitive skills, concentration and memory
-
An increased risk of coronary artery disease and cholesterol derangement
If you think you may be suffering from” Low T,” contact your doctor who should take a complete medical history; perform a physical exam; have you fill out a questionnaire, such as the ADAM (Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male) or the SHIM (Sexual Health Inventory for Men); and order a blood test, if warranted. Should your exam and blood test confirm a low testosterone level with the associated symptoms described, hormone replacement therapy is recommended.
Men have several choices regarding testosterone delivery systems.
-
Pellets placed under the skin, releasing testosterone over the course of three to four months
-
Injections given every1-2 weeks
-
Patches placed daily on the body
-
Gels applied daily to the shoulders, upper arms or abdomen
Each method has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, injections may increase red blood cell count, which needs monitoring, while patches may cause skin irritation and have to be discontinued (in some cases 50 percent of the time)
No matter the method that's chosen, testosterone replacement therapy and monitoring of levels is ongoing.
It must be noted that men who have prostate or breast cancer should not take testosterone replacement therapy since testosterone may stimulate the growth of their cancer.
Within eight weeks of starting treatment, you should notice a significant difference. Additionally, testosterone treatment can help protect against osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Just remember that a healthy lifestyle is just as important for managing testosterone levels. This includes maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, not smoking and limiting alcohol intake. While testosterone replacement therapy may relieve many symptoms of low testosterone and give back some of your vim and vigor, don't expect it to be the fountain of youth.
Physicians Immediate Care provides a cost effective alternative to emergency rooms and doctor's offices. Well known for its patient satisfaction and outstanding team of health care providers, Physicians Immediate Care has four convenient locations, three in Port St. Lucie and one in Fort Pierce. Open seven days a week to serve St. Lucie and northern Martin counties, Physicians Immediate Care also offers employers professional services for workers compensation, routine exams, and drug and alcohol testing.
URGENT CARE MATTERS: Male menopause -- myth or monster?
PORT ST. LUCIE St Lucie News
Tribune (TC Palm), December 13, 2013
Mary Anne McGinn, M.D. joins Physicians Immediate Care
Physicians Immediate Care, the premier provider of ambulatory and urgent health care on the Treasure Coast, is pleased to announce that
Mary Anne McGinn, M.D. has joined its medical team. Dr. McGinn, who is Board Certified by the American Board of Emergency Medicine, has 25 years of experience in emergency medicine, in addition to a background in occupational medicine.
"Dr. McGinn's exceptional qualifications and caring manner make her a welcome addition to our staff," says Kenneth J. Palestrant, M.D., CEO and medical director of Physicians Immediate Care.
"Dr. McGinn's exceptional qualifications and caring manner make her a welcome addition to our staff," says Kenneth J. Palestrant, M.D., CEO and medical director of Physicians Immediate Care.
She will be servicing patients in the East Clinic located at 1900 S.E. Port St. Lucie Blvd. in the Morningside Professional Plaza.
Physicians Immediate Care provides a cost effective alternative to emergency rooms and doctor's offices. Well known for its patient satisfaction and outstanding team of health care providers, Physicians Immediate Care has four convenient locations, three in Port St. Lucie and one in Fort Pierce. They are open seven days a week to serve St. Lucie and northern Martin counties. Physicians Immediate Care also offers employers professional services for workers compensation, routine exams, and drug and alcohol testing.
Mary Anne McGinn, M.D. joins Physicians Immediate Care
St Lucie News
Tribune (TC Palm), September 05, 2012
Uninsured?
Physicians Immediate Care Offers Medical Membership Plan
PORT ST. LUCIE, Florida – Physicians Immediate Care, the premier provider of ambulatory and urgent health care on the Treasure Coast, now offers a Medical Membership Plan specifically designed for uninsured individuals and families without medical insurance and small businesses who cannot afford to offer it to their employees. "We understand the financial challenges for many people and businesses on the Treasure Coast," says Kenneth Palestrant, M.D., CEO and Medical Director of Physicians Immediate Care. "We have developed an affordable Medical Membership Plan that allows people to utilize the services that we provide in our four clinics, including the broad scope of common medical maladies, such as injuries, acute illnesses, and minor emergencies that we see daily in our centers," he adds. Physicians Immediate Care Medical Membership Plan covers physician visits, x-rays, intravenous therapy for dehydration, various "on-site" lab tests (urinalysis, strep, flu tests), and splinting/bracing for sprains, strains and fracture care. Various physicals, including school, sports, work, and general yearly physicals are part of the plan.
Uninsured?
Physicians Immediate Care Offers Medical Membership Plan New Release
St Lucie News
Tribune (TC Palm), July 11, 2012
Is your child getting a proper sports physical?
Every year millions of students participate in interscholastic athletics, and getting a sports physical is a mandated rite of passage. Rather than viewing the physical as an inconvenience, ultimately it may save your child's life.
Updated statistics show that sudden cardiac death among school-age athletes is more prevalent than once thought
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics, as many as 2,000 people under the age of 25 die of sudden cardiac arrest every year.
While it can strike those who are sedentary, the risk is up to three times greater in competitive athletes. Whether stemming from a thickening of the heart muscle known as hypertropic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, a structural defect in the heart or a problem with its electrical circuitry, identifying those who are at risk is challenging.
An electrocardiogram, or EKG, can detect potential causes of heart trouble by looking for abnormal electrical signaling in the heart.
Kenneth Palestrant, MD, CEO and medical director of Physicians Immediate Care, the premier provider of ambulatory and urgent health care on the Treasure Coast, explains that those who are at risk are hard to identify.
"Young athletes tend to dismiss warning signs, such as dizziness and shortness of breath," said Dr. Palestrant. "They chalk it up to just overworking themselves."
He points out that although current screening guidelines differ from organization to organization, there is a consensus of opinion that adding a screening EKG to a physical examination and good medical history significantly improves the sensitivity of screening programs designed to detect cardiac abnormalities.
If an abnormality is detected on the EKG or on the physical exam, the next step is usually an echocardiogram.
"We have been including EKG's in the performance of school physicals from the beginning because we want to maintain a high standard of patient care," said Palestrant.
Parents naturally want to protect their children. Along with a review of a child's health history and a physical exam they should question whether the medical professional performing the sports physical will include an EKG. Parents should go to a well qualified MD or a DO physician, who does a thorough history and physical exam in their office or clinic, not “lined up in the school gym,” as we have seen.
Physicians Immediate Care provides a
cost-effective alternative to emergency rooms
and doctor's offices with three locations in
Port St. Lucie and one in Fort Pierce. Open
seven days a week to serve St. Lucie and
northern Martin counties, Physicians Immediate
Care also offers employers professional services
for workers compensation, routine exams, and
drug testing. For more information, call 772
398-1588 or 772 343-1774.
Is your child getting a proper sports physical?
press release
St Lucie News
Tribune (TC Palm), July 05, 2012
Dog
Days Of Summer Turn Attention to Heat-related Illness
PORT ST. LUCIE — According to the National Weather Service, heat is the major threat for weather-related illnesses and deaths. Excessive heat causes more fatalities than lightning, flood, hurricanes and tornadoes combined.
"Whether you work outside, spend time maintaining your lawn and garden, participate in outdoor sports, or even spend a day at the beach, high heat combined with humidity can cause body temperatures to rise to dangerous levels," said Kenneth Palestrant, M.D., CEO and Medical Director of Physicians Immediate Care.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heat-related illnesses include heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and the life-threatening heatstroke. "It's important that people become familiar with the symptoms of heat illness, especially, heatstroke" says Dr. Palestrant.
This includes a body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, weakness, tiredness, muscle cramps, confusion and even unconsciousness. These are all symptoms of the most deadly heat related illness, heatstroke! "High body temperatures may cause brain damage or permanent damage to other vital organs," says Dr. Palestrant. Knowing what to do can make a life or death difference.
Dr. Palestrant makes the following recommendations when outdoors in extreme heat.
-
Become familiar with the symptoms of heat illness, especially heatstroke. Heatstroke is not actually a stroke, but can mimic the signs of one. It is characterized by very hot, dry skin, and an elevated core body temperature. The person is not sweating and at times may exhibit confusion or unconsciousness.
-
Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. Wear a wide-brimmed hat outdoors to provide shade.
-
Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids. Apply sunscreen, SPF 50 or above (one that blocks both UVA and UVB rays), 30 minutes prior to going out and continue to reapply according to the package directions.
-
Drink water or electrolyte replacement drinks, such as Gatorade, even if you aren't thirsty. By the time you become thirsty, you are already dehydrated.
-
Pace yourself. Seek shade and regularly take breaks.
-
If you experience heat cramps, don't return to strenuous activity for a few hours after the cramps subside. Further exertion may lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
"If you see someone appear to be getting sick from heat, get the person to a shady area and use whatever methods you can to cool him or her," Dr. Palestrant said. "This includes immersing in cool water or in a cool shower, sponging with cool water, or even spraying the victim with a garden hose."
If they do not get better immediately, it is important that you seek medical attention at one of our clinics or the emergency department. These people may need intravenous re-hydration. If someone exhibits the signs and symptoms of heat stroke, call the local emergency medical services (911) to have them transported to the hospital. These people are very ill and may need to be hospitalized, he emphasizes.
For more
information, call 772 398-1588 or 772 343-1774.
Dog
Days Of Summer Turn Attention to Heat-related Illness
press release
Physicians
Immediate Care
Warns Of Unusual
Summer Flu Strike
Treasure Coast Newspapers 06/27/2012
St Lucie News
Tribune (TC Palm), June 21, 2012
PORT ST. LUCIE — The health departments of St. Lucie, Martin and Indian River counties are reporting significant increases of people with influenza, an unusual occurrence this time of year. According to Kenneth Palestrant, M.D., CEO and medical director of Physicians Immediate Care, the premier provider of ambulatory and urgent health care on the Treasure Coast, the last time there was a summertime flu epidemic was three years ago with the H1N1 virus.
"The flu vaccine a person received last year may not protect against the current outbreak," warned Dr. Palestrant.
Physicians Immediate Care, which has four clinics in St. Lucie County, also has seen an increase in patients coming in with flu-like symptoms and testing positive for influenza A and B.
"I urge anyone who has a fever, chills, muscle or joint aches, sore throat and mild respiratory problems to see a doctor immediately," said Dr. Palestrant. "The antiviral drug Tamiflu is effective only in the first 48 hours when someone comes down with this illness."
He explains that Tamiflu works by stopping the spread of the virus in the body. It also shortens the course of the disease so that flu symptoms resolve more quickly.
Flu viruses easily spread among people, but there are simple precautions you can take to stay healthy. Dr. Palestrant offers the following tips.
-
Frequent hand washing keeps germs out of our bodies. A hand sanitizer can be used if soap and water are unavailable.
-
Cough into elbows, not hands, which increases the possibility of spreading viruses and bacteria through touch.
-
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, which are easy entry points for germs and viruses.
-
Disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as bedside tables, bathroom surfaces, children’s toys, door knobs, light switches and telephones.
-
Stay home if you are sick and don't feel well to keep germs from spreading.
-
Take care of yourself by getting plenty of rest and drinking a lot of fluids.
Physicians Immediate Care provides a
cost-effective alternative to emergency rooms
and doctor's offices. Well known for its patient
satisfaction and outstanding team of health care
providers, Physicians Immediate Care has four
convenient locations, three in Port St. Lucie
and one in Fort Pierce. They are open seven days
a week to serve St. Lucie and northern Martin
counties. Physicians Immediate Care also offers
employers professional services for workers
compensation, routine exams, and drug testing.
For additional information, call 772-398-1588 or
772-343-1774.
Physicians
Immediate Care
Warns Of Unusual
Summer Flu Strike press release
St Lucie News
Tribune (TC Palm), June 21, 2012
Unusual increase in flu cases hits Treasure Coast
Just as the flu season officially ended in Florida, dozens of Treasure Coast residents developed coughs, body aches and fevers that unmistakably pointed to the seasonal malady.
"It is unusual to see flu at this point," said Karlette Peck, administrator for the Martin County Health Department.
Yet she did, along with health officials in St. Lucie and Indian River counties. The first three weeks in June, 23 patients treated at Martin Medical Center's emergency department tested positive for influenza. In Indian River County, 19 cases were diagnosed the first two weeks of June. St. Lucie health officials also reported a rise, but don't have numbers.
"We noticed an increase in patients presenting at emergency departments with influenza," said Dr. Ruth Kim, a pediatrician and epidemiologist at the St. Lucie County Health Department.
Dr. Kenneth Palestrant, medical director of Physicians Immediate Care, said he's recently treated up to four flu patients per day at one of the four St. Lucie County walk-in clinics he oversees.
Though the number of cases is higher than in recent months, health officials consider the climb a minor blip at the end of a light flu season.
"Flu season has been low," said Maureen Feaster, nurse epidemiology consultant for the Indian River Health Department. "This is just later than usual."
Most recent flu patients have had influenza B, a strain that tends to stick around longer than its influenza A and H3 cousins. In healthy patients, symptoms are normally mild.
"Mostly it is a respiratory disease," Peck said.
Common symptoms include cough, sore throat, headache, body aches and fever. Children might also experience nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Unlike a cold, flu symptoms come on quickly. Most patients recover after a few days of rest. Exceptions are infants, the elderly and people with diabetes and other chronic diseases. They should contact their physician, who might prescribe antiviral medication to lessen the risk of serious complications.
"The very young and very old don't tolerate infections as well," Peck said.
Unusual increase in flu cases hits Treasure Coast
press release
St Lucie News
Tribune (TC Palm), May 16, 2012
Physicians Immediate Care
Committed To Best Practices In Urgent Care Medicine
PORT ST. LUCIE — Kenneth Palestrant, MD, founder and medical director of Physicians Immediate Care, along with Troy Fahser, RN, clinical director, and Lauren Randall, office manager of the St. Lucie West clinic, attended the Urgent Care Association of America's national convention in Las Vegas.
"The focus of this convention was implementing best practices and ways to improve efficiency to better serve our patients," said Dr. Palestrant.
Current national trends in healthcare also were addressed. The urgent care industry is consolidating. Large scale urgent care conglomerates are pursuing the purchase of small, independent clinics.
Physicians Immediate Care provides a cost effective alternative to emergency rooms and doctor's offices. Well-known for its patient satisfaction and outstanding team of health care providers, Physicians Immediate Care has four convenient locations, three in Port St. Lucie and one in Fort Pierce. They are open seven days a week to serve St. Lucie and northern Martin counties.
Physicians Immediate Care also offers employers
professional services for workers compensation,
routine exams, and drug testing. For additional
information, call 772 398-1588 or 772 343-1774.
Physicians Immediate Care
Committed To Best Practices In Urgent Care Medicine
press release
St Lucie County News (TC Palm), September 22,
2011
St. Lucie Chamber
Recognizes Business & Industry Award Winners
ST. LUCIE COUNTY — The St. Lucie County Chamber
of Commerce and Workforce Solutions announced
its 27th annual Business & Industry Award
winners Wednesday night at Treasure Coast Lexus.
"I think it's a great opportunity for us to be
able to thank the businesses that are
contributing to the community and gives an
opportunity to showcase them," St. Lucie County
Chamber of Commerce President Linda Cox said.
"It's grown every year."
More than 200 business leaders throughout the
community attended the event, which honored
winners in 12 categories. The ceremony had 90
nominees, Cox said.
AWARD WINNERS
Welcome Awards: Chestnut, Bradley & Hemphill;
Five Star Events; Exquisite Hair Inc.; Florida
Tax Free; Limelight Event Productions; Madison
Vines Senior Apartments; MedVance Institute;
MyVenueNow.com; Open Arms of Fort Pierce;
Playful Scissors
Industry awards
Agriculture: Adams Ranch
Construction and Trade: Waste Pro USA
Education: Indian River State College
Green Business: WadaWash Car Wash
Health Services: Physician's Immediate Care
Hospitality and Tourism: Residence Inn & Suites
by Marriott
Manufacturing: Florida Power & Light
Nonprofit: Council on Aging St. Lucie County
Professional and Financial Services: Edward
Jones Investments
Public Relations/Advertising: Scripps Media –
St. Lucie News Tribune
Retail Sales: Airtronics
Science and Technology: MicroTech Systems and
Torrey Pines Institute for Molecular Studies
(tie)
Stuart News, May 22, 2010
Crowds eagerly seek out what's new in hurricane
at the information
JENSEN BEACH - 16th Annual Jensen Beach -
American Red Cross & Expert Shutters Hurricane,
Health and Safety Fair.
Physicians Immediate Care, a Port St. Lucie
urgent care facility participating for the third
year, was there promoting a new medical
membership plan for the uninsured.
“We’re just building awareness, letting our
community know that when there is a hurricane,
we’ll be open,” said Jeannie Jacobson, the
Occupational Marketing Director.
Stuart
News, May 14, 2010
Physicians Immediate Care opens St.
Lucie West Clinic
ST. LUCIE WEST - Physicians Immediate
Care, one of the region’s premier
providers of ambulatory and urgent
health care, has opened its much
anticipated Saint Lucie West walk in
clinic ahead of schedule.
Physicians
Immediate Care has seen a steady flow of
patients into the facility since its
opening on May 3.
“Patients are actually thanking us for
providing them with affordable medical
care that is close to their home or
business. We truly are filling a health
care void in the Saint Lucie West
community,” he said.
Stuart
News, May 7, 2010
Physicians Immediate Care expands hours
at St. Lucie clinics
ST. LUCIE COUNTY - Physicians Immediate
Care, one of the region’s providers of
ambulatory and urgent health care, has
expanded its hours.
All
Physicians Immediate Care offices will
be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday
through Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 5
p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The new
expanded hours apply to all Physicians
Immediate Care offices in Fort Pierce
and Port St. Lucie.
Stuart
News, April 29, 2010
Urgent-care center in St. Lucie County
offers membership plans
ST. LUCIE COUNTY -A chain of urgent-care
centers is offering a medical membership
plan that could give uninsured families
a cheaper way to get regular care.
Stuart
News, April 5, 2010
Physicians Immediate Care Medical care
expansion includes hiring of 15
PORT ST LUCIE - “Despite the recession,
we are committed to providing a superior
level of immediate medical care to the
residents of the Treasure Coast,” said
Kenneth Palestrant, MD, founder of
Physicians Immediate Care. “Our
continued growth in St. Lucie County
requires hiring new people to meet the
medical needs of our communities,” he
said. The new hires will bring the total
of professionals employed by Physicians
Immediate Care to more than 70.
