Secondary headaches are a symptom of something else happening in your body. This means that if a condition triggers these headaches continuously, the headaches can become chronic symptoms. In most cases, handling the cause of the headache will also cure the headache itself.

Sinus/Allergy Headaches

Sinus headaches are caused by mucus build up in your sinus cavities and increasing pressure. An allergic reaction can sometimes cause this reaction. 

Generally, the pain from these headaches happens in the sinus areas on your forehead and around your cheekbones. Treatment consists of thinning out the mucus that builds, whether with nasal steroid sprays, decongestants, or antihistamines.

These headaches can be caused by a sinus infection, which can be treated by your doctor with prescribed antibiotics to clear the infection.

Hormone and Hypertension

Though these headaches may be secondary by nature, that doesn’t mean that the source isn’t from your own body. Fluctuations in our bodies’ natural systems can lead to headaches as well.

Women experience hormonal headaches due to fluctuations in estrogen levels. These headaches can occur before, during, or right after menses, as well as during ovulation. Menstruation, birth control pills, and pregnancy can all affect your estrogen levels, leading to hormonal headaches.

Another internal cause of headaches is hypertension or high blood pressure. This kind of headache signals an emergency due to it occurring when your blood pressure is dangerously high.

Usually occurring on both sides of your head and will feel worse with any activity and often feels pulsating. You may notice blurred vision, tingling or numbness, nosebleeds, chest pain, or shortness of breath.

Seek immediate medical attention if you feel you are experiencing a hypertension headache. They will generally go away soon after your blood pressure is under control and shouldn’t occur as long as your blood pressure stays managed.

Caffeine and Rebound Headaches

Some outside sources or stimulants cause headaches, or in some cases, it’s a lack of a source that causes a headache.

Caffeine headaches can be caused by having too much or too little caffeine compared to their regular use. It affects your brain’s blood flow, so when you give your brain a certain amount of the stimulant a day, it will adjust accordingly and expect it. Caffeine changes your brain chemistry, and withdrawal from it can trigger a headache.

Keeping your caffeine intake at a steady, reasonable level, or quitting it entirely, can prevent headaches.

Overuse of medication causes rebound headaches. Those who suffer from these headaches often take OTC medications, like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, and Naproxen, for more than 15 days out of the month. These headaches feel like a dull, tension-type headache and can cause more intense pain, similar to the pain experienced with a migraine.

Overuse of these OTC medications leads to more headaches rather than fewer. The only treatment for rebound headaches is to wean yourself off of the medication you have been taking. It may feel worse initially, but it should subside after a few days.

Generally, episodic headaches will go away within a couple of days. If you experience any headaches that last for more than two days, you should seek medical assistance.

As well as if you are experiencing headaches for more than 15 days out of the month for a few months, you may have a chronic condition. See your doctor to try and find out the cause, even if you can manage the pain. Headaches can be a symptom of a more severe condition and may require more than some OTC medications to treat.

If you are experiencing a headache that just won’t quit, drop by one of our 10 locations or click here to schedule a Telemedicine appointment. 

The post Secondary Headaches: What Exactly Are they? appeared first on Quick Med Care.

Your cooperation is key in allowing us to do all we can do to mitigate the virus’s spread. As you may know, it’s possible for individuals who do not exhibit symptoms to spread COVID-19. Therefore, it’s vital that we continue to follow the procedures and guidelines set by the CDC:

• All surfaces within our offices are regularly cleaned and sanitized, as well as exam rooms after every patient 

• Patients check in for appointments from their car and remain there until an examination room is available

• Before any patient enters the office, they are required to wear a face mask

• Patients are led directly into the examination room

Please remember to bring a mask with you to your appointment as we have a limited supply available to us. Also, please take steps to make your wait more comfortable, like bringing water and wearing comfortable clothing.

Lastly, if you are unable to wait in your car, we do offer telemedicine appointments, which can be scheduled by clicking here.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during these difficult times. Rest assured, your health and safety are our number one priority.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call the office: 844-797-8425.

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Most Common Types of Primary Headaches

Primary headaches are when the headache you’re experiencing is the condition. Meaning the headache isn’t a symptom of something else you’re dealing with, like sickness or allergies.

These headaches can either be episodic, pain occurring occasionally and can last from half an hour to several hours, or chronic, meaning that they occur most days and can last for multiple days. People who experience chronic headaches will generally need plans to handle the pain so that they can go about their daily lives.

Tension Headaches

Tension headaches give you a dull, aching sensation all over your head. Your shoulders, neck, forehead areas will be sore and tender. Typically, tension headaches are triggered by stress, with pain managed by OTC pain relief aids, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen.

Cluster Headaches

Cluster Headaches feel like burning and piercing pains behind your eyes or an entire side of your face, accompanied by swelling, a flushed face, and sweating on the side affected by the headache. These can last for 15 minutes to 3 hours but can come and go a few times throughout the day.

Cluster Headaches can occur daily for months at a time. They occur more frequently in men and during the spring and fall.

While doctors aren’t sure what causes the cluster headaches, they can offer some effective ways to treat the symptoms, like oxygen therapy, sumatriptan, or local anesthetic to provide relief. 

Migraine

Migraines are a debilitating pain that pulses from deep within your head, severely limiting the ability to go about your day. Typically, these headaches cause a sensitivity to light and sound, and the throbbing pain can also lead you to experience nausea and vomiting.

Some people experience visual anomalies known as auras, causing you to see flashing or shimmering lights, angular lines, stars, or even blind spots. These auras can also be paired with a tingling sensation on your face or your arm or trouble speaking. Because of the similarity to a stroke’s symptoms, if these are new symptoms to you, seek immediate medical attention.

Known triggers for migraine headaches are sleep disruption, dehydration, skipped meals, foods, hormones, and certain chemicals.

If you experience extreme headaches more than three days a month, headaches that are somewhat debilitating four days a month, or any headaches at least six days per month, talk to your doctor about a daily medication to prevent headaches.

If experiencing a headache that you would like medical attention for, Quick Care Med is a quick visit away. Visit one of our 10 locations local and get the attention you seek quickly and affordably or click here to schedule a Telemedicine visit.

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They don’t realize that any amount of sun exposure is dangerous and will damage your skin. Tanning is bad for you because your skin doesn’t begin even to tan until the sun’s UV rays have already pierced your skin and started messing with your DNA.

Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen

Even the old idea of a “base tan” to protect you from burning in the future is a myth. Tanned skin only offers as much protection as an SPF 2 sunscreen. With this mind, it’s a good idea to make sure you apply sunscreen of at least 30 SPF anytime you’re out and exposed to sunlight.

Benefits with Proper Precaution

Not all sun is bad, mind you. Populations with higher sun exposure levels have better blood pressure and moods while showing fewer cases of autoimmune diseases. The sun is also a great source of vitamin D; however, many experts say you get the necessary amounts of vitamin D within a few minutes. So, it’s still highly recommended to apply sunscreen before heading outside at all.

Any type of UV exposure is dangerous, meaning that tanning beds, which were thought to be a safer alternative, are also off the table. Excess UV light leads to many skin problems, including melanomas, cancers, DNA damage, and wrinkles.

If you want that sun-kissed look, it’s recommended that you go with a tanning lotion or spray-tan. When heading out, you’re better off applying a thick layer of sunscreen and proper coverings.

It’s easy to get too much sun, so if you’re in pain from a sunburn, or are suffering from the effects of heat exhaustion/stroke, drop by one of our 10 locations across Florida, or click here to sign up for a Telemedicine appointment.

The post Is There Such a Thing as a Healthy Tan appeared first on Quick Med Care.

Though, with what is quickly becoming the norm for this year, you might be wondering what adjustments need to happen to keep the coronavirus spread to a minimum? We will touch on a few safety concerns for this year’s 4th of July celebration. 

Fireworks Safety Tips

As exciting as fireworks can be, there is a risk of using them. Fireworks can cause burns and eye injuries in kids and adults. Lighting fireworks at home isn’t legal in many areas due to this, so if you want to use them, be sure to check with your local police department first.

Keep Things Fun – and Safe

• Kids should never handle any fireworks. Even sparklers, which thought of as safe, can reach temperatures up to 1,800°F. If you give your kids sparklers, make sure they keep them outside and away from their face, clothing, and hair

• Only purchase legal fireworks and store them in a cool, dry place. Most fireworks are heavily regulated and having proper labels with warnings. Even still, many illegal fireworks always find their way into homes and still account for injuries.

• Never build your own fireworks.

• Only use the fireworks outside in an area with space and keep a source of water nearby (bucket of water or hose)

• Steer clear of a fireworks path when lighting them, keeping in mind they can backfire and shoot off in the wrong direction.

• Never throw or point fireworks at someone.

There are many more rules to remember when setting off fireworks on your own. Click Here for a full list of safety regulations.

COVID-19 Reminders

We are still dealing with the coronavirus that has compromised our work and social lives. While things are beginning to open up cautiously, we want to remind you that we aren’t out of the weeds yet.

Maintain the regulations that have been coached into us over the past several months. Wear a face mask when out and around others, keep about 6 feet between yourself and others, wash your hands frequently, and remember that you can transmit the virus while asymptomatic.

Have a great, safe, and food-filled July 4th weekend. With proper precautions regarding both fireworks and COVID-19, you can make a memory-filled weekend with friends and family.

The post Tips to Stay Safe this 4th of July Weekend appeared first on Quick Med Care.

First and foremost, taking the proper precautions to limit the lifespan of this pandemic doesn’t have to be political. These precautions are vital if we want to continue to keep our local businesses open to support our community.

On June 26th, the governor had to close bars due to poor compliance of some of our folks. I believe this governor is a very good supporter of individual liberty, but we cannot live in a selfish bubble where life is all about one’s self.

We are surrounded by other human beings and it’s imperative that we take a selfless approach to the health of our entire community. Our actions, whether positive or negative, will come back to affect all of us.

By refusing to take basic precautions, we are indirectly contributing to a premature loss of life that can be easily avoided. I personally value life and anyone it includes: whether they are unborn or alive, old, young, white, black, brown – even pets and animals.

Citrus county is the second oldest county in the country in terms of average age. These folks are at a high risk of dying of this disease, not to mention many younger folks who have undiagnosed immune problems.

If we don’t care for the vulnerable folks in our community, who will? Please don’t lose our humanity over politics!! We can work together to overcome this pandemic by wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and being vigilant about washing our hands.

This is not a political issue – it’s a human issue.

Dr. Dacelin St. Martin is a triple board certified physician in adult internal medicine, pediatrics, and sleep medicine. He is the medical director of Quick Care Med.

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Heat exhaustion can sneak up on anyone if they ignore the symptoms that lead up to it. With as quick as it can happen, it’s just as easily avoidable. Here are a few signs to keep an eye out for and stop heat exhaustion in its tracks.

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include:

• Confusion

• Dark-colored urine (a sign of dehydration)

• Dizziness

• Fainting

• Fatigue

• Headache

• Muscle or abdominal cramps

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

• Pale skin

• Profuse sweating

• Rapid heartbeat

Cooldown

If you or anyone you know begin to suffer any of these symptoms, immediately take them to a cool area and start working to cool their body off. Bring them to an air-conditioned room, a shaded area, a cool bath or shower, or have them sit down in front of a fan.

If symptoms don’t seem to improve in 10-15 minutes, immediately seek emergency medical care as untreated heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke.

Heatstroke may lead to complications, such as:

• Damage to critical bodily organs

• Death

Heat exhaustion correlates with the heat index, which is how hot you feel when humidity and air temperature are combined. Higher levels of moisture hamper your body’s ability to evaporate sweat off the skin, how your body cools itself.

Heat exhaustion risk rises as temperatures reach about 90 degrees and higher. So it is essential to pay attention to upcoming weather patterns and take necessary precautions for, especially hot days.

Prevent heat-related illnesses by taking these steps:

• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, that has plenty of room for your skin to breathe.

• Wear SPF 30 sunscreen or better.

• Drink plenty of fluids (water, juice, sports drinks). Dehydration will amplify the effects of heat exposure. 

• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after activities.

• Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol. Both of these substances make you lose more fluids.

• Take regular breaks to cool off.

Heatwaves don’t need to mean that you can’t enjoy the outdoors. With some easy precautionary steps to prepare your body and your surroundings, you can get any projects done or just plain have fun. Stay cool, and stay safe.

If you or a loved one is experiencing heat exhaustion or heat stroke symptoms, drop by one of our 10 locations, or click here to schedule a Telemedicine appointment.

The post Don’t Let Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke Take the Fun Out of Summer appeared first on Quick Med Care.

You can make a few preparations to ensure that the trip will be without too much distraction. Here are a few ideas to keep you on the road to safety as you take the long drive to relaxation.

Adjust your Leaving Time

Rather than leaving during the day, think about adjusting your sleeping pattern so that you, the driver or passenger, are awake for an overnight drive.

Driving overnight, or at least in the early hours of the morning, means that your family is more likely to spend a more significant portion of your journey asleep.

Teach your Kids to Read a Map

Avoid those pesky “are we there yet?’ questions by handing over the road map to the kids. Encourage them to look and figure out themselves just how much further you have to go.

Talk them through looking at the key and judging the distance using finger widths as measuring tools and translating them into time.

Take Frequent Stops

It may seem counter-productive to take frequent breaks from the actual driving portion, but letting your high-energy-balls-of-fury get out and run around should keep them calm when you get back to your journey.

Plan out some sites to see, or even just hit some parks along the way and let the kids run around. Twenty to thirty minutes of playtime can turn into a few hours of peace for your concentration on the road.

Break Out Snacks

The type of food you eat along your journey will make a difference in everyone’s mood and behavior while in the car. Think about packing some healthy, yet neat, snacks that everybody can snack on in the car.

Avoid stopping in the drive-thru or the road-side diner as these foods will tend to be high in fat and salt that bring the mood down as you sit in the car. Bring some nuts, dried fruit, even some homemade sandwiches are great alternatives.

There are many great ways to ensure you can keep your concentration on the road and avoid having the craziest backseat on this side of the Mississippi. Take these tips, utilize them, and use them to fit your family and their interests. Ensure that the journey is just as memorable as the destination itself, and it will be a vacation your family will remember forever.

The post Summer Vacation Travel: How to stay safe on the road and keep the kids occupied appeared first on Quick Med Care.

Now, throw in some social distancing, and it can make for some interesting celebrating this Father’s Day.

We’ve decided to compile a list of things you can do for dear dad to make him feel special on his day. Take a look below for ideas that won’t break the bank, optimize family time, and are great for forming memories.

1. Personalized Gift Basket

You know what dad likes. Maybe he works long hours and wishes to remain horizontal on his day off. Try putting together his favorite snacks so he can stretch out in his recliner for some Netflixing. You can share the best part of the experience, but remember – dad chooses the show.

1. Let Him Sleep In

This is a given for all the dads out there who are busy day in and day out dadding. The charm about this is what you’re doing while he’s sleeping. Corral the kids and make dad his favorite breakfast, complete with a fancy coffee drink. Have the kids tidy their rooms and pick up those pesky Lego pieces sharp enough to take off a toe.

1. Make Dad the Star of the Show

If dad likes to grill out, set things up for him to do what he loves with minimal effort. Marinade the kabobs and prepare the sides ahead of time. All dad has to do is put the meat on the grill and cook it to perfection. The best part is that he takes credit for such a wonderful meal without the prep work. Then help clean up so that dad can relax pool-side or in front of the game.

1. Make Dad a Card

This point pretty much speaks for itself. The significant part is that you can use whatever medium you have on-hand, even binder paper with lines. The charm behind this idea is the IOU card that you put inside your creation. Maybe it’s a fishing day or a foot rub, or one steak dinner to be redeemed in the future. You can be creative and generous as you feel fit. Not all celebrating has to happen right on Father’s Day.

1. Family Game Day/Night

Do you have a family game that you play? If not, then maybe it’s time to dust off one of those board games on your top shelf, like Monopoly. It doesn’t matter what you decide to play as long as you do it together. Make a point of laughing at dad’s corny jokes and take lots of pictures of the family festivities. If you’re extra nice, let dad win so the day can end on a high note.

From our Quick Care Med family to yours, have a wonderful Father’s Day. Remember, we have ten urgent cares across four counties to ensure everyone is well this Father’s Day. We offer office and Telemedicine visits. Click here to schedule a Telemedicine appointment.

The post 5 Ideas to Make Dad Feel Special this Father’s Day appeared first on Quick Med Care.

Should I go to my primary care office? Do I need to go to the emergency room? What exactly does an urgent care center cover? In the moment, making the split-second decisions on where to go can be difficult. We’re here to help explain the differences and what best to choose for life’s situations.

Primary Care

Taking a visit to your primary care physician is best for your long-term health and conditions. Your doctor knows your health history, which makes them best equipped to handle ongoing situations. Some primary care doctors will have a Telemedicine service to help you get seen quickly and reduce the risk of exposure for some ill patients. 

Primary care is also great for most conditions that require testing or a referral to a specialist. Sometimes you need quick non-emergency medical attention. Primary care doctors usually require an appointment, and you may have to wait a few days to be seen. Many illnesses and injuries benefit from quick medical treatment. This is where urgent care shines.

Urgent Care

Urgent care is excellent in that you can get seen the same day as your need arises; after hours and on weekends. When you require care urgently, but you don’t have a life-threatening emergency. Most illnesses can be handled by urgent care if they don’t require testing or extensive medical history knowledge to diagnose and treat.

If you suspect that you have a severe sprain, break, or require stitches, urgent care can give you the quick treatment you need without the emergency room’s wait or price. Most urgent care offices will have a Telemedicine service available as well. With Telemedicine, a medical professional can get seen from home right on your phone or computer. 

However, if your injuries are life or limb-threatening, don’t hesitate to go to the ER instead.

Emergency Room

The ER is best used for life-threatening illnesses and injuries. Emergency rooms are equipped to handle anything with faculties, equipment, and expertise. A broken finger can undoubtedly be treated by urgent care. An arm that is broken in several places is best handled in the emergency room, so you can immediately get the level of care you need.

While life-threatening concerns will be seen immediately, anything non-life-threatening may end up waiting to be seen for quite a time. Emergency rooms are required to provide treatment regardless of ability to pay; whereas doctors’ offices are allowed to request proof of insurance and proof of payment ahead of time. This leads to more people heading to the ER for non-emergency treatment because they can’t afford the upfront office fees.

No matter the need, any medical professional will do all they can to assist you in the circumstance. Don’t hesitate when the need arises. Visit Quick Care Med if you need urgent care, or Click Here to schedule a telemedicine appointment.

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