All Blog Posts Tagged 'Colorado' - MyTown Colorado2024-03-29T06:38:43Zhttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profiles/blog/feed?tag=Colorado&xn_auth=noUnlocking Potential: How Prioritizing Diversity and Inclusion in Early Education Fuels Positive Learning Outcomestag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2024-03-11:2021996:BlogPost:2731232024-03-11T19:06:03.000ZGabriel Apprendihttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/GabrielApprendi
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As elementary school classrooms evolve, diversity becomes a central theme, shaping the educational experience for students of all backgrounds.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Implementing diversity in the classroom is very delicate. However, it can be done successfully when simply valuing imminent historical context. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Columbine Elementary, located in Boulder, Colorado, honors the state's rich history,…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As elementary school classrooms evolve, diversity becomes a central theme, shaping the educational experience for students of all backgrounds.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Implementing diversity in the classroom is very delicate. However, it can be done successfully when simply valuing imminent historical context. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Columbine Elementary, located in Boulder, Colorado, honors the state's rich history, focusing on its Spanish roots. It caters to approximately 500 preschool to 5th-grade students and offers education without tuition fees. Notably, the school emphasizes biliteracy, ensuring that all students are proficient in reading and writing in both English and Spanish. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Principal Lisa Martinez promotes a strong relationship with diversity and efficiently utilizes biliterate teaching methods. For six years before her education profession, Martinez was a reporter covering K-12 education, immigration, and cultural affairs for various newspapers in Colorado. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"We embrace equity and diversity here at Columbine. We are a bilingual school. We have classes in English and Spanish; we have many languages and cultures represented here. And it's so important for the work that we're doing. Because we're in a place like Boulder, we need to amplify and embrace different languages and cultures," said Martinez. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">By prioritizing diversity and inclusivity, the</span> <a href="https://www.bvsd.org/parents-students/academics/language-and-culture/bilingualism"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Boulder Valley School District</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">(BVSD) is "Reshaping how we think about education, paving the way for a future where all leaders have equal opportunities to succeed." </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"With more than 4,000 bilingual students in the district, BVSD is one of few school districts in Colorado to operate dual-language schools. They include Boulder's</span> <a href="https://coe.bvsd.org/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Columbine Elementary</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, Lafayette's</span> <a href="https://pie.bvsd.org/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Escuela Bilingüe Pioneer</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and Boulder's</span> <a href="https://uhe.bvsd.org/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">University Hill Elementary</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">."</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A recent study</span> <a href="https://child.unl.edu/cultural-diversity#:~:text=Research%20suggests%20adults%20who%20engage,academic%20achievement%20and%20educational%20success"><span style="font-weight: 400;">shows</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">that adults who engage children in culturally responsive instructive encounters help them build self-assurance and abilities. These encounters also maximize children's academic achievement and educational success by raising awareness, appreciation, and acceptance of diverse beliefs and cultures.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> Including diversity in early education is critical to molding a student who grows up better to accept race, gender, ethnicity, and religion. Additionally, the influx of majority minorities supports better implementation of multicultural methods into schooling. </span></p>
<p><a href="https://drexel.edu/soe/resources/student-teaching/advice/importance-of-cultural-diversity-in-classroom/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Research suggests</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">that in 2014, U.S. state-funded schools hit a minority-majority achievement with Latino, African-American, and Asian students amounting more than the number of white students. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">By 2044, ethnic minorities are projected to make up approximately half of the U.S. population, a trend expected to persist. Roughly</span> <a href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/CO/PST045222"><span style="font-weight: 400;">20%</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">of the state is Hispanic individuals, with</span> <a href="https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/bouldercountycolorado/PST045222"><span style="font-weight: 400;">14%</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> in Boulder. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The legacy of Hispanic heritage proceeds with schools like Columbine Elementary. The statistics exhibit more significant reasoning for incorporating inclusive and bi-literate teaching methods in early education, as the diversity may be greater outside the city, let alone the country. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is essential to represent the so-called minorities in school, intertwine the modes of teaching, and create a more holistic environment. Regarding the rise of globalization, there is a necessary emphasis on understanding cultural diversity; with the world rapidly changing, education is expected to follow suit. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">"There were about</span> <a href="https://www.axios.com/2022/04/05/explosion-dual-language-programs-spanish"><span style="font-weight: 400;">1,000 dual-language programs in U.S. public schools in 2010</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">," said Gregg Roberts, the director of dual-language studies at the American Councils Research Center (ARC). By 2021, more than 3,600 such programs existed, ARC reported</span> <a href="https://www.americancouncils.org/sites/default/files/documents/pages/2021-10/Canvass%20DLI%20-%20October%202021-2_ac.pdf"><span style="font-weight: 400;">finding</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, about 80% of these programs were Spanish programs." </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Concerning applications to the multifaceted school, families must provide proof of residence after relocating within BVSD boundaries to enroll in the Boulder Valley School District.</span> <a href="https://www.bvsd.org/parents-students/enrollment/enrollment-in-neighborhood-schools"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Enrollment applications</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">are accepted from January onwards for the upcoming school year. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">BVSD offers the</span> <a href="https://ece.bvsd.org/welcometopreschool"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Colorado Universal Preschool Program</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, this plan provides free preschool for eligible four-year-olds for 15 or 30 hours a week. Three-year-olds with an Individualized Education Plan can also join for 15 hours free. Families can pay $620 monthly for extra hours per child for Learning and Enrichment, with a $75 application fee per seat ($150 for both).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The process for applying to schools like Columbine Elementary and others in the BVSD typically concerns where a potential student and their family live. However, the BVSD provides an open enrollment that "Is for any students (district residency not required) wishing to apply to a school of choice," as per the</span> <a href="https://www.bvsd.org/parents-students/enrollment"><span style="font-weight: 400;">BVSD enrollment page. </span></a></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Through initiatives such as bilingual education and open enrollment, educational institutions can ensure that all students can access opportunities that promote cultural awareness, acceptance, and academic success. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the implementation of school districts that revolve around inclusivity, more students can begin to feel represented and accepted, fostering the ability to be multicultural. Having equal representation continuously proves to be beneficial.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The past involvement with drained-pool politics allows us to see why current methods are essential. “</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">The President’s strategy provides evidence for the converse: policies designed to improve the lives of those in greatest need, including advancing racial equity, do tremendous good for communities of color and white communities alike,” states the</span> <a href="https://home.treasury.gov/news/featured-stories/racial-equity-benefits-all-americans"><span style="font-weight: 400;">U.S. Department of the Treasury. </span></a></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> "Students who look like us can see that they can be successful in school, and they can have a connection with us because that's part of our goal," said Ana Cox, Librarian at Columbine Elementary.</span></p>Driver's License Reinstatement in Coloradotag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2024-03-06:2021996:BlogPost:2729152024-03-06T18:43:29.000ZEmilio De Simonehttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/EmilioDeSimone
<p>DUI Law Firm Denver offers unparalleled tenacity and expertise in DUI defense, acknowledging the potential loss of driving privileges that comes with such charges. Refusing a chemical test may benefit you in criminal proceedings but leads to a temporary suspension in administrative hearings at the DMV. Despite this setback, the legal and scientific experts at DUI Law Firm Denver are skilled in securing partial reinstatement of driving privileges.</p>
<p>Visit our page to learn more…</p>
<p>DUI Law Firm Denver offers unparalleled tenacity and expertise in DUI defense, acknowledging the potential loss of driving privileges that comes with such charges. Refusing a chemical test may benefit you in criminal proceedings but leads to a temporary suspension in administrative hearings at the DMV. Despite this setback, the legal and scientific experts at DUI Law Firm Denver are skilled in securing partial reinstatement of driving privileges.</p>
<p>Visit our page to learn more <a href="https://duilawfirmdenver.com/dui-denver/denver-license-reinstatement/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://duilawfirmdenver.com/dui-denver/denver-license-reinstatement/</a></p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aEzyD1qczgE?si=8ad_7uyEiG5S2D9p&wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</p>Funding Opportunity - Charge Ahead Colorado Grant is Open January 16tag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2024-01-09:2021996:BlogPost:2724282024-01-09T22:19:36.000ZMaddie Garbalagtyshttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/MaddieGarbalagtys
<p><span>Would you like to see EV charging installed in your workplace, business, condo, or apartment parking lot? Did you know the Colorado Energy Office provides funding for chargers through the Charge Ahead Colorado grant? Applications for this grant open on January 16th.</span></p>
<p><span>Drive Clean Colorado is a non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating the equitable adoption of clean transportation. It is a great resource to support interested applicants throughout this grant…</span></p>
<p><span>Would you like to see EV charging installed in your workplace, business, condo, or apartment parking lot? Did you know the Colorado Energy Office provides funding for chargers through the Charge Ahead Colorado grant? Applications for this grant open on January 16th.</span></p>
<p><span>Drive Clean Colorado is a non-profit organization dedicated to accelerating the equitable adoption of clean transportation. It is a great resource to support interested applicants throughout this grant application process. Read more about the grant and application support opportunities <a href="https://drivecleancolorado.org/ccef-and-dcc-partner-for-cac" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>!</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span>Please feel free to share or reach out with any questions you may have!</span></p>Top 5 Myths About the Flu Shottag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-12-15:2021996:BlogPost:2722682023-12-15T08:37:46.000ZFounders Family Medicinehttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/AnthonyCerullo
<p> Let’s talk about the <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/flu-shots-castle-rock/">flu shot</a> and clear up some common myths surrounding it. We want to provide you with reliable information to help you understand the truth about the flu vaccine.</p>
<p>By providing evidence-based information, we hope to dispel these misconceptions and help you understand the reality of flu prevention and vaccination. Remember, the …</p>
<p> Let’s talk about the <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/flu-shots-castle-rock/">flu shot</a> and clear up some common myths surrounding it. We want to provide you with reliable information to help you understand the truth about the flu vaccine.</p>
<p>By providing evidence-based information, we hope to dispel these misconceptions and help you understand the reality of flu prevention and vaccination. Remember, the <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/flu-shots-castle-rock/">flu shot</a> is not just about protecting yourself but also those around you, especially vulnerable populations like young children and the elderly. So, let’s prioritize our health and get vaccinated to keep ourselves and our communities healthy and flu-free.</p>
<p><strong>Myth #1: You Can Get the Flu from the Flu Shot</strong></p>
<p>The idea that the flu vaccine can give you the flu is completely false.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/flu-shots-castle-rock/">flu shot</a> is made up of an inactive virus, which means it can’t cause an infection. When you get the flu shot through an injection, you receive a form of the influenza virus that has been killed or inactivated. This type of virus is not able to make you sick. Instead, the purpose of the vaccine is to stimulate your immune system to create antibodies that can fight against the viruses included in the vaccine.</p>
<p>The nasal spray vaccine works in a similar way. It contains weakened versions of live influenza viruses. However, these viruses are designed to only replicate in the cooler temperatures found in the nose. They cannot replicate in other parts of your body where they could cause illness. Therefore, these weakened viruses cannot give you the flu either.</p>
<p>It is worth noting that some people may experience mild flu-like symptoms after receiving either type of vaccine, such as a low-grade fever or muscle aches. However, these symptoms are not caused by an actual influenza infection. Instead, they are a result of your body’s immune response to the vaccine.</p>
<p><strong>Myth #2: The Flu Shot Isn’t Effective</strong></p>
<p>The effectiveness of the flu shot is backed by evidence from numerous studies and clinical trials. It is important to address the myth that the flu shot isn’t effective by looking at the facts:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Evidence of effectiveness</strong>: Multiple studies consistently show that the flu vaccine reduces the risk of getting influenza and its complications. Getting vaccinated significantly decreases the chances of contracting the virus, developing severe symptoms, and needing hospitalization.</li>
<li><strong>Protection against multiple strains</strong>: The flu shot provides protection against several strains of influenza viruses that are expected to circulate in a specific season. While it may not always perfectly match every circulating strain, it still offers significant protection and can help reduce symptoms even if infection occurs.</li>
<li><strong>Importance for vulnerable populations</strong>: High-risk groups like young children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying health conditions greatly benefit from receiving the flu shot. Vaccination can help prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and even death in these populations.</li>
</ul>
<p>It is important to debunk this myth as it undermines confidence in vaccination programs. Scientific evidence overwhelmingly supports the effectiveness of the flu shot in reducing virus transmission, preventing severe symptoms, and protecting vulnerable populations.</p>
<p><strong>Myth #3: You Don’t Need to Get a Flu Shot Every Year</strong></p>
<p>When it comes to the necessity of getting a flu shot every year, it is important to consider how the viruses change and how the vaccine’s effectiveness decreases over time. One common misconception is that you don’t need to get vaccinated annually, but scientific evidence doesn’t support this idea. Each year, the flu vaccine is formulated to target specific circulating viruses, as different strains may become more prevalent in different flu seasons. Additionally, research has shown that the vaccine’s effectiveness can decrease over time due to factors like antigenic drift and a weakening immune response.</p>
<p>Getting a flu shot every year is crucial for protecting yourself against the flu and preventing its spread in communities. By getting vaccinated annually, you can make an informed decision to safeguard your health and avoid potential complications associated with the flu. It is important to understand that getting vaccinated each year helps to maintain optimal protection against evolving strains of the flu and ensures ongoing immunity throughout each flu season.</p>
<p><strong>Myth #4: Young and Healthy People Don’t Need to Get a Flu Shot</strong></p>
<p>The CDC advises that everyone aged 6 months and older get a flu vaccine because influenza is highly contagious and can cause severe illness, including pneumonia. It also has a significant impact on work and hospitalization for healthy individuals.</p>
<p>According to the CDC, vaccinations were estimated to have prevented 79,000 flu hospitalizations and 6.6 million flu-associated illnesses during the 2012-2013 influenza season.</p>
<p>Healthy individuals can also transmit the virus to vulnerable populations, such as infants, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems.</p>
<p>Individuals who think they developed the flu after being vaccinated are likely experiencing an unrelated upper-respiratory illness or were already infected with the flu prior to receiving the vaccine. The vaccine typically takes about two weeks to begin effectively preventing flu.</p>
<p><strong>Myth #5: Pregnant Women Shouldn’t Be Vaccinated</strong></p>
<p>Pregnant women are advised to get the flu vaccine because they have a higher risk of complications from the virus. Despite this advice, there is a common misconception that pregnant women should avoid vaccination. This misunderstanding may arise from concerns about the safety of vaccines during pregnancy. However, extensive research and evidence have shown that flu vaccination is safe for pregnant individuals and can offer important benefits.</p>
<p>To debunk this myth, it is crucial to provide accurate information about the safety and effectiveness of the flu shot for pregnant women. Below is the summary of key points about flu vaccination during pregnancy:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Myth #1</strong>: Pregnant women should not be vaccinated</li>
<li><strong>Fact</strong>: The CDC recommends flu vaccination for all pregnant women</li>
<li><strong>Myth #2</strong>: Flu shots can harm the baby</li>
<li><strong>Fact</strong>: Flu shots are safe for both pregnant individuals and their babies</li>
<li><strong>Myth #3</strong>: It is better to wait until after delivery to get vaccinated</li>
<li><strong>Fact</strong>: Getting vaccinated during pregnancy helps protect both the mother and her baby</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>What flu shot side effects are possible?</strong></p>
<p>The flu vaccine can have some possible side effects, but they are usually mild and temporary. One common side effect is soreness at the injection site, which goes away on its own within a few days. Severe allergic reactions to the flu vaccine are very rare, happening in less than 1 in a million doses given. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a study and found no increased risk of hospitalizations or deaths associated with the flu vaccine. In fact, the study showed that getting the flu vaccine reduced the risk of flu-related hospitalizations by about 70% in adults aged 18-64 years.</p>
<p>The most frequently reported side effect after getting the <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/flu-shots-castle-rock/">flu shot</a> is a reaction at the injection site. This might include pain, redness, or swelling. Sometimes, people may also experience systemic side effects like fever, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. However, these side effects are usually mild and go away within a few days. These side effects are a normal response to the vaccine and show that your body is building immunity against the flu virus.</p>
<p>It is important to consider these potential side effects when weighing the benefits of getting the flu vaccine. Flu vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective in preventing influenza infections and reducing complications like hospitalizations and deaths.</p>
<p><strong>Are you contagious after a flu shot if you experience side effects?</strong></p>
<p>After getting a flu shot, if you experience any side effects, it is important to know that you are not contagious. The side effects of the flu shot are usually mild and temporary. The most common side effect is soreness at the injection site. However, these side effects do not mean that you have an active infection or can spread the flu to others. In fact, the flu shot contains either inactivated or weakened viruses that cannot make you sick.</p>
<p>It is important to remember that even if you experience mild symptoms after getting a flu shot, it doesn’t mean you have an actual viral infection. The purpose of the vaccine is to stimulate your immune system without causing illness or spreading viruses.</p>
<p><strong>What should you avoid after getting a flu shot?</strong></p>
<p>After getting a <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/flu-shots-castle-rock/">flu shot</a>, it is best to avoid any strenuous physical activity or exercise. This is to ensure that it doesn’t have any negative effects on your immune response and to reduce the risk of injury. Instead, it is important to give your body some rest and time to recover.</p>
<p>There are a few common myths about what you can do after getting a flu shot:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Myth</strong>: Doing intense exercise can actually boost your immune response.</li>
<li><strong>Fact</strong>: In reality, intense exercise can temporarily suppress your immune system, which might affect the effectiveness of the vaccine.</li>
<li><strong>Myth</strong>: Exercising can help alleviate any side effects of the flu shot.</li>
<li><strong>Fact</strong>: While exercise does have many health benefits, it won’t directly address specific side effects like soreness at the injection site or mild flu-like symptoms that some people may experience.</li>
</ul>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>How long does it take for the flu shot to work?</strong></p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/flu-shots-castle-rock/">flu shot</a> typically starts to work within about two weeks after it is given. It helps protect against specific strains of the flu virus by stimulating the immune system to respond. However, it takes some time for the immune system to generate a strong enough response to provide adequate protection against the virus.</p>
<p>The time it takes for the <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/flu-shots-castle-rock/">flu shot</a> to take effect can vary slightly depending on individual factors and the specific strain of the flu virus that is circulating in a particular season. Generally, it takes about two weeks for the body to produce enough antibodies to fight off the flu virus after getting vaccinated. During this time, it is still possible to catch other respiratory illnesses caused by different viruses.</p>
<p>It is important to remember that getting vaccinated every year is crucial because new strains of the flu virus emerge each season. The flu shot is updated annually to target these new strains and ensure the best possible protection.</p>
<p><strong>When is the best time to get a flu shot?</strong></p>
<p>The best time to get a <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/flu-shots-castle-rock/">flu shot</a> is before the flu season begins. It is important to consider the timing of flu vaccinations in order to ensure adequate protection against the circulating flu strains. Here are a few key factors to think about:</p>
<ul>
<li>1</li>
</ul>
<p>Adults should get vaccinated: The CDC recommends that all adults receive a flu vaccination every year to lower their risk of getting sick and experiencing complications.</p>
<ul>
<li>2</li>
</ul>
<p>Protecting vulnerable populations: Even though healthy individuals may have a lower risk of severe illness from the flu, they can still get infected and spread the virus to those who are more susceptible, like infants, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems.</p>
<ul>
<li>3</li>
</ul>
<p>By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself but also help safeguard vulnerable populations.</p>
<ul>
<li>4</li>
</ul>
<p>Vaccinated individuals can play a crucial role in preventing the transmission of the virus during the peak of flu season.</p>
<p>It is important to note that getting vaccinated early doesn’t guarantee complete immunity for the entire season because the circulating strains may change. However, getting vaccinated early allows for optimal protection by giving your body enough time to develop antibodies before being exposed to more common influenza viruses.</p>
<p>It is recommended that adults and healthy individuals prioritize getting their flu vaccinations before the flu season starts. This can help lower their risk of infection and limit the spread of flu strains during peak periods when they are most prevalent.</p>
<p><strong>How effective is the flu vaccine?</strong></p>
<p>The flu vaccine’s effectiveness can vary each year due to different factors. One important factor is how well the vaccine strains match the circulating viruses. When there is a good match, the vaccine is more likely to be effective in preventing illness. However, if there is not a good match, its effectiveness may be reduced.</p>
<p>Individual characteristics also play a role in determining how effective the flu vaccine is. Factors like age and overall health can impact how well a person responds to vaccination. For instance, older adults and individuals with certain chronic conditions may have a weaker immune response to the vaccine, resulting in a lower level of protection.</p>
<p>It is important to note that even if someone does get sick with the flu after getting the annual flu shot, their symptoms are likely to be milder compared to those who didn’t get vaccinated. The <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/flu-shots-castle-rock/">flu shot</a> can help reduce the risk of severe illness and flu-related complications.</p>
<p><strong>Who should get the flu vaccine?</strong></p>
<p>The flu vaccine is recommended for certain groups of people who are at higher risk of severe illness and complications from influenza. These include pregnant women, older adults, and individuals with underlying health conditions.</p>
<p>Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to respiratory infections due to changes in their immune systems. They also have a higher risk of developing complications from the flu, such as pneumonia, which can be serious or even fatal. It is important for pregnant women to talk to their healthcare provider before getting the vaccine.</p>
<p>Older adults also face an increased risk of severe illness and hospitalization from the flu. Their immune function declines with age, making them more susceptible to the virus. Vaccination can help boost their immune response and reduce the likelihood of complications.</p>
<p>Individuals with chronic health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, or asthma, are at greater risk of experiencing severe symptoms if they get the flu. The vaccine provides protection against the specific strains of influenza that can worsen their existing health conditions.</p>
<p><strong>Who should not get the vaccine?</strong></p>
<p>Individuals who have severe allergies to any component of the flu vaccine should not receive it. Severe allergic reactions to the flu vaccine are extremely rare, occurring at a rate of about one in a million doses administered. However, if someone has had anaphylaxis or a severe allergic reaction (such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or hives) after receiving a previous dose of the flu vaccine or any ingredient in the vaccine, they should avoid future doses.</p>
<p>To give you a better understanding, let’s look at some common ingredients found in different types of flu vaccines:</p>
<table width="100%">
<thead><tr><td><p><strong>Flu Vaccine Ingredients</strong></p>
</td>
<td><p><strong>Common Allergens</strong></p>
</td>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody><tr><td><p>Egg proteins</p>
</td>
<td><p>Eggs</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr><td><p>Gelatin</p>
</td>
<td><p>Gelatin</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr><td><p>Antibiotics</p>
</td>
<td><p>Neomycin</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr><td><p>Formaldehyde</p>
</td>
<td><p>Formaldehyde</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>It is worth noting that people with egg allergies can still receive the flu vaccine. While older versions of the flu vaccine were mainly grown in eggs and may contain traces of egg protein, current vaccines have much lower amounts. Studies have shown that most individuals with egg allergies can safely receive these vaccines without any adverse effects.</p>
<p><strong>Which flu vaccine is right for me?</strong></p>
<p>When it comes to choosing the right flu vaccine, it is important to talk to a healthcare professional. There are different types of vaccines available to protect against influenza viruses and other respiratory viruses. These include the traditional annual shot and the nasal spray vaccine. It is important to understand which vaccine is best for you.</p>
<p>Here are some key points to consider when deciding on a flu vaccine:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Influenza Viruses</strong>: Both the annual shot and nasal spray vaccine provide protection against influenza viruses, but they work in different ways.</li>
<li><strong>Annual Shot</strong>: This vaccine contains inactive virus particles that stimulate an immune response without causing an infection.</li>
<li><strong>Nasal Spray Vaccine</strong>: This vaccine contains weakened live viruses that can’t cause severe symptoms but can still trigger an immune response.</li>
<li><strong>Respiratory Viruses</strong>: While both vaccines target influenza viruses, the annual shot offers broader protection against various strains of respiratory viruses.</li>
</ul>
<p><strong>Where can I get my flu vaccine?</strong></p>
<p>You can get your flu vaccine from healthcare professionals at different locations such as clinics, pharmacies, and community health centers. These places make it convenient for individuals to receive their <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/flu-shots-castle-rock/">flu shots</a>.</p>
<p>Clinics are usually found in hospitals or healthcare facilities and provide a variety of medical services, including administering vaccines.</p>
<p>Pharmacies also have an important role in offering flu vaccinations to the public. Many pharmacies have trained pharmacists who can give vaccines, making it easier for people to get vaccinated while picking up other necessary medications.</p>
<p>Community health centers are another vital location where individuals can get the flu vaccine. These centers often serve underserved populations and offer comprehensive medical care, including immunizations.</p>
<p>The decision of where to get vaccinated may depend on personal preferences and convenience. Some people may prefer going to their primary care doctor or an infectious disease specialist for the flu shot because they can provide personalized advice based on their health history and current strain information.</p>
<p>Others may choose more accessible options like pharmacies or community health centers because of their convenient locations and longer hours of operation.</p>
<p><strong>How much does the flu shot cost?</strong></p>
<p>The cost of the flu vaccine can vary depending on where you go and who provides it. It is worth noting that many insurance plans cover the cost of the flu shot, which makes it more accessible for people. However, if you don’t have insurance, the price can range from $20 to $50 per dose. Some pharmacies and clinics may offer discounted or free <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/flu-shots-castle-rock/">flu shots</a> during certain times, like during flu season. It is a good idea to check with local health departments or community centers to find out about low-cost or free options for getting vaccinated.</p>
<p>Getting vaccinated against the flu is really important because it helps prevent the spread of this contagious disease and reduces the chances of severe complications. The flu can cause symptoms like high fever, body aches, fatigue, and trouble breathing. In some cases, it can even lead to pneumonia or other life-threatening problems.</p>
<p>Allergic reactions to the flu vaccine are rare, but they can happen. If you know you’re allergic to eggs, it is important to let your healthcare provider know before you get vaccinated, since most flu vaccines are made using eggs.</p>
<p> </p>Julian Rush (1936-2023) Boulder's first openly gay preacher; first director of Colorado AIDS Projecttag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-12-11:2021996:BlogPost:2720132023-12-11T07:56:54.000ZJason Rushhttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/JasonRush
<p>9News story: <a href="https://www.9news.com/video/news/local/julian-rush-pioneer-in-colorados-fight-against-aids-dies-at-age-87/73-91703182-18ea-46b1-8181-a9d8efa766bb">https://www.9news.com/video/news/local/julian-rush-pioneer-in-colorados-fight-against-aids-dies-at-age-87/73-91703182-18ea-46b1-8181-a9d8efa766bb</a></p>
<p>Obit: <a href="https://everloved.com/life-of/julian-rush/">https://everloved.com/life-of/julian-rush/</a></p>
<p>9News story: <a href="https://www.9news.com/video/news/local/julian-rush-pioneer-in-colorados-fight-against-aids-dies-at-age-87/73-91703182-18ea-46b1-8181-a9d8efa766bb">https://www.9news.com/video/news/local/julian-rush-pioneer-in-colorados-fight-against-aids-dies-at-age-87/73-91703182-18ea-46b1-8181-a9d8efa766bb</a></p>
<p>Obit: <a href="https://everloved.com/life-of/julian-rush/">https://everloved.com/life-of/julian-rush/</a></p>How Long Does the Flu Vaccine Last?tag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-12-01:2021996:BlogPost:2720002023-12-01T06:59:23.000ZFounders Family Medicinehttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/AnthonyCerullo
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/flu-shots-castle-rock/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-flu-shot/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">flu vaccine</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">is something that many people are curious about. They want to know how long it lasts and how effective it is. This article will provide an evidence-based analysis of the flu shot's longevity in protecting against the flu.…</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/flu-shots-castle-rock/how-long-does-it-take-to-get-a-flu-shot/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">flu vaccine</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">is something that many people are curious about. They want to know how long it lasts and how effective it is. This article will provide an evidence-based analysis of the flu shot's longevity in protecting against the flu.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We will explore how the vaccine works and its effectiveness in preventing influenza. Additionally, we will discuss why it is necessary to get the flu shot every year due to the different strains of the flu that circulate.</span></p>
<h2><b>How the Flu Vaccine Works</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The flu vaccine works by introducing inactive or weakened parts of the flu virus into the body to stimulate the immune system. These parts of the virus are selected based on predictions of which strains will be present during the upcoming flu season. They are either killed or weakened so that they cannot cause illness but can still trigger an immune response.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When the vaccine is given, it prompts the production of specific antibodies that recognize and bind to the viral components in the vaccine. This marks the components for destruction by other immune cells. Additionally, the vaccine generates memory B cells, which can quickly respond to future exposure to similar strains.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It's important to note that the flu vaccine doesn't provide complete protection against all circulating strains. This is because influenza viruses can change over time, resulting in strains that are different from those included in the vaccine. However, getting vaccinated significantly reduces the risk and severity of influenza infection and its complications.</span></p>
<h2><b>How Effective Are Flu Vaccines</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Flu vaccines are a great way to protect against different strains of the influenza virus. Every year, experts create vaccines that target the most common strains expected during the flu season. It's important to note that the effectiveness of these vaccines can vary from year to year. This depends on factors like how well the vaccine matches the circulating strains and individual differences in immune response.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Research has shown that flu vaccines can help reduce the risk of getting sick with the flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these vaccines, on average, lower the risk of illness by about 40-60% when there's a good match between the vaccine and circulating viruses. However, it's important to remember that effectiveness can differ based on factors such as age and overall health.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The duration of protection from a flu vaccine varies based on various factors. Generally, immunity tends to weaken over time, which means individuals may become susceptible again after a certain period. Nevertheless, studies have demonstrated that even if immunity decreases, vaccinated individuals tend to experience milder symptoms if they do get infected by a strain covered by the vaccine.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Overall, while no vaccine offers complete protection against all influenza strains indefinitely, getting an annual flu shot is still one of the best preventive measures available. It helps reduce both the severity and transmission rates associated with this contagious respiratory illness.</span></p>
<h2><b>How Much Protection Does the Flu Shot Provide</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Flu shots have been studied extensively to determine how effective they are in protecting against different strains of the influenza virus. The effectiveness of a flu vaccine can vary depending on various factors, such as how well the strains in the vaccine match the ones circulating in a particular season.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here are a couple of important points to consider when it comes to the protection provided by flu shots:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Strain-specific Protection: Flu vaccines are specifically designed to target particular strains of the influenza virus that experts predict will be prevalent during a given season. Research has shown that when the vaccine strains align well with the circulating viruses, flu shots can offer considerable protection against those specific strains.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Cross-protection: In addition to providing protection against specific strains, there is evidence suggesting that flu vaccines may also offer some level of cross-protection against related but distinct strains of the influenza virus. This means that even if there isn't an exact match between the vaccine and the circulating strains, individuals who receive the vaccine may still experience some degree of protection against closely related viruses.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While flu shots cannot guarantee complete immunity against all types of influenza viruses, studies indicate that getting vaccinated can significantly reduce the risk of contracting the flu and experiencing severe symptoms caused by certain strains.</span></p>
<h2><b>How Long Does the Flu Shot Protection Last</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">How long does the flu shot protection last? Well, it turns out that the duration can vary from person to person. Factors such as age, individual immune response, and the specific strains in the vaccine can all play a role.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The flu shot is designed to protect against the most common flu strains during a particular season. However, because flu viruses are constantly changing, new strains can emerge, or existing ones can mutate. This means that the effectiveness of each year's vaccine may differ.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Studies have shown that flu vaccination provides protection for several months. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that flu vaccines are typically effective for about six to eight months. But it's important to remember that this can vary among individuals.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Age also plays a role in how long the flu shot's protection lasts. Older adults and people with weakened immune systems may have a shorter duration of immunity compared to younger, healthier individuals. Additionally, each person's unique immune response can impact how long they stay protected.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To ensure the best protection against influenza, it's recommended to get a flu shot every year. This is because new flu strains become more prevalent each year. By getting vaccinated annually, you can stay covered against the most recent circulating viruses and help protect yourself and your community from the flu.</span></p>
<h2><b>When to Get the Flu Shot</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The best time to get the flu shot depends on a few factors, such as your age, health, and the recommendations from public health organizations for that particular season. It's important to</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/flu-shots-castle-rock/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">get the flu shot</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">at the right time to ensure it's most effective and provides you with the necessary protection against influenza.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It's crucial to remember that the influenza season can vary from year to year. That's why public health organizations provide guidelines on when people should get their flu vaccines. These recommendations are based on careful analysis of data and scientific evidence.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here are some general things to consider when deciding when to get the flu shot:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">It's best to get vaccinated before the start of the influenza season.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">After receiving the vaccine, it takes about two weeks for antibodies to develop. Getting vaccinated early gives your body enough time to build up protection before potential exposure.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Specific recommendations can vary based on factors like age and health status:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">For adults and older children who don't have underlying medical conditions, it's typically recommended to get vaccinated in early fall or before October.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">High-risk individuals, such as pregnant women, young children aged 6 months to 5 years old, and those with chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems, may benefit from getting vaccinated earlier.</span></li>
</ul>
<h2><b>How Long Side Effects Last</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After you get the flu shot, you might experience some side effects that can last for a while. Don't worry though, these side effects are usually mild and only stick around for a few days. The most common side effects include soreness at the spot where you got the shot, a slight fever, muscle aches, and feeling tired. It's important to remember that these side effects don't mean you actually caught the flu. They're just your body's normal response to the vaccine.</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Soreness at injection site: 1-2 days</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Low-grade fever: 1-2 days</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Muscle aches: 1-3 days</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fatigue: 1-3 days</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It's worth mentioning that severe allergic reactions to the flu vaccine are rare, but they can happen. If you have trouble breathing, your face or throat swells up, or you break out in hives after getting the shot, get</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">medical care</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">help right away.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the end, most people only have mild side effects from the flu vaccine, and they usually go away in a few days. The protection you get from the vaccine is worth a little temporary discomfort.</span></p>
<h2><b>Who Should Get a Flu Shot</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When it comes to flu vaccination, it's important to consider who should get it. The flu virus can affect people of all ages, but certain groups are more susceptible to severe complications. There are two main subgroups in the adult population that should receive flu shots.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">First, the high-risk adults. This includes individuals who are 65 years and older. Older adults have a weakened immune system, which makes them more prone to severe illness from the flu. Additionally, adults with underlying medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and immunosuppression are also at a higher risk of complications from the flu.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another one would be the healthcare workers. These professionals come into contact with patients regularly and are exposed to various viruses, including the flu virus. By vaccinating healthcare workers, we not only protect them from getting sick but also prevent the transmission of the flu to vulnerable patient populations.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Apart from these specific groups, it is generally recommended that all adults receive an annual flu shot. This not only helps reduce individual illness but also contributes to herd immunity in communities.</span></p>
<h2><b>Who Shouldn't Get a Flu Shot</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When considering who should not receive a flu shot, it's important to take into account certain medical conditions that may pose risks or contraindications. While the flu vaccine is generally safe and recommended for most people, there are specific groups who should exercise caution or avoid vaccination altogether.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Individuals with severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to any component of the influenza vaccine should not receive the shot. This includes individuals with an allergy to eggs, as some vaccines are produced using egg-based technology. Additionally, those who have experienced Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) within six weeks after receiving a previous flu shot should consult with their</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/castle-rock-family-physicians/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">healthcare provider</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">before getting vaccinated again.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is essential for individuals falling into these categories to discuss their situation with a healthcare professional. A healthcare provider can assess their individual risks and offer appropriate advice on alternative preventive measures or treatments.</span></p>
<h2><b>Factors in Flu Shot Effectiveness</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The effectiveness of the flu shot can be influenced by various factors. These include the match between the vaccine strains and circulating flu viruses, individual immune response, and age-related decline in vaccine efficacy.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">One important factor that affects the effectiveness of the flu shot is the match between the vaccine strains and the circulating flu viruses. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends specific strains for each year's seasonal flu vaccine based on global surveillance data. The closer the match between these strains and the circulating flu viruses, the more effective the vaccine will be. However, there are times when there may be a mismatch between the vaccine strains and circulating viruses, which can reduce the effectiveness of the flu shot.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another factor that plays a role in</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/how-long-does-the-flu-shot-last/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">flu shot effectiveness</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">is the individual's immune response. The immune system plays a crucial role in determining how well a person responds to vaccination. Some individuals may have a robust immune response to the vaccine, resulting in high levels of protection against influenza. On the other hand, others may have a weaker response, leading to lower efficacy. Factors such as age, underlying health conditions, and previous exposure to similar influenza strains can impact individual immune responses.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Additionally, there is an age-related decline in vaccine efficacy. Studies have shown that older adults tend to have a diminished immune response to vaccines compared to younger individuals. This can result in reduced effectiveness of the flu shot among elderly populations. To address this issue, higher-dose or adjuvanted vaccines are available for older adults to enhance their immune response.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Understanding these factors is crucial for optimizing vaccination strategies and improving overall protection against seasonal influenza. By considering strain matching, individual immune responses, and age-related declines in efficacy when developing vaccines and implementing public health interventions, we can work towards maximizing flu shot effectiveness.</span></p>
<h2><b>Can You Still Catch Flu After the Vaccine</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Getting the flu shot doesn't guarantee complete protection against influenza. The effectiveness of the vaccine can vary from season to season and depends on different factors. While the vaccine is designed to protect against the most common strains of the flu for a particular season, it's not always 100% effective.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are several reasons why someone might still catch the flu even after getting vaccinated. One possible reason is that the strains included in the vaccine might not match the ones circulating in a given year. Additionally, individual immune responses can vary, and some people may not develop enough immunity after vaccination.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It's important to note that even if someone does get sick with the flu after getting the vaccine, studies have shown that vaccinated individuals generally have milder symptoms and are less likely to experience severe complications compared to those who are not vaccinated.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To maximize protection against the flu, it's recommended to get a flu shot every year as early as possible before the flu season begins. This allows enough time for immunity to develop and increases the chances of avoiding infection or having milder symptoms if exposed to the virus.</span></p>
<h2><b>Other Types of Flu Shot Protection</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are other ways to protect against influenza besides getting the flu vaccine. One option is to take antiviral medications, which can be prescribed by a healthcare professional. These medications work by stopping the virus from reproducing in the body, which can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another important measure is practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, using hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol can also be effective. These additional protective measures can complement the flu vaccine by directly targeting the virus or reducing transmission through contact with contaminated surfaces or respiratory droplets.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, it's important to note that these methods do not provide long-term immunity as the flu vaccine does. The flu shot stimulates the immune system to provide specific protection against circulating strains of influenza for a particular season. That's why it's crucial to get vaccinated every year to maintain optimal protection against influenza infections.</span></p>
<h2><b>Why Do I Get a Flu Shot Every Year</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Flu shots are recommended every year because the influenza viruses are constantly changing. Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza A and B viruses. These viruses undergo changes in their genetic material, which can give rise to new strains that are different from the ones encountered before. This means that the effectiveness of flu vaccines can vary from year to year, depending on how well they match the circulating strains.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To tackle this challenge, scientists closely monitor global influenza activity and make predictions about which strains are likely to circulate in the upcoming flu season. Based on these predictions, new flu vaccines are developed annually to protect against the anticipated viral strains. The composition of each year's vaccine is determined by recommendations from international organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and national regulatory agencies.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While it is possible for individuals to develop some immunity after recovering from one strain of influenza, this protection may not extend to other strains or subsequent seasons. That's why it's crucial to get vaccinated every year to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading influenza during the flu season. By staying up to date with vaccinations, we can help protect ourselves and others from potential complications associated with this common infectious disease.</span></p>
<h2><b>Why Do I Get a Flu Shot Every Year</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Every year, we are advised to get a flu shot, and you may be wondering why. Well, it turns out that the influenza viruses go through genetic changes over time. This means that new strains of the flu can emerge, and the vaccines from previous years may not provide enough protection against these new strains. That's why it's important to get a flu shot every year.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When you get a flu shot, it helps your body develop an immune response to recognize and fight specific strains of the influenza virus. However, this protection is not permanent. Over time, your immunity can gradually decrease, even if you've received a flu vaccine in the past. Studies have shown that the levels of antibodies induced by vaccination tend to decline over months or years.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To make sure you have optimal protection against the most recent circulating strains of the flu, it's recommended to get a flu shot annually. By doing so, you can boost and maintain protective antibody levels in your body. This will help you have a better defense against seasonal influenza infections.</span></p>
<h2><b>Changing Flu Strains</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The flu vaccine needs to be updated regularly due to the ever-changing nature of influenza viruses. Influenza, also known as the flu, is caused by a virus that has the ability to alter its genetic material through antigenic drift and antigenic shift. Antigenic drift refers to small changes in the viral surface proteins over time, leading to the emergence of new strains. Antigenic shift occurs when two different strains of the virus exchange genetic material, resulting in a significant change in the viral surface proteins.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">These changes in flu strains pose a challenge for public health authorities who work to develop effective vaccines each year. The flu vaccine contains inactivated or weakened forms of circulating influenza viruses from different strains. When introduced into our bodies, these components stimulate our immune system to produce specific antibodies against them. However, due to the constant evolution of influenza viruses, these antibodies may not be fully effective against newly emerging strains.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Therefore, regular updates are necessary for the flu vaccine formulation to ensure optimal protection against current circulating strains. Surveillance systems are used worldwide to monitor the prevalence and characteristics of flu viruses throughout each season. Based on this data, experts make predictions about which influenza strains are likely to be predominant in upcoming seasons and update the composition of flu vaccines accordingly.</span></p>
<p></p>FAQ's About Physical Therapy For Back Paintag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-11-24:2021996:BlogPost:2720642023-11-24T09:11:33.000ZPhysical Therapy Specialistshttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/DawnSandalcidi
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stubborn backpain can be one of the most debilitating ailments to afflict a person. Nearly every move a person makes involves the spine and the muscles in the back. Thus, if you are dealing with chronic pain, it can have a negative impact on your quality of life and well-being. The good news is there is hope for back pain when you choose physical therapy. While there are still situations that may require more invasive medical treatments, physical therapy is a…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stubborn backpain can be one of the most debilitating ailments to afflict a person. Nearly every move a person makes involves the spine and the muscles in the back. Thus, if you are dealing with chronic pain, it can have a negative impact on your quality of life and well-being. The good news is there is hope for back pain when you choose physical therapy. While there are still situations that may require more invasive medical treatments, physical therapy is a non-invasive way to heal and restore your back without the use of surgical intervention. If this sounds enticing, you may have questions about the process. Continue reading to have some of your most burning questions answered, so you can begin the process of physical therapy to heal your back pain and get your life back!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What Is Physical Therapy for Back Pain?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Physical therapy for back pain is a non-invasive method of utilizing passive and active treatment modalities to restore range of motion and reduce pain in the back. It also helps strengthen the muscles around the back, which helps prevent future injury. This type of therapy is often used as an alternative to surgery or other types of invasive procedures. It is also used after surgery to speed up recovery time.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">How Does Physical Therapy Work?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The goal of physical therapy is to improve function by restoring strength, flexibility, balance, coordination, and posture. These goals are accomplished through various methods including:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dry Needling- Dry needling is a technique where fine needles are inserted into muscle tissue to stimulate blood flow and increase healing potential.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Myofascial Release- Myofascial release is a technique where therapists apply pressure to specific areas of the body to break down scar tissue and relax tight muscles. By removing tightness in the muscles, mobility will be improved. This treatment is often accompanied by joint and soft tissue mobilization which also works to restore range of motion.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Strength and Length Exercises- Strength exercises are designed to build endurance and strength while stretching out tight muscles.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rehabilitative Ultrasound- Rehabilitative ultrasound works to establish brain/body recognition of the core muscles being activated properly by allowing you to see your core musculature during the ultrasound. Thereby, retraining your body and subsequently improving muscle function. Simply put, with a strong and stable core, your back will be flexible and pain free once more.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Exercise Programs- Exercise programs are designed to improve movement patterns and strengthen weak muscles.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Therapeutic Ultrasound and Cold Laser- Therapeutic ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to penetrate deep tissue layers to promote healing, reduce pain, improve circulation and the mobility of soft tissues. On the other hand, cold laser therapy uses low level light energy to target specific areas of tissue and encourage the healing process.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tailored Home Exercise Program and Patient Education- Take lessons learned during therapy and apply them at home to make lasting change.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And Much More!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy for Back Pain?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are many benefits to choosing physical therapy for back pain. Some of these include:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pain Relief- When you suffer from back pain, it impacts every area of your life. With the implementation of a successful physical therapy program, you can enjoy the reduction or full mitigation of back pain.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Improved Functionality- After undergoing physical therapy, you will experience improvements in your ability to perform daily activities. You will feel stronger, more flexible, and better able to maintain proper posture.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Reduced Risk of Injury- Physical therapy is a great way to avoid further injuries to your back. Through rehabilitation techniques, you will learn how to protect yourself against future injury.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Avoid Surgery- Physical therapy is often successful in alleviating back pain and restoring mobility, so you can avoid surgery.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Kiss Pain Pills Goodbye- The long-term use of pain pills puts you at risk of dependency, addiction, stomach problems, and a host of other negative side effects. Physical therapy can effectively mitigate the issues responsible for your back pain, so you can get back to living life without relying on pain pills to get through the day.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">How Quickly Can I Expect Results?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Since each patient is unique the timetable for experiencing results will vary greatly from person to person. In general, most people begin seeing results in as little as 3-6 weeks, although depending on the severity of your condition, it may take longer. Ultimately, physical therapy comes down to healing the underlying cause of your pain and dysfunction by utilizing a treatment plan that has been tailored to address your needs and goals. Thus, the time it takes for healing to begin, will directly correlate to your treatment plan and the underlying condition that is being treated.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Why Is Physical Therapy Superior to Finding an Exercise Program Online?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Physical therapy is superior to online exercise programs because it provides an individualized approach to treating your specific problem. This means that you will be working with a therapist who understands your particular situation and knows what exercises are best suited to alleviate the source of your back pain. Additionally, physical therapists have years of medical training and access to state-of-the art equipment that allows them to provide the highest quality care possible. Thus, there is simply no way to replicate the kind of care and knowledge you will receive from a physical therapist. As a matter of fact, you may actually further aggravate your condition by attempting to implement a one size fits all approach taught by an online video.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Who Should Seek Physical Therapy for Back Pain?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Physical therapy is known to be effective in treating a wide range of conditions. While there are many different causes of back pain, ranging from normal aging to work or sports related injuries, physical therapy can be used effectively to improve quality of life. Whether your pain is originating from too many hours slouched in front of your desktop at work, arthritis, or playing football, physical therapy can improve outcomes and reduce the chances that you will need surgery.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Why Is Physical Therapy Superior to Other Back Pain Treatment Options?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While there are many options available for treating back pain, including medication, injections, and surgery, these treatments do not address the underlying cause of your condition. By addressing the root cause of your back pain, physical therapy can help alleviate symptoms while also reducing the likelihood of needing additional procedures.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After learning more about physical therapy for back pain, what are you waiting for? Don't live another day with agonizing back pain, living life on the side lines. Get back to living life to the fullest, when you take back your health with physical therapy treatment!</span></p>What Is a Primary Care Doctor?tag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-11-24:2021996:BlogPost:2721222023-11-24T04:11:33.000ZFounders Family Medicinehttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/AnthonyCerullo
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A primary care or family doctor is a physician that specializes in routine medical care for the whole family. A primary care doctor’s office is typically the first place you will visit if you are sick or in need of an annual physical. A family doctor can help treat and manage a wide range of medical conditions and illnesses. Furthermore, if you are in need of specialist care, your family doctor will be responsible for referring you to the appropriate person.…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A primary care or family doctor is a physician that specializes in routine medical care for the whole family. A primary care doctor’s office is typically the first place you will visit if you are sick or in need of an annual physical. A family doctor can help treat and manage a wide range of medical conditions and illnesses. Furthermore, if you are in need of specialist care, your family doctor will be responsible for referring you to the appropriate person. The main goal of family medicine is to partner with you throughout your lifetime to live a healthy lifestyle and maintain peak health. These practitioners are an important part of your comprehensive medical care. Read on to learn more about what these doctors do and why they are an important part of your</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/castle-rock-healthcare-testimonials/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">health care team</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p>
<h2><b>What Types of Conditions or Illnesses Do Primary Care Doctors Treat?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Primary care physicians are responsible for managing and treating a wide range of medical conditions, including chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and obesity. They also provide preventive care services such as vaccinations, physical exams, and screenings for a variety of health conditions. They often receive visits from sick or injured patients and may administer Covid or Flu testing in their offices. In some cases, primary care doctors may even provide mental health services, associated medications, gynecological exams, or birth control. However, a primary care physician will refer whenever necessary to ensure you receive the specialized care you need when you need it.</span></p>
<h2><b>Why Should I Consider Establishing Care with a Primary Care Doctor?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are many reasons it is necessary, as well as beneficial to have your own primary care physician. Consider them below:</span></p>
<ol>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Establishing a Long-Term Relationship: Primary care physicians build relationships with their patients over time, getting to know them and their medical histories. This makes it easier for your doctor to understand any changes in your health and more accurately diagnose any issues you may have. While urgent care is great when you come down with a cold or the flu, there is no substitute for the comfort and experience a provider can offer to long-term patients.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Prevention as a Focus: Primary care doctors focus on preventive care; meaning they will monitor your overall health through regular well-checks and monitor any chronic conditions you may have. Well checks are also an essential tool in identifying developing health conditions more quickly, so treatment can begin before a more serious condition develops like a stroke or heart attack.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Coordinating Care: In cases where a specialist is needed, your primary care physician will be able to refer you to the appropriate person. This makes it easier for patients to access the care they need without having to find a specialist on their own. This also helps ensure that all specialists involved in your care have the same information regarding your health history, allowing for a more comprehensive approach to your care.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Accessibility: Primary care physicians typically have more accessibility than specialists, making it easier to schedule appointments or contact them with questions or concerns. This allows you to see a doctor when you need to, instead of waiting for months to see a specialist. Even if you are in need of more specialized care, a primary care doctor can help keep you comfortable until they can get you an appointment at a specialist practice.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Keep on Top of Chronic Conditions: Having a primary care physician is key in managing chronic conditions. They can provide you with the guidance and the resources necessary for staying on top of your health. Additionally, they will regularly monitor how your condition is progressing and will make sure that any medical treatments are working effectively to treat your condition. When it comes to chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, or asthma, having a doctor who knows your medical history and who can provide personalized recommendations is invaluable. Your doctor will also be able to recommend lifestyle changes or suggest new treatments that may help you better manage your condition overtime.</span></li>
</ol>
<h2><b>When Should I Visit a Primary Care Doctor?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are many reasons to visit a</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">primary care doctor</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, aside from illness or injury. It is important to make regular appointments for well-checks and complete an annual physical to ensure you’re healthy and to address any potential issues before they develop into serious medical problems. Additionally, if you have any chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma, it is important to see a primary care doctor for regular check-ups to address and manage these conditions. Lastly, be sure to schedule an appointment any time you have concerns or questions related to your health or lifestyle.</span></p>
<h2><b>What Will a Typical Visit to My Primary Care Physician Look Like?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">During a typical visit to your primary care doctor, your physician will likely start by asking questions about any changes in your health since your last visit. This can include topics, such as what medications you are taking, family history, any new symptoms you have noticed, and general lifestyle questions. After this initial discussion, the doctor will perform a physical exam and check your vitals like heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. They may also order additional tests or screenings, depending on your age, medical history, and the reason for your visit. If you receive a diagnosis or if there are changes to an existing condition, they will discuss any suggested treatment plans with you and answer any questions you may have.</span></p>
<h2><b>What Should I Do to Prepare for A Visit with My Primary Care Physician?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Prior to your scheduled appointment, it is important to make sure you are prepared with any relevant information that may pertain to your health. This includes creating a list of any current medications, supplements, or vitamins you are taking and bringing them along for the doctor to review. Additionally, it can be helpful to write down any questions or concerns you may have about your health, so you remember to ask them during the visit.</span></p>
<h2><b>How Do I Locate a Reputable Primary Care Physician in My Area?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Finding the right primary care physician for you can be a daunting task, but it is important to take your time, and research potential doctors in your area. Start by asking friends, family members, or coworkers who they recommend and check online reviews and ratings for doctors in your area. You can also contact local hospitals or clinics for recommendations. Once you have narrowed down your list of potential physicians, contact their office to ask any questions you may have, as well as to get a sense of their office culture and policies. Ultimately, once you've determined which doctor you would like to visit, schedule an initial appointment to establish care and see if you are comfortable with the practitioner. If for some reason you end up dissatisfied with your primary care doctor, it is important to your health to find a</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/castle-rock-family-physicians/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">family physician</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">who is right for you.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After learning more about primary care doctors, their importance, and the conditions they treat, don't put your health on the back burner another day. Get started finding the right primary care doctor for you today!</span></p>Gone But Never Forgottentag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-11-17:2021996:BlogPost:2718912023-11-17T18:51:39.000ZJ_Meadehttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/JMeade
<p><a href="https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2022/09/01/a51b3b0b-58a2-4d8b-b2d5-2f4a2079214f/thumbnail/640x360/e7b57e0f0ae93d47f1a79f67223a91bc/new-vista-high-school-2.jpg?v=4d0a8a0e724da64f433bf70cf12725a2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Baseline Junior High.</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">This is the place where I </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Broke all of the rules, right as I was breaking myself.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Baseline…</span></p>
<p><a href="https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2022/09/01/a51b3b0b-58a2-4d8b-b2d5-2f4a2079214f/thumbnail/640x360/e7b57e0f0ae93d47f1a79f67223a91bc/new-vista-high-school-2.jpg?v=4d0a8a0e724da64f433bf70cf12725a2"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Baseline Junior High.</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">This is the place where I </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Broke all of the rules, right as I was breaking myself.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Baseline Junior High, my old middle school </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Was torn down not long ago, it’s true</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And it’s given me a reason to go back through</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My memories to process what happened there.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Baseline Junior High. Grades 7-9. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A time when I grew</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In both body and mind.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And though I grew </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I wish I knew then </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What I know now. </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Baseline Junior High. Grades 7-9.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That’s the place where it all happened.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That big red brick building watched me transition</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Through my tough teen years into adulthood.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What a rough transition it turned out to be.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">That process of becoming “me.”</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As if puberty wasn’t enough strife, </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I had the reality of a rotten home life. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Of a hard working single mom who never yelped</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">About my deadbeat dad who, when I was two,</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rode his Harley off into the sunset. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Seriously man: stay away!</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But Dear Old Dad came back.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Dad’s return spun me like a top</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Making me stop and question who I was </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Who had made me this way? </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Who gave me my short temper</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Who gave me the inability to pay attention?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Longer than five minutes at a time</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My frustration bubbled over </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And manifested in what my teachers called</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“A behavior problem” that got me hauled</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fast into the Principal’s office. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Trouble became a mask I hid behind</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">They stopped adding me to the daily Detention dossier. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">They knew I’d just show up anyway.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Detention became my favorite “class.” </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It became my safe place.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It was the rule breakers’ hang out space.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It was heavenly! It’s where I could be me. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It was where I could be asked</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To take off the mask.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">You see, what I didn’t know at the time</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Was that my friends and I </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Had something in common.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We had ADHD and other problems.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Paying attention in class was almost impossible. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We were expected to be like everyone else. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We weren’t like everyone else though.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We couldn’t be like everyone else. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So off to detention we’d go. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And it’s really NOT because </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We were bad kids but because </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We were misunderstood. </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In 1990 we didn’t talk about ADHD.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We just blamed bad behavior on bad attitudes.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On broken homes.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On bad parenting.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Everything was a bone of contention,</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And the solutions were not working.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Only a few of us managed to make it out.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Managed to escape a system whose structure</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Labeled us different.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Labeled us outcasts.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Labeled us misfits. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most of us dropped out of school,</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Myself included. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most of us ended up in jail.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Myself included.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Metal bars, I learned the hard way</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Aren’t meant for 14 year olds. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">School is meant for teens, but if I wanted to stay, </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It had to be a game for me to play</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Where everyone but me </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Made the rules. </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most players in this game didn’t need </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To know the rules. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The rules were made for the normal kids </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">To know what the rule breakers were doing. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So they could avoid being like us. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Like an advertisement of what not to be.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I had to learn on my own how to cope.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For my ADHD. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For my short attention span. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For my short temper. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For my inability to keep track of schedules </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For the reason I always lose stuff!</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And this will probably raise an eyebrow:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I teach middle school myself now! </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And Baseline Junior High</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Is with me every day when I </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Walk into my own classroom. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I don’t just see my students. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I see myself. </span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I don’t just see rebellious rowdy teenagers. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I see normal kids that are each a little bit different. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I see kids that can focus </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And I see the ones that can’t. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I hear the loud ones and I watch </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As others shrink from the noise and cover their ears. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And every day I hear the quiet ones, </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The shy ones who are too terrified to speak</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And when they do it’s just a squeak. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It’s just a whisper.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">And it’s okay! </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All y'all are okay. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I want to celebrate that we </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">All share the same sky. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I wish I had a place to value me</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When I was in middle school. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Instead, I got Baseline Junior High. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">They may have torn Baseline down</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">But it’s eternal for me.</span></p>Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapytag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-11-17:2021996:BlogPost:2718872023-11-17T06:05:01.000ZPhysical Therapy Specialistshttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/DawnSandalcidi
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If your doctor has recommended physical therapy following an accident, injury, or illness, you may have many questions regarding the process. While many people come with preconceived ideas about what physical therapy entails, modern treatment modalities have evolved over time and therapists treat conditions ranging from back injuries to incontinence and everything in between. Physical therapy is one of the single most beneficial things you can do to improve…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If your doctor has recommended physical therapy following an accident, injury, or illness, you may have many questions regarding the process. While many people come with preconceived ideas about what physical therapy entails, modern treatment modalities have evolved over time and therapists treat conditions ranging from back injuries to incontinence and everything in between. Physical therapy is one of the single most beneficial things you can do to improve your health without relying upon medication or more invasive measures like surgical intervention. Read on to learn more about physical therapy and have some of your most frequently asked questions addressed.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What Is Physical Therapy?</span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.ptspecialist.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Physical therapy</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">is a type of healthcare that focuses on restoring movement and function to the body. It is often used to treat physical impairments or disabilities caused by an injury, illness, or surgery. Physical therapists use a variety of techniques to help patients improve their mobility, strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. They seek to provide healing and pain relief, no matter what the underlying cause.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">They utilize a variety of treatments and modalities that may include exercises, Myofascial Release, Connective/Soft Tissue Mobilization, Visceral Manipulation, stretches, a home exercise plan, core stabilization, massage, Rehabilitative Ultrasound Imaging, Cold Lasor Therapy, Joint Mobilization, electrical stimulation, Cupping/Gua Sha, ultrasound therapy, Surface EMG/Biofeedback, Iontophoresis, and Functional Trigger Point Dry Needling/Intramuscular Manual Therapy. Regardless of the treatment method employed by the therapist, each person is respected as an individual and will receive one or a combination of several of the above treatment modalities to address the underlying problem. That way symptoms can be resolved rather than covered up.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What Conditions Can Physical Therapy Treat?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Physical therapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, ankle sprains and strains, arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, post-surgical rehabilitation, sports injuries, balance disorders, incontinence issues, and more. Some physical therapists even specialize in conditions like</span> <a href="https://www.ptspecialist.com/pediatric-physical-therapy-denver-colorado/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">pediatric physical therapy</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, prenatal/postpartum therapy, TMJ therapy, and Golf physical therapy to address the unique challenges associated with these conditions.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What Can I Expect During a Physical Therapy Appointment?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">During a physical therapy appointment, your therapist will first assess your condition and develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. This may include a combination of manual therapy techniques, exercises, stretches, and other modalities. Your therapist will then guide you through the treatment plan and provide feedback on how to best perform each exercise or activity. They may also provide education about your condition and how to prevent future injuries. As the weeks go on, your therapist will monitor your progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed with the ultimate goal being your healing and independence so therapy can be terminated.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What Type of Clothing Should I Wear to My Therapy Appointment?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is important to wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Loose-fitting clothing such as shorts, sweatpants, and t-shirts are ideal. You may also want to bring a pair of sneakers or other supportive shoes for any exercises that require them. If you are being treated for an upper body injury, it is best to wear a tank top or sports bra so your therapist can access the area easily.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Do Physical Therapy Clinics Accept Medical Insurance?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most physical therapy clinics accept medical insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid. However, it is important to check with your insurance provider to make sure that the clinic you are considering is in-network. Additionally, some clinics may require a referral from your doctor before they will accept your insurance. It is also important to note that some insurance plans may have limits on the number of visits or treatments that are covered. Henceforth, it is important to check with your provider before beginning treatment to ensure you have the proper coverage and don't end up with a nasty surprise bill later.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Is Physical Therapy the Same Thing as Occupational Therapy?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">No, while they are similar in some respects, they have marked differences in their approach, as well as their areas of specialization.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Physical therapy primarily focuses upon restoring movement and function to the body, while occupational therapy focuses on helping people with disabilities or injuries to perform daily activities. Physical therapists use a variety of techniques such as exercise, stretching, massage, and manual therapy to help improve mobility and reduce pain, taking a whole-body approach to healing. Occupational therapists, on the other hand, focus more on specific areas of the body, such as the hands to help patients regain fine motor skills. They do so by utilizing a variety of techniques such as adaptive equipment, splinting, and cognitive retraining to help patients regain the ability to perform daily activities.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Do I Really Have to Bother Doing My Home Exercise Plan?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yes, it is important to follow your home exercise plan as prescribed by your physical therapist. The exercises are designed to help you progress in your recovery and reach your goals. Doing the exercises regularly will also help you maintain the gains you have made during therapy sessions and prevent future injuries. Additionally, since they work hand in hand with the work you are doing during your sessions, it can help you recover faster and terminate therapy more quickly. However, if you are having difficulty with any of the exercises or activities, be sure to let your therapist know so they can adjust the plan accordingly.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Will Physical Therapy Be Painful?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">No, physical therapy should not be painful. While it is normal to experience some discomfort during treatment, your therapist will work with you to ensure that the exercises are done in a way that is comfortable and safe for you. If you ever feel any pain or discomfort during a session, be sure to let your therapist know so they can make adjustments as necessary.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On Average, How Long Will I Need to Do Physical Therapy?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The length of time you will need to do physical therapy depends on the severity of your injury or condition and how quickly you respond to treatment. Generally speaking, most people can expect to be in physical therapy for 4-6 weeks; although, some may require more or less time depending on their individual needs. Your therapist will work with you to develop a plan that is tailored to your specific goals and progress.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In conclusion, physical therapy is a great option for those who are looking to improve their overall health and wellness. Therapy can help reduce pain, improve mobility, prevent future injuries, and increase strength and flexibility. It may even reduce or eliminate the need for medication and/or surgical intervention. So, what do you have to lose? Armed with the answers to your questions, today is the day to make a physical therapy appointment!</span></p>Everything You Need To Know About Arthritistag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-11-17:2021996:BlogPost:2718052023-11-17T05:12:57.000ZFounders Family Medicinehttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/AnthonyCerullo
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Arthritis is a common yet deeply debilitating medical condition, characterized by pain and impaired mobility of the joints. Prior accidents, heredity, age, and other factors influence the type of arthritis, severity, and level of discomfort it causes to those it afflicts. As a chronic condition, having the right medical practitioner to give you an initial diagnosis and preside over your ongoing treatment will be important in ensuring you live a comfortable…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Arthritis is a common yet deeply debilitating medical condition, characterized by pain and impaired mobility of the joints. Prior accidents, heredity, age, and other factors influence the type of arthritis, severity, and level of discomfort it causes to those it afflicts. As a chronic condition, having the right medical practitioner to give you an initial diagnosis and preside over your ongoing treatment will be important in ensuring you live a comfortable life despite your condition. Continue reading to learn more about arthritis and how a knowledgeable doctor can help.</span></p>
<p><b>What Is Arthritis?</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Arthritis is defined as joint inflammation that results from a variety of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), degenerative arthritis, infectious arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, inflammatory arthritis, gout, reactive arthritis, metabolic arthritis, septic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and reactive arthritis. This medical condition affects approximately 50 million Americans, with women being twice as likely to develop RA as men. The most common form of arthritis is OA, which accounts for 80% of all cases with RA in second place. Both begin as inflammatory diseases of the synovial membranes that line the joints. Although, they differ in the way they progress and the way they affect the body.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Osteoarthritis (also called degenerative arthritis) occurs when cartilage becomes worn down and begins to break down. This leads to bone rubbing against bone, causing pain and loss of motion. OA is the leading cause of disability worldwide, affecting nearly every major joint in the body since arthritis targets the cartilage of the joints causing it to breakdown</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Rheumatoid arthritis (also called autoimmune arthritis) is caused by the immune system attacking healthy cells in the joints. The body then produces antibodies that attack the lining of the joints, causing them to swell and become inflamed. Similar to OA, RA causes damage to the joints, creating issues of mobility and extreme pain; however, since it is an autoimmune disease, the person's own immune system attacks their joints causing arthritis. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Another common form of arthritis is JIA or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis/juvenile idiopathic polyarthritis. Unlike OA, JIA only affects children under the age of 16. It is characterized by swelling and stiffness in multiple joints.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Arthritis can affect any part of the body but tends to start in the large weight-bearing joints first. Thus, while arthritis impacts the entire body, it often first shows symptoms in the hips, knees, hands, feet, ankles, shoulders, elbows, wrists, neck, back, and spine.</span></p>
<p><b>What Are the Symptoms?</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While there are many different types of arthritis, they all share some similar symptoms; although, complete symptomology will vary depending on what type of arthritis you have. Furthermore, due to differences in people, some people don’t experience any symptoms until the disease has progressed quite far, while others will notice early warning signs. Below are some of the most common symptoms and warning signs of various types of arthritis:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pain – Joints become stiff and swollen due to inflammation.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Swelling – Due to the accumulation of fluid around the affected area.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Redness – A result of blood vessels become dilated.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Stiffness – Due to muscles losing their flexibility.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Tenderness – Painful areas feel tender when touched.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Heat – Joints may feel warm to the touch.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Loss of function – Losing the ability to move certain parts of the body.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Morning stiffness – Stiffness that is present upon waking and lessons throughout the day.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fatigue – Feeling tired all the time.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Muscle aches – Muscle soreness following exercise.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Weight gain – Excess fat around the waistline.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Joint pain – Pain in one or more joints.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Fever – Unexplained, frequent fevers over 100 degrees F.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Headaches – Headaches that last longer than 24 hours.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you have any of these symptoms, it’s best to see your doctor immediately. If left untreated, arthritis can lead to permanent damage and even deformity of your joints. The good news is the earlier you seek treatment for arthritis, the better off you’ll be. In fact, if caught early enough, most forms of arthritis can be treated successfully.</span></p>
<p><b>Who Is at Risk for Arthritis?</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Arthritis can affect anyone at any time, but it tends to occur more often during middle age. Statistically speaking, 1 in 4 people in the U.S have been diagnosed with some</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/medical-services-castle-rock/arthritis/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">form of arthritis</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Women, in general, are more prone to developing arthritis than men, especially after menopause. This is because women have higher levels of estrogen than men, and estrogen plays an important role in the development of osteoarthritis. However, both genders experience arthritis equally once past this point. While arthritis does not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic status, those with a family history of arthritis are more likely to develop it themselves as genetics are powerful predictors of the onset of medical conditions.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Additionally, those who have sustained joint injuries in the past are naturally more susceptible to the onset of arthritis later in life. In the same vein, those who play sports or have occupations that include consistent repetitive activities will also be susceptible to the development of arthritis, simply due to the constant burden on their joints. Medical issues like infection can also play a powerful role in the disease.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lastly, obesity and smoking are known to greatly increase the risk of developing some form of the disease. This is because smoking has been directly linked to joint problems namely arthritis while harboring excess weight is known to put stress on the joints making them more susceptible to arthritis. In these cases, there is hope as these risk factors can be eliminated with lifestyle changes resulting in a drastic decrease in symptoms or the possibility that arthritis will never develop in the first place.</span></p>
<p><b>How Can a Doctor Help?</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you suspect you might have arthritis, it is important to contact a doctor as soon as possible. A physician will be able to run the right tests so you can be properly diagnosed and begin a treatment plan tailored to the type of arthritis you have, immediately. A doctor will also be able to prescribe relevant medications to improve your symptoms and help slow the associated damages caused by untreated arthritis. In some cases, a family physician will refer you to a specialist who is more adept in treating your specific kind of arthritis. However, even when specialist treatment is involved, your</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">family practitioner</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">will continue to be an important part of your comprehensive treatment plan.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thus, don't go another day longer, suffering from the pain and other unpleasant symptoms of arthritis. With the right treatment plan, you can get back to more than just living but thriving once more!</span></p>
<p></p>What Is TMJ Physical Therapy?tag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-11-10:2021996:BlogPost:2720482023-11-10T05:35:34.000ZPhysical Therapy Specialistshttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/DawnSandalcidi
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Patients frequently seek physical therapy to address the pain associated with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, also known as TMD. This condition results from an improper functioning of the jaw resulting in pain and headaches. Since the issue stems from a malfunctioning in the temporomandibular joint, this disorder is interchangeably referred to as TMJ. For the purposes of this article, TMD will be referred to as TMJ going forward.…</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Patients frequently seek physical therapy to address the pain associated with Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, also known as TMD. This condition results from an improper functioning of the jaw resulting in pain and headaches. Since the issue stems from a malfunctioning in the temporomandibular joint, this disorder is interchangeably referred to as TMJ. For the purposes of this article, TMD will be referred to as TMJ going forward.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Most commonly, patients seek physical therapy due to the unpleasant symptom of recurrent headaches, at which point it is discovered that the underlying cause of the pain is a result of TMJ. Thus, physical therapy for TMJ includes specialized techniques to help restore the mobility and functioning of the temporomandibular joint, subsequently relieving the associated issues of pain. That way you receive treatment specialized to your body and condition, so more than just symptoms are addressed, but rather the root cause of your pain. Get back to living life to the fullest with physical therapy for TMJ!</span></p>
<p><b>Understanding What TMJ Is</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In order to understand the benefits of TMJ therapy and how it works, it will be important to first gain a fuller understanding of what TMJ is. Simply put, the joint that connects your jaw to your skull is called the temporomandibular joint and is responsible for actions like chewing, speaking, opening/closing your mouth, and yawning. Thus, when this area quits functioning properly due to cartilage deterioration or the erosion/misalignment of the disk within the joint, the resulting symptoms will be painful and problematic to your everyday life. This is why</span> <a href="https://www.ptspecialist.com/tmj-physical-therapy-denver-colorado/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">TMJ physical therapy</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">is so important in the restoration of your quality of life and functioning.</span></p>
<p><b>What Are the Symptoms of TMJ?</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you notice any of the symptoms that will be discussed below, it is possible you are suffering from TMJ and could benefit from physical therapy. However, the most accurate way to determine what is causing your symptoms is to be fully evaluated by a professional, so your treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs and the true source of your discomfort can be determined, targeted, and mitigated. With this in mind, if you notice an uptick in headaches, facial swelling, the inability to fully open your mouth, clicking in your jaw, pain in your jaw, locking jaw, or painful bite, you should see a professional immediately as it is likely you are suffering from TMJ.</span></p>
<p><b>TMJ Physical Therapy: What to Expect During Your Initial Session</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The first step when seeking physical therapy for TMJ is to schedule an initial session with a physical therapist knowledgeable about TMJ treatment. During this session he or she will discuss your current medical history, any previous treatments or injuries, and what type of treatment plan would best suit your needs. The therapist will also ask about your expectations for recovery. In addition, a thorough examination will be performed on your mouth and jaw to determine if there are any other contributing factors to your pain besides TMJ. Once all these questions have been answered, the therapist can then create a customized treatment plan specific to your unique situation.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">For example, some patients may benefit from exercises designed to strengthen muscles around the jaw, while others may need to focus on improving range of motion. Also, depending on your age, gender, and overall health, certain types of exercise may be better suited for you than others.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Once your treatment plan has been created, the next step is to begin working towards achieving your goals. The goal of physical therapy is to provide you with the most effective treatment possible, that is tailored specifically to your needs. As such, each patient’s treatment is different. Some patients may only need a single session each week, while others may require multiple visits per week. It is important to remember that every person responds differently to treatment and therefore no two patients are alike.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The right team of professionals will work together to ensure that you get the most out of your time spent in therapy. Your physical therapist will make sure you understand how your treatment works, why it is necessary, and how long it will take to achieve success. Additionally, you will be provided with a written treatment plan outlining exactly what you should expect during the recovery process, so you are fully equipped to aid in your own healing.</span></p>
<p><b>What Types of Treatments May Be Used to Treat TMJ?</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The following are some examples of things you might experience during your TMJ physical therapy sessions.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Exercise:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">- Range Of Motion Exercises: These involve stretching and strengthening movements to improve movement patterns.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">- Exercises To Heal TMJ: These include different stretches to target the stabilization of the jaw, the use of the tongue, and other relevant stretches.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">- Breathing Exercises: These teach you how to breathe properly to reduce stress and tension.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">- Stability Exercises: These exercises are targeted to help with the neck and shoulders stability.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Treatment Modalities:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition to exercise, some specific techniques are effectively used in the treatment of TMJ. Continue reading below to learn more about these techniques.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">- Trigger Point Dry Needling: This involves using small needles to stimulate trigger points within the body. Trigger points are areas where the muscles become tense and cause pain. By stimulating these trigger points, the muscles relax, and the pain goes away.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">-Ultrasound: Ultrasounds are sound waves that produce vibrations within tissues. The purpose of ultrasound is to stimulate soft tissue growth and repair.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">-Home Exercise Program: A home exercise program provides instructions on how to perform simple exercises at home to continue the process of healing outside of the physical therapy office. These exercises may be done while watching television, reading, or doing housework.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">-Myofascial Release: Myofascial release is a form of manual therapy that uses gentle pressure to break up adhesions (tissues that have formed around joints) and loosen tight muscle fibers.</span></p>
<p><b>Don't Live with Pain Any Longer</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you are suffering from pain and discomfort associated with TMJ, don't go another day without seeing a physical therapist. With the right treatment, your functioning and pain can be improved or eliminated entirely. Get your life back without taking strong drugs or dealing with invasive surgeries. Your health impacts every part of your life. Take back your quality of life with TMJ physical therapy!</span></p>Is Urgent Care More Affordable Than Going to the ER?tag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-11-10:2021996:BlogPost:2718822023-11-10T03:56:19.000ZFounders Family Medicinehttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/AnthonyCerullo
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Urgent care centers are springing up all over the country and are becoming an important part of our healthcare system. Whereas we were once constrained to normal business hours at a family doctor's office or forced to go to the ER, if we got sick after hours, with the advent of urgent care centers, there is another option. While there are many great reasons to consider visiting an urgent care instead of the ER, one of the most powerful reasons is to save…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Urgent care centers are springing up all over the country and are becoming an important part of our healthcare system. Whereas we were once constrained to normal business hours at a family doctor's office or forced to go to the ER, if we got sick after hours, with the advent of urgent care centers, there is another option. While there are many great reasons to consider visiting an urgent care instead of the ER, one of the most powerful reasons is to save money. Simply put, for non-emergency situations, urgent care centers offer competitive pricing that emergency rooms simply can't compete with. Read on to learn more about urgent care centers and there many benefits!</span></p>
<h2><b>How Do Urgent Care Facilities and Emergency Rooms Differ?</b></h2>
<p><a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Urgent care centers</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">and emergency rooms differ in terms of their services, staff, and availability. Urgent care centers offer comprehensive medical services for both minor and major medical conditions, such as vaccinations, physicals, X-rays, lab work, diagnostics,</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/how-to-manage-seasonal-allergies/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">treatment of seasonal allergies</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, illnesses, and infections, as well as minor surgeries and stitches. They are staffed with physicians and other healthcare professionals who specialize in urgent care medicine. These facilities are typically open seven days a week, with flexible hours and extended hours on nights and weekends, effectively offering competitive hours with an ER. Due to this, urgent care centers are able to offer fast and convenient care for non-emergency situations, so you can avoid the ER unless it is a true emergency.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">On the other hand, emergency rooms are used to treat serious medical conditions that require immediate attention such as heart attacks, strokes, or other severe traumas. ERs are equipped to provide life-saving treatments 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. They are staffed with a team of doctors, nurses and technicians who are ready to deal with any medical emergency that comes their way. ER’s remain open constantly, day and night, no matter what day of the year it is setting them apart as having the greatest availability. However, you can expect to wait much longer at the ER than an urgent care facility for similar treatment. Ultimately, ER's offer care, every hour of every day, so when a true emergency occurs, you can receive the help you need.</span></p>
<h2><b>What Are the Costs Associated With Visiting An Urgent Care Center?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The cost of going to an urgent care center is much lower than going to the ER. The price for a visit at an urgent care facility can range from $50 – $200 depending on the services provided. On the other hand, the average cost of a trip to the ER can range from $150 – $3,000 depending on the severity of your condition. Thus, if you are without health insurance, it will be much more affordable and feasible to pay for services at an urgent care then going to an ER and the best part is you will still receive quality medical care.</span></p>
<h2><b>Do Urgent Care Centers Accept Insurance?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yes, most urgent care centers accept insurance. As a matter of fact, the majority of insurance companies have started to offer lower co-pays for urgent care visits than they do for ER visits, due to the lower costs associated with receiving medical care at these facilities. Thus, if you have insurance, you can save even more money by visiting an urgent care over the ER for any non-emergency medical care you need.</span></p>
<h2><b>The Benefits of Visiting an Urgent Care Center</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Visiting an urgent care center is beneficial for a variety of reasons. Aside from being more affordable than the ER, these facilities offer a number of other attractive advantages such as:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Convenience and Flexibility – Most urgent care centers are open seven days a week with flexible hours and extended hours on nights and weekends. This makes it much easier to get the care you need when you need it, since you can schedule an appointment or simply walk-in even if it is after hours.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Quality Care – Urgent care centers are staffed with physicians and other healthcare professionals who specialize in urgent care medicine and provide quality medical care for both minor and major medical conditions. Urgent care offers the same quality of care you would receive from a family doctor or the ER for non-emergency illnesses/injuries, only with increased convenience and affordability.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Quick Diagnosis – Urgent care centers are equipped with advanced diagnostics and lab work, so they can quickly diagnose any medical condition you may have and get you the treatment you need. Instead of going to the Dr. just to have them send you over to the hospital for an X-ray or bloodwork, you can get everything you need all in one place. That way when you are suffering, with an illness or injury, you can get home to rest more quickly.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Expedited Wait Times – Since urgent care centers are not as crowded or busy as the ER, you can usually expect to be seen much faster than if you went to the ER. Moreover, since most urgent care centers now offer appointment scheduling, you can hold you spot and rest at home, until it is time to arrive to be seen. This helps you avoid sitting in a waiting room, unnecessarily, when you are feeling bad or in pain.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With so many great benefits for choosing urgent care over the ER, be sure to visit a local center next time you experience a non-life-threatening illness or injury.</span></p>
<h2><b>Are There Any Situations When It Is Necessary to Choose the ER Over Urgent Care?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While urgent care will cover most of your medical needs, there are certain situations when the ER is the better choice. For example, if you are experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, extreme bleeding, internal bleeding, miscarriage, an allergic reaction, going into labor, serious head trauma, or are experiencing a sudden onset of numbness and/or weakness, go straight to the ER for life saving treatments. Simply put, if the situation is a true emergency, the ER is the best place to be, since they have the medical staff, equipment, and treatment protocols to get you the necessary medical interventions needed to save your life. However, if you have an illness or injury that is not life-threatening, choosing urgent care is always the best option due to its many great benefits as discussed above. Not to mention, it keeps the ERs less crowded so those who truly need emergency care can be seen more quickly.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After learning more about urgent care centers and their cost-effective treatments, you can now make an informed decision as to which one is right for you. Urgent care is the more affordable option and offers many advantages; however, it is important to know when the ER should be chosen over urgent care in order to ensure you receive the care you need.</span></p>When To Start Postpartum Physical Therapy?tag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-11-02:2021996:BlogPost:2719652023-11-02T06:43:30.000ZPhysical Therapy Specialistshttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/DawnSandalcidi
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Birthing a baby is hard work; after all, they don't call it labor for nothing. The weight of carrying a pregnancy, combined with the strain caused by giving birth, can take a toll on a mother's body. Issues related to painful intercourse, incontinence, discomfort, diastasis recti, and other postpartum issues (related to the health of a woman's pelvic floor) can all benefit from postpartum physical therapy. As a matter of fact, today's medical providers often…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Birthing a baby is hard work; after all, they don't call it labor for nothing. The weight of carrying a pregnancy, combined with the strain caused by giving birth, can take a toll on a mother's body. Issues related to painful intercourse, incontinence, discomfort, diastasis recti, and other postpartum issues (related to the health of a woman's pelvic floor) can all benefit from postpartum physical therapy. As a matter of fact, today's medical providers often recommend that all postpartum women visit a physical therapist that specializes in postpartum recovery. Thankfully, you don't have to wait until problems start, but rather you can visit a postpartum physical therapist as soon as you feel ready to do so. As a matter of fact, it is not necessary to wait until your six-week check-up to begin physical therapy. Get a head start on your recovery today with postpartum physical therapy!</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">What Is Postpartum Physical Therapy and How Does It Work?</span></h2>
<p><a href="https://www.ptspecialist.com/postpartum-physical-therapy-denver-colorado/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Postpartum physical therapy</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">is a form of rehabilitative care that focuses on helping women recover from the physical and emotional effects of childbirth. The goal of postpartum physical therapy is to help mothers reclaim their pre-pregnancy strength, confidence, well-being, endurance, stability, and mobility. Physical therapists who specialize in postpartum care are trained to assess for pelvic floor tensions, alignment issues, muscle imbalances, and any other musculoskeletal concerns that may have arisen during the pregnancy or delivery. These specialists can then create an individualized treatment plan to help address any physical issues associated with childbirth to support a total body recovery. </span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">What Types of Treatments Are Used as Part of Postpartum Physical Therapy Treatment?</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The beauty of postpartum physical therapy treatment is that each patient is accessed as an individual. Only after this assessment is a treatment plan made that specifically addresses the unique issues a given patient is presenting with. Despite this, in general there are many effective treatments that are heavily utilized for women seeking postpartum healing. These include, education, soft/connective tissue mobilization, home exercise plan, ultrasound to check activation of core muscles, neural mobilization, and biofeedback for strengthening or relaxing the pelvic floor muscles depending upon a patient’s needs. Henceforth, no matter your needs, fear not, the right plan will be designed for you, to create lasting recovery!</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">What Are the Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction?</span></h2>
<p><a href="https://www.ptspecialist.com/pelvic-physical-therapy-denver-colorado/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pelvic floor dysfunction</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">can affect women in several ways and can cause a variety of symptoms. These symptoms may include urinary incontinence (leakage of urine), fecal incontinence (leakage of stool), difficulty with vaginal penetration, and/or pelvic organ prolapse. Additionally, some women may experience lower back pain, abdominal discomfort, tailbone pain, pelvic pain, and/or constipation.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Is Postpartum Physical Therapy Helpful for Patients Who Had C-Sections?</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yes, postpartum physical therapy can be extremely beneficial for women who have had cesarean sections. In addition to the conditions that can arise following a vaginal birth, those who had surgery may experience scarring or adhesions, as well as weakened abdominal muscles due to the incision. Postpartum physical therapy can help restore strength and range of motion while decreasing pain and discomfort associated with the surgery. Thus, regardless of whether you've had a vaginal birth or a C-section, physical therapy is a great way to aide in your recovery.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">What Are the Benefits of Postpartum Physical Therapy?</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Postpartum physical therapy offers a number of potential benefits for mothers who have recently given birth. It can help restore strength and mobility, while also addressing any musculoskeletal issues that may have arisen during pregnancy or delivery. Additionally, postpartum physical therapy can provide relief from pelvic floor discomfort and pain, as well as back and abdominal pain. Physical therapy is also helpful in restoring proper posture/alignment and improving digestion, sexual function, and incontinence related issues. Not to mention, by taking a proactive approach to your physical well-being, you can ensure that you are on the right track to a healthy recovery and long-term health. This can subsequently reduce stress and improve your mental health. Ultimately, you simply can't go wrong when you choose postpartum physical therapy as part of your comprehensive recovery plan!</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Is Postpartum Physical Therapy Beneficial Even If I'm Not Experiencing Any Pelvic Floor Issues?</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yes, regardless of whether or not you are currently experiencing symptoms, it is important to focus on your pelvic floor health following a pregnancy and birth. Ideally, postpartum physical therapy should be started as soon as you are ready, even if you do not have any specific issues or concerns. This can help jumpstart your recovery and ensure that any problems or conditions that may arise in the future are addressed early on. If you have already noticed certain symptoms, such as pelvic floor dysfunction or abdominal pain, it is even more important to begin physical therapy as soon as possible. That way any issues can be addressed promptly, aiding in a faster and smoother recovery.</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Does Postpartum Physical Therapy Really Work?</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yes, postpartum physical therapy can be a powerful tool for facilitating recovery and healing after childbirth. A combination of manual therapy techniques, education on self-care, and home exercise programs can help to restore muscle strength, improve posture and alignment, reduce pain and discomfort, minimize leakage of urine or stool, increase pelvic floor strength and tone, enhance sexual function or satisfaction, correct diastasis recti, and more. With the help of a physical therapist specializing in postpartum care, you can get back to feeling like yourself again after childbirth. Remember: pain, incontinence, and other pelvic floor issues are common but are NOT normal. Don't suffer in silence; rather create lasting healing with postpartum physical therapy!</span></p>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">How Can Physical Therapy Benefit Me During My Postpartum Recovery?</span></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Let's face it, the postpartum period can be wrought with sleep deprivation, big emotions, and little to no time for yourself. Despite the very real challenges of this season, remember that if you don't take care of your health, you can't be an effective caregiver for the littlest love of your life. Investing in your recovery with postpartum physical therapy is an investment in your future, well-being, and the well-being of your family. With this in mind, what are you waiting for!? Consider if postpartum physical therapy could be the right choice to assist you in your postpartum recovery and beyond!</span></p>The Top 10 Reasons to Choose medical clinic for Seasonal Illnesstag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-10-27:2021996:BlogPost:2717172023-10-27T08:05:59.000ZFounders Family Medicinehttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/AnthonyCerullo
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Colds, the flu, Covid-19, stomach viruses, and other seasonal illnesses can sneak up on you without warning. When the misery hits and you realize you need to be seen by a doctor, where should you turn? While your family doctor is always an option, for fast convenient service when you need it most, urgent centers remain a fan favorite. If you've never visited an medical clinic before, continuing reading and consider some of the most compelling reasons to do so.…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Colds, the flu, Covid-19, stomach viruses, and other seasonal illnesses can sneak up on you without warning. When the misery hits and you realize you need to be seen by a doctor, where should you turn? While your family doctor is always an option, for fast convenient service when you need it most, urgent centers remain a fan favorite. If you've never visited an medical clinic before, continuing reading and consider some of the most compelling reasons to do so. That way the next time you are experiencing the discomfort and symptoms associated with a seasonal illness you can obtain quality care more quickly.</span></p>
<h2><b>1.) Affordable Even Without Insurance</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you are uninsured, seeking treatment at an medical clinic facility is typically a much less expensive option than going to a hospital emergency room for care. Most centers accept major credit cards and offer cash discounts for non-insurance patients to make medical care more attainable for everyone. Additionally, if you do have insurance, most insurers allow policy holders to receive care at an medical clinic center. Most medical clinic centers accept a variety of different types of insurance. For more specific information about the coverages offered by your insurance plan, don't be afraid to reach out to your insurer to find out which centers will be covered and if any co-pays will apply prior to receiving services.</span></p>
<h2><b>2.) Open Late and On Weekends</b></h2>
<p><a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Medical clinic centers</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">typically have extended hours to accommodate working individuals who may not have the luxury of taking time off work for a doctor's appointment. As such, medical clinic centers are usually open late into the evening and on the weekends, making it easier to receive the medical attention you need without having to re-arrange your work or school schedule. This is also helpful if you find yourself sick after typical business hours when your</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/castle-rock-family-physicians/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">family physician</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">is closed. Instead of suffering all weekend or being forced to go to the ER for something that really isn't an emergency, medical clinic can help!</span></p>
<h2><b>3.) High Quality Care</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Don't make the mistake of thinking medical clinic means subpar medical care. The reality is that medical clinic facilities staff highly trained and experienced physicians/nurses, so you can rest assured that you will be receiving top notch care for your illness. medical clinic centers are also equipped with all the necessary medical equipment and supplies to properly diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses, so you can get on the road to recovery in a jiffy.</span></p>
<h2><b>4.) Quick Wait Times</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When you're feeling ill, the last thing you want to do is sit in a waiting room for hours hoping to be seen. While most medical clinic centers provide walk-in services, they typically have much shorter wait times than visiting your local hospital's ER. Additionally, many centers now offer online scheduling, so if you prefer to wait at home until you can be seen, you won’t be stuck sitting in an uncomfortable waiting room chair when you are feeling your worst.</span></p>
<h2><b>5.) More Personalized Care</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a hospital emergency room setting, the number of patients can be overwhelming. This means that you may not get the personalized attention you need, especially if your visit is not triaged as an emergency. With medical clinic, the environment is more relaxed and intimate. You can receive one-on-one care from a physician or nurse practitioner who will take the time to understand your needs and help you determine the best course of action.</span></p>
<h2><b>6.) No Appointments Needed</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Unlike family doctors, you don't need an appointment to be seen by a medical professional at an medical clinic center. This is perfect for those times when an illness comes on suddenly and there isn't time to make an appointment with your doctor. All you must do is walk in, check-in, and you will be seen in a reasonable amount of time. Thus, allowing you to get the quality medical treatment you need when you need it most.</span></p>
<h2><b>7.) Treatment For Seasonal Illnesses</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The flu, colds and other seasonal illnesses can be treated quickly and efficiently at an medical clinic center. They have the ability to prescribe medications to help reduce the symptoms of the illness and get you feeling better fast. That way you don't have to suffer through your cold or flu for days before you can be seen by your family doctor. Additionally, they also provide testing for seasonal illnesses like the flu, Covid-19, and RSV to ensure you are receiving the correct diagnosis and can provide proper documentation for work and day-care should you test positive for a communicable illness.</span></p>
<h2><b>8.) Testing, Diagnosis, and Treatment All at One Location</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">medical clinic centers provide a wide variety of testing and diagnostic services, such as laboratory tests, x-rays, ultrasounds, and CT scans. This makes the diagnosis of your illness much more efficient than having to run from one office to another just to get all the necessary tests done. Not only do you have access to testing on site, but they also provide treatment options for a variety of illnesses, so you can get back home to rest and recover more quickly.</span></p>
<h2><b>9.) Preventative Care</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">medical clinic centers can provide preventative care services including physicals, vaccinations, and screenings that help keep you healthy all year round. Many centers offer special discounts for preventative care services like flu shots or other immunizations. Most</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/castle-rock-medical-insurance/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">medical insurance plans</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">will also cover seasonal vaccines at your local care center. This is a great way to save money and stay healthy at the same time, so you can avoid a sick visit later in the season.</span></p>
<h2><b>10.) Care For All Ages</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Whether you're an adult or child, medical clinic centers provide the same level of quality care for everyone. They have experienced medical personnel on staff to treat a wide range of illnesses and injuries for all ages. Regardless of whether your child is typically seen at a pediatrician or a family practice, medical clinic can handle any seasonal illness that comes their way. Thus, you can rest assured that your entire family will receive the best possible care when they need it most!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In conclusion, there are many convincing reasons to receive medical care at your local medical clinic center the next time you feel yourself coming down with something. Even if you get sick late in the day or over the weekend, you can rest easy knowing you can get the quality medical care you need to get on the mend fast. Consider the many benefits of visiting an medical clinic center the next time you are ill, so you can choose medical clinic with confidence for all of your non-emergency medical needs!</span></p>What Is Telehealth?tag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-10-27:2021996:BlogPost:2718652023-10-27T05:46:31.000ZFounders Family Medicinehttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/AnthonyCerullo
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At one time, getting sick required calling and making an appointment at your family doctor’s office, waiting until your appointment time, and then driving to the doctor's office. Upon arrival you had to drag your sick self into the office, where you would be stuck sitting in a waiting room, until a nurse called back to an exam room. Once in the exam room, you might wait some more until the doctor finally appeared to examine you. After all this trouble, you…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At one time, getting sick required calling and making an appointment at your family doctor’s office, waiting until your appointment time, and then driving to the doctor's office. Upon arrival you had to drag your sick self into the office, where you would be stuck sitting in a waiting room, until a nurse called back to an exam room. Once in the exam room, you might wait some more until the doctor finally appeared to examine you. After all this trouble, you would finally be able to get a prescription and go home to rest.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Thankfully, due to modern advances in technology and the accessibility of healthcare in general, this isn't the only option the next time you begin feeling sick. In recent years, most medical practices have begun offering telehealth services, in addition to traditional appointments. While this technology may not be appropriate for every situation. There are many times when it could be an effective means of being seen without having to make the trek to your doctor’s office.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">So, what is telehealth exactly? Basically, telehealth is a secure video call (or other form of online/virtual communication) that is specifically designed for medical use. It is typically part of an electronic medical record system that you can access online. It enables medical practitioners to schedule a "visit" with you from the comfort of your own home. Read on to learn more about telehealth, its benefits, and how it can help you get the medical care you need.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">How Does it Work?</span></p>
<p><a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/telehealth/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Telehealth</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">is a form of healthcare delivery that uses technology to provide remote medical services. It allows patients to receive medical care from a distance, without having to physically visit a doctor's office or hospital. Telehealth includes video conferencing, phone calls, emails, and other forms of communication between patients and healthcare providers. This type of healthcare delivery is becoming increasingly popular, as it allows patients the convenience of visiting a doctor without ever leaving their house.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What Can Telehealth Be Used For?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Telehealth can be used for a variety of medical services, including diagnosis and treatment of illnesses, mental health counseling, physical therapy, and more. It also allows for remote monitoring of chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease. Telehealth can be especially beneficial for those who live in rural areas, as it eliminates the need to travel long distances for medical care.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">What Are the Benefits of Telehealth?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Telehealth offers a number of benefits for both patients and healthcare providers. Consider them below:</span></p>
<p><b>1.) Flexibility & Convenience</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Telehealth offers flexibility for both patients and healthcare providers. Patients can access medical care from the comfort of their own home, without having to take time off work or arrange transportation/childcare. Healthcare providers can also offer services to a wider range of patients, as they don't have to be physically present in the same location.</span></p>
<p><b>2.) Cost Savings</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Telehealth can help reduce costs for both patients and healthcare providers. Patients can save money on transportation costs and time off work, while healthcare providers can reduce overhead costs associated with running a physical office.</span></p>
<p><b>3.) Improved Access to Care</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Telehealth can help improve access to care for those who live in rural or underserved areas. It also allows patients to receive medical care more quickly, as they don't have to wait for days on an appointment or travel to a doctor's office.</span></p>
<p><b>4.) Improved Quality of Care</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Telehealth can help improve the quality-of-care patients receive, as healthcare providers can monitor their progress remotely and provide timely interventions when needed.</span></p>
<p><b>5.) Increased Privacy and Comfort</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Telehealth also offers increased privacy and comfort for patients, as they can receive medical care without ever leaving their own home. This can be especially beneficial for those who are uncomfortable discussing sensitive topics in a public setting or who may struggle with complex medical or mental health conditions that make it difficult or impossible to leave their home.</span></p>
<p><b>6.) Eliminate Wait Times</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Telehealth can also help reduce wait times for patients, as they don't have to wait in line at a doctor's office or hospital. This can be especially beneficial for those who need urgent care or are dealing with chronic conditions that require frequent monitoring.</span></p>
<p><b>7.) Prevents Healthy Patients from Being Exposed to Sick Ones</b></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Telehealth can also help prevent healthy patients from being exposed to sick ones, as they don't have to physically visit a doctor's office or hospital. This can be especially beneficial for those with weakened immune systems or those who are at risk of contracting contagious illnesses. It is also beneficial for those who need to quarantine due to Covid, Chicken Pox, or some other highly contagious illness. This allows for patients to be seen and receive the necessary medical treatment, without putting anyone else at risk of contracting the illness.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Are There Situations When Telehealth Should Not Be Used?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yes, there are certain situations when telehealth should not be used. For example, if a patient is experiencing an emergency medical situation, they should seek immediate in-person care at a hospital or urgent care center. Additionally, telehealth may not be suitable for certain types of medical procedures that require hands-on physical examination or treatment. Finally, it is important to note that telehealth is not a total substitute for in-person care and should only be used in combination with traditional medical care. Telehealth is a wonderful part of a comprehensive medical care plan, when utilized as intended.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Does Medical Insurance Cover Telehealth Visits?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yes, many</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/castle-rock-medical-insurance/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">medical insurance plans</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">now cover telehealth visits. However, it is important to check with your specific insurance provider to determine what types of services are covered and if there are any restrictions or limitations. Furthermore, some providers may require pre-authorization for certain services before they will be covered by insurance. Also be aware that some telehealth services may not be covered by insurance at all, so you should ALWAYS check with your insurer before scheduling a telehealth visit to ensure you have coverage for services rendered.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Are Telehealth Visits Secure?</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yes, telehealth visits are secure. Most telehealth platforms use encryption technology to ensure that all patient data is kept safe and secure. Furthermore, many telehealth providers also have additional security measures in place to protect patient privacy and ensure HIPAA compliance. It is important to check with your specific provider to make sure they have the necessary security protocols in place before scheduling a telehealth visit.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The Bottom Line</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Telehealth is a great way to access medical care without having to physically visit a doctor's office or hospital. It can be especially beneficial for those with weakened immune systems, those who need to quarantine due to Covid or other highly contagious illnesses, and those who are dealing with chronic conditions that require frequent monitoring. So, the next time you find yourself having a sick day, consider if telehealth could be the right choice as part of your comprehensive healthcare plan!</span></p>FAQs About TMJ Physical Therapytag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-10-27:2021996:BlogPost:2717722023-10-27T03:51:39.000ZPhysical Therapy Specialistshttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/DawnSandalcidi
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Physical therapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions and injuries. With the right treatment modalities, physical therapy can often bring pain relief and healing, allowing patients to forego more invasive measures such as surgery. One reason patients frequently seek the expertise of a physical therapist is for the treatment of persistent, reoccurring headaches. The reality is that there is often an underlying cause like Temporomandibular Joint…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Physical therapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions and injuries. With the right treatment modalities, physical therapy can often bring pain relief and healing, allowing patients to forego more invasive measures such as surgery. One reason patients frequently seek the expertise of a physical therapist is for the treatment of persistent, reoccurring headaches. The reality is that there is often an underlying cause like Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ/TMD) behind the symptoms a patient is experiencing. Thankfully, since physical therapy can be tailored to address specific conditions and injuries it can be used to successfully treat TMD, as well as a variety of other issues. If you are considering physical therapy to address headaches or other problematic symptoms, you may be interested in exactly how TMJ physical therapy works. Read on to have your most frequently asked questions about TMJ physical therapy addressed, so you can get started with the right treatment plan ASAP!</span></p>
<h2><b>What Is Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMD/TMJ) is a condition that affects the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. Statistically speaking, as much as 33% of the population will be plagued with symptoms of TMD sometime during their lifetime. The TMJ connects the lower jaw to the skull and its primary function is to facilitate basic movements of the mouth, such as chewing, speaking, opening/closing, and yawning. If the joint or its muscles are harmed it can cause pain, soreness, stiffness, headaches, and other problematic symptoms. TMD may also occur due to a misaligned disk or cartilage deterioration. Ultimately, it is important to be aware that while this condition is quite common, it is not normal, and the resulting pain should not be ignored.</span></p>
<h2><b>What Symptoms Are Caused by Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The symptoms of TMD vary from person to person and can be wide-ranging. However, common symptoms associated with TMD include pain or tenderness in the face, neck, jaw joint, shoulder, and/or around the ear, pain when biting/chewing, facial swelling, and headaches/migraines. Additionally, those with TMD may experience a popping or clicking sound when opening their mouth or issues with the jaw locking when opening/closing their mouth. There may also be a feeling of tightness in the jaw, restricted movement, or difficulty opening and closing the mouth. Thus, should you experience one or multiple symptoms of TMD it could be beneficial to visit a physical therapist for an evaluation.</span></p>
<h2><b>How Can Physical Therapy Help Treat Temporomandibular Joint Disorder?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In many cases, physical therapy is an excellent option to treat TMD and provides patients with much-needed relief from persistent pain or symptoms associated with this condition. A physical therapist can create a customized plan that incorporates various treatments, such as manual therapies, patient education, exercise plans, and self-care programs. These treatments are designed to help improve mobility in the joint, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain, so patients can get their quality of life back.</span></p>
<h2><b>What Treatment Modalities Are Used in TMJ Physical Therapy?</b></h2>
<p><a href="https://www.ptspecialist.com/tmj-physical-therapy-denver-colorado/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">TMJ physical therapy</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">is tailored to the needs of each individual patient and therefore can vary significantly from person to person. Generally speaking, treatment modalities used in TMJ physical therapy may include a range of manual therapies, such as massage and joint mobilizations, therapeutic exercises to improve the range of motion in the jaw and neck muscles, posture correction to optimize alignment throughout the entire body, self-care education on proper sleeping and eating habits, and strengthening exercises to help stabilize the TMJ. Other treatment options may include myofascial release, ultrasound, trigger point dry needling, and soft tissue mobilization. Ultimately, the goal of all treatment modalities is to reduce pain and tension in the jaw joint and its surrounding muscles, improve the movement of the mouth, reduce inflammation, improve posture, increase the flexibility and strength of the neck muscles, and promote overall healing to improve the quality of life for the patient.</span></p>
<h2><b>Will TMJ Physical Therapy Cure My TMJ?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While physical therapy can often help to reduce pain and other symptoms associated with TMJ, it is important to understand that it cannot necessarily “cure” the condition itself. The primary goal of</span> <a href="https://www.ptspecialist.com/hands-on-physical-therapy-denver-colorado/physical-therapies-denver-colorado/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">physical therapy</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">is to help relieve the symptoms of the condition and improve overall function, so you can return to your daily activities with minimal discomfort. Typically, most patients can expect to experience a reduction in their symptoms after just a few sessions. Many patients report significant improvement including an improved range of motion within the jaw joint and neck area, decreased pain and soreness in the face/neck/jaw region, improved posture, and a greater overall awareness of their body. Ultimately, while the results of TMJ physical therapy may vary from person to person, it is a safe and effective way to address this condition without resorting to more invasive measures like surgery.</span></p>
<h2><b>Are There Any Special Considerations To Keep In Mind When Seeking Treatment For TMD?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yes! It is important to note that many of the same techniques used to treat TMD can also be utilized for other conditions, such as headaches and neck pain. Therefore, it is important to consult with a physical therapist who specializes in treating TMD to ensure that you receive the correct diagnosis and the right treatment plan. Additionally, make sure that your physical therapist is aware of any preexisting medical conditions you have been diagnosed with any medications or supplements you are currently taking as these factors may affect how sessions are conducted.</span></p>
<h2><b>Why Should I Consider Physical Therapy for TMD?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Physical therapy is an excellent option to treat TMD due to its non-invasive and holistic approach. Through TMJ physical therapy, you can expect a significant improvement or complete mitigation of the symptoms associated with TMD. Moreover, since physical therapy can lessen or completely mitigate the pain caused by this condition, you will experience freedom from dependence on pain medications. Lastly, physical therapy can help to reduce stress and anxiety associated with TMD and chronic pain, further improving your mental health and physical well-being. Simply put, you have nothing to lose other than chronic pain, jaw dysfunction, or costly surgery. Consider if visiting a physical therapist trained in TMJ treatment could be the right step to take in your health journey!</span></p>Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County Announces Three Winners of the Jane M Klausman Women in Business Scholarshiptag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-10-23:2021996:BlogPost:2719522023-10-23T17:00:00.000ZSheila Cohenhttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/SheilaCohen
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<p>The Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County along with the Zonta Foothills Foundation (<a href="https://www.zontafoothills.org/">https://www.zontafoothills.org/</a>) are proud to announce the winners of the Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarships.<br></br> <br></br> Zonta International's JMK Women in Business Scholarship is available to women pursuing undergraduate and master's degrees in business management. It aims to help women overcome gender barriers, from the classroom to the…</p>
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<p>The Zonta Foothills Club of Boulder County along with the Zonta Foothills Foundation (<a href="https://www.zontafoothills.org/">https://www.zontafoothills.org/</a>) are proud to announce the winners of the Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarships.<br/> <br/> Zonta International's JMK Women in Business Scholarship is available to women pursuing undergraduate and master's degrees in business management. It aims to help women overcome gender barriers, from the classroom to the boardroom and is directed toward women pursuing degrees in business leading to a business management career.<br/> <br/> Lauren Hanley will receive our club’s $2,000 award and go on to compete with other club winners at the District 12 level. Lauren is a recent CU Boulder graduate with a degree in International Affairs and a minor in Leadership Studies. She is pursuing her master’s in Business Analytics at the Leeds School of Business.<br/> <br/> Second-place winner is Trisha Tyagi, a rising junior at CU Boulder, planning to pursue her MBA and work in the private equity sector. She is President of the Leeds Student Government (LSG) at the Leeds School of Business. Trisha will receive a $2,000 award from Zonta.<br/> <br/> Third-place award winner, Erin Johnson, will receive a $900 scholarship. Erin is an MBA candidate at the University of Colorado Boulder. She is also a Graduate Intern at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).</p>
<p>Zonta Foothills Club's advocacy work and scholarships are focused on making the world a better place for women and girls. </p>
<p><img src="https://connect-ucs.xfinity.com/proxy?source=https%3A%2F%2Fci3.googleusercontent.com%2Fmail-sig%2FAIorK4wn0-wVnEIlE513bnRuI5W4lilBCFKfiT2atZFqdsToSeNtwARi1qasC5gDnwrtgG4PQUKc4fQU5y0vmJMBh5IgZF29CUO1zyHslcg61A"/></p>
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<p></p>Can I Seek Treatment at An Urgent Care Facility If I Don't Have Medical Insurance?tag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-10-20:2021996:BlogPost:2717072023-10-20T08:32:39.000ZFounders Family Medicinehttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/AnthonyCerullo
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you find yourself in need of medical care, but you don't have insurance, you may be wondering what to do. As the popularity of urgent care centers continue to increase, you may wonder if this could be an option in getting the care you need if you don't have medical insurance. Sadly, many Americans find themselves in this situation; however, the good news is you can be seen at an urgent care clinic with or without medical insurance. Although, if you don’t…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you find yourself in need of medical care, but you don't have insurance, you may be wondering what to do. As the popularity of urgent care centers continue to increase, you may wonder if this could be an option in getting the care you need if you don't have medical insurance. Sadly, many Americans find themselves in this situation; however, the good news is you can be seen at an urgent care clinic with or without medical insurance. Although, if you don’t have insurance, you should expect to pay out of pocket for services rendered, typically at the time of service. Despite this, most facilities offer reasonable prices for those paying out of pocket. Don't go another day suffering because you don't have insurance, urgent care is waiting to meet your medical needs at an affordable price!</span></p>
<h2><b>What Is Urgent Care?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Urgent care is an alternative to the emergency room for those seeking medical attention for routine illnesses, injuries, cuts, burns, broken bones, seasonal illnesses, Covid/Flu testing, and vaccinations. Urgent care centers are typically open late into the evening and throughout weekends, making them a great choice for those who are unable to seek care during regular doctor's office hours. They also offer convenience since they don't require you to make an appointment prior to being seen. These clinics have steadily gained popularity due to the convenience and wide range of services they provide at an affordable price.</span></p>
<h2><b>If I Don't Have Medical Insurance, Is It Better for Me to Visit The ER Instead of Urgent Care?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Unless you have a true emergency, it is better to visit urgent care than the ER if you don't have insurance. The reality is that urgent care offers medical care at a much lower cost than an ER can. Thus, if you are dealing with a cold, the flu, a minor injury, broken bone, allergic reaction, or animal bite, it simply makes more sense for your wallet to visit an urgent care center. Additionally, this is also beneficial for those who are at the ER for a true emergency, as it prevents the hospital from becoming overwhelmed with patients and helps ensure that those who have critical emergencies receive the care they need more quickly. However, with that said, should you experience symptoms of a heart attack, stroke, shock, trauma, burns, etc., you will need to be seen at your nearest emergency room, in order to receive appropriate care. Ultimately, whenever determining where you should be seen, take a minute to consider if you are in need of emergency or non-emergency care. Then the choice should be simple, allowing you to get the care you need at the most affordable price.</span></p>
<h2><b>Is There Any Help Available?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While the policies of various clinics will differ, most urgent care centers offer a discount for those who do not have health insurance, so you can receive</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">affordable medical care</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Additionally, some clinics offer payment plans, so you can receive care now without the burden of paying in full for medical services. It may also be helpful to call ahead to check on the policy of the center you are planning on visiting. That way you will be aware of the costs before you arrive and will have the opportunity to price around with other urgent care centers in your area to find the most affordable care. Lastly, be sure to make your doctor aware that you don't have medical insurance. This can ensure the doctor works with you to give you the most affordable treatment possible without compromising on your care and prescribes generic medications which will be far more affordable if you lack insurance coverage.</span></p>
<h2><b>What Services Do Urgent Care Centers Offer?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is important to note that regardless of whether you have insurance or not, urgent care centers offer a variety of services. From physicals and wellness exams to injuries and illnesses, urgent care centers can help meet most of your medical needs. Many also provide on-site lab work and digital X-rays, so you can receive a quick diagnosis and start treatment if necessary. Thus, if you find yourself in need of non-emergency medical care, your local urgent care can help. Don’t let a lack of insurance stop you from getting the medical attention you require;</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/urgent-care-castle-rock/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">visit your local urgent care center</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">for prompt, quality care when you need it most!</span></p>
<h2><b>If I Become Insured Later, Can I Still Receive Treatment at An Urgent Care Center?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yes, you can still receive treatment at an urgent care center if you become insured later. Most urgent care centers are willing to work with you and your plan to provide quality and affordable medical care. Generally speaking, insurance plans will cover the majority of services offered by your local facility, but in some cases, it may be more cost-effective to pay out-of-pocket for certain services. However, just like traditional medical offices, different clinics may or may not accept certain insurances. Thus, it is important to contact the center you are considering to ask about what insurances they accept. That way you won't receive any surprises later on. It is also important to stay up to date on your policy's copay and deductible amounts, as they can differ from plan to plan. If you have questions about whether your insurance will cover services at an urgent care or what co-pays to expect, contact your insurance company to have all your questions answered prior to seeking medical services.</span></p>
<h2><b>What Are the Benefits of Visiting an Urgent Care Center?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Visiting an urgent care center offers a number of benefits for those who don’t have</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/castle-rock-medical-insurance/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">medical insurance</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Most importantly, it can provide patients with access to quality medical care at an affordable cost. Unlike emergency rooms, urgent care centers typically do not require long wait times and are open extended hours, so you don't spend hours waiting when you are sick or in pain. This allows you to get medical attention when it is most convenient for you without fear of cost. Additionally, most urgent care centers are staffed with board-certified physicians who specialize in family medicine and are qualified to give you the medical care you need without the price tag associated with the ER. Thus, if you don't have medical insurance, visiting an urgent care center is a great option for receiving quality and affordable medical treatment after hours or on the weekends.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Everyone deserves the dignity of medical care. Don't let a lack of health insurance prevent you from receiving medical treatment. With urgent care, quality affordable care is attainable for all. Consider if urgent care could be right for you!</span></p>
<p></p>
<h2><b>About the Author</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mr. Cerullo is a native New Yorker transplanted to Colorado in 1996. He received a Bachelors in Biology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, N.Y.) and Masters in Health Sciences from George Washington University (Washington D.C..).</span></p>FAQs About Pediatric Pelvic Floor Therapytag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-10-13:2021996:BlogPost:2717382023-10-13T08:05:58.000ZPhysical Therapy Specialistshttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/DawnSandalcidi
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When hearing the word incontinence, do you automatically think of a pregnant woman or the elderly? While these populations commonly suffer from this condition, did you know that children can also be susceptible to improper voiding due to muscular dysfunction, resulting in incontinence, UTIs, frustration, and embarrassment? If your child is suffering from this condition, there is hope. Read on to learn more about pediatric pelvic floor therapy, so you are…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When hearing the word incontinence, do you automatically think of a pregnant woman or the elderly? While these populations commonly suffer from this condition, did you know that children can also be susceptible to improper voiding due to muscular dysfunction, resulting in incontinence, UTIs, frustration, and embarrassment? If your child is suffering from this condition, there is hope. Read on to learn more about pediatric pelvic floor therapy, so you are equipped with the information necessary to get your child the treatment he or she needs. Don't go another day watching your child suffer from a completely treatable condition. Rather regain their confidence and freedom to enjoy life without fear of incontinence!</span></p>
<h2><b>What Are the Symptoms of Pediatric Incontinence?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Symptoms of pediatric incontinence include recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), urgency and frequency of urination, inability to recognize bladder fullness, failure to urinate a normal amount throughout the day, constipation, abdominal pain and/or discomfort, leaking urine while awake or bedwetting when asleep, and/or straining to urinate or defecate. It is also important to note that children who suffer from these symptoms may also experience emotional distress such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression as a result of the negative impacts these symptoms may have on their life.</span></p>
<h2><b>What Causes Pediatric Incontinence?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The cause of pediatric incontinence is not always known but there are several contributing factors that can include: muscular dysfunction, birth trauma, constipation, low bladder capacity, neurological deficits, emotional issues, or stress. Regardless of the initial cause, pediatric incontinence is typically related to a dysfunction in the child's pelvic floor muscles. When these muscles are unable to function properly in correlation with the function of the bladder, abnormal voiding of the bladder or bowels is the result. Whenever this pattern becomes ingrained, the muscles become weakened and no longer allow for the bladder and/or bowels to fully empty, leading to a host of problems. It's important to remember that the underlying cause of the child's symptoms can differ from patient to patient, making it important for parents and caretakers to work closely with their child's physician to ensure that proper diagnosis and treatment is received.</span></p>
<h2><b>What Is Pediatric Pelvic Floor Therapy and How Does It Work?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pediatric pelvic floor therapy is a specialized type of physical therapy administered by trained pediatric physical therapists to help mitigate bladder or bowel incontinence, developmental issues, or injury in children. Through the use of these therapies, patients should expect increased movement, muscle strength, and flexibility. Ultimately, these highly educated and compassionate professionals work with children and their caregivers to properly diagnose the underlying cause of the symptoms and effectively treat them to achieve more than mere symptom reduction but rather lasting healing.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While each child will be treated as an individual and a specific treatment plan will be developed just for them, there are several commonly used treatments to address pediatric incontinence. These include rehabilitative ultrasound, a bladder schedule to form positive habits, neuromuscular re-education, pelvic floor muscle visual evaluation/treatment, therapeutic ultrasound, cold laser, at home exercise plan, and patient education. When tailored to your unique child and the causes behind their incontinence,</span> <a href="https://www.ptspecialist.com/pediatric-physical-therapy-denver-colorado/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">pediatric pelvic floor therapy</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">can help your child regain their confidence and quality of life!</span></p>
<h2><b>Is Pediatric Pelvic Floor Therapy Invasive?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pediatric pelvic floor therapy is a non-invasive, holistic approach to treating pediatric incontinence. During the diagnostic phase, the child will not be subjected to a vaginal or rectal exam. Instead, information will be gained by conducting a visual inspection of the perineum by the therapist with the presence of the parent. The therapist will observe if there is redness or irritation present from soiled undergarments, whether the child has a normal sensation/reflex of the anus when a gentle touch is applied, and whether the child is aware of how to properly contract the muscles of their pelvic floor. While the treatment plan will require diligence, it should not feel invasive or painful during the evaluation or the implementation of the treatment plan.</span></p>
<h2><b>How Long Will My Child Have to Attend Pelvic Floor Therapy?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While every patient is an individual, generally speaking most children are able to attain daytime continence within 6-8 sessions. For those also suffering from overnight incontinence, the process may take longer.</span></p>
<h2><b>How Often Will My Child Need to Attend Therapy Sessions?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">As a rule of thumb, most pediatric therapy will last for approximately 60 minutes per session. Therapists typically want to see the patient every other week at the start of therapy and then increase the time between visits to every 3-4 weeks as the patient begins to show improvement. However, for the most accurate information, always check with your child's therapist to determine the treatment plan that is right for you.</span></p>
<h2><b>What Are the Benefits of Pediatric Pelvic Floor Therapy?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pediatric pelvic floor therapy can provide a number of important health benefits to children. Firstly, it can help to improve bladder and bowel control, lessen the chances of recurrent UTIs, and improve overall bladder capacity. Secondly, it can help to reduce constipation by strengthening abdominal muscles which are essential for healthy digestive functioning. Thirdly, it can help to improve muscle and joint flexibility and coordination, both of which are essential for healthy movement. Lastly, pediatric pelvic floor therapy can help to reduce anxiety, boost confidence, and improve the child's quality of life making it well-worth spending a few short weeks engaging in pediatric pelvic floor therapy for your child.</span></p>
<h2><b>Does Insurance Cover Pediatric Pelvic Floor Therapy?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In most cases, insurance plans offer at least some coverage for pediatric pelvic floor therapy. However, these coverages will depend on the specific plan and policy of the insurer. Typically, most insurers cover</span> <a href="https://www.ptspecialist.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">physical therapy treatments</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">for conditions that are considered medically necessary. Therefore, it is best to check with your insurer prior to beginning any pelvic floor therapy routine to ensure that your child's treatment is covered. It is also important to note that individual therapies may have different coverage levels, so it is best to discuss your options with your health care provider before beginning any therapy and contact your insurance company for questions regarding specific coverages.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In conclusion, issues of incontinence can be problematic to the health and well-being of those of all ages, including children. After learning more about pediatric physical therapy for incontinence, don't let your child suffer one more day. Get them the treatment they need for better health and a better life!</span></p>FAQs About Family Medicinetag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-10-13:2021996:BlogPost:2716832023-10-13T06:12:42.000ZFounders Family Medicinehttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/AnthonyCerullo
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you find yourself in need of medical care, it may be difficult to know where to start. With urgent care clinics, family medicine, emergency rooms, and specialist doctors to choose from, getting the care you need may seem overwhelming. One important branch of the medical system is primary care doctors, often known as family doctors. While all parts of the medical system work together to offer the most comprehensive care, there is simply no replacement for a…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you find yourself in need of medical care, it may be difficult to know where to start. With urgent care clinics, family medicine, emergency rooms, and specialist doctors to choose from, getting the care you need may seem overwhelming. One important branch of the medical system is primary care doctors, often known as family doctors. While all parts of the medical system work together to offer the most comprehensive care, there is simply no replacement for a primary care physician. Read on to learn more about family medicine and have some of your most common questions answered, so you can obtain the care you need when you need it most.</span></p>
<h2><b>What Is a Primary Care/Family Physician?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Primary care physicians or family doctors are a crucial element in maintaining your overall wellness, getting treatment for seasonal illness, and managing any chronic conditions you may have. These physicians are a catchall for everything from seasonal allergies, to yearly physicals, or even chronic conditions like diabetes. They have a broad scope of practice and are particularly good at providing preventive care, treating illness, and managing chronic illnesses. They also have the ability to refer patients for specialized care whenever necessary.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Primary care physicians build lifelong relationships with their patients and help them to live healthy lifestyles over the years. These physicians are equipped to address the physical, mental, and emotional health of their patients. As a matter of fact, physicians screen for abuse, mental health conditions, and obtain information about the patient’s current lifestyle. Family doctors come alongside their patients to ensure they have a plan to live a healthy lifestyle and are equipped to make changes whenever necessary so they can enjoy life to the fullest. Ultimately, a primary care doctor is one of the most critical aspects of comprehensive healthcare.</span></p>
<h2><b>What Types of Medical Care Do Primary Care Physicians Offer?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Primary care doctors treat a wide range of conditions and provide many</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/castle-rock-medical-center/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">healthcare services</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. They are equipped to manage chronic conditions, advise patients on wellness plans to prevent chronic conditions, and treat a wide range of illnesses, injuries, and infections. Whenever necessary, your primary care physician can diagnose and refer you to a specialty practitioner who will also play an important role in the management/treatment of certain conditions. Primary care doctors typically provide services such as preventative care, pediatrics, yearly physicals, well visits, vaccinations, women's health services, behavioral health, long-term management of chronic conditions, sports medicine, lab work, diagnosis and treatment of conditions, treatment of seasonal illnesses, weight loss management and nutritional assistance, and screenings for dementia, cholesterol, high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes and more. Ultimately, primary care doctors offer an expansive range of health services and can help you get the care you need when you need it!</span></p>
<h2><b>What Are the Benefits of Having A Primary Care/Family Physician?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are many great benefits that come with having your own family doctor. Consider these below:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">1.) They Are Familiar with Your Conditions - Your family doctor knows your medical history, allowing them to provide the best care possible for you.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">2.) They Can Refer You to Specialists When Necessary - If your health needs require specialized care, your family doctor can refer you to the right provider. Not only is this often necessary due to insurance requirements, but it also alleviates the stress of trying to find the right provider to handle your condition.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">3.) They Can Help You Live a Healthy Lifestyle - Your family doctor can assist you in making healthy decisions and provide guidance on how to live a healthy lifestyle, helping you to avoid the onset of preventable diseases for a fuller lifespan.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">4.) They Offer a Wide Range of Services - Your family doctor can offer a wide range of services, including screening and prevention, wellness advice, chronic condition management, and more. Having a regular primary care doctor helps ensure you get quality care, regardless of your medical needs. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">5.) Prescriptions and Refills - Having an ongoing relationship with a primary care physician helps ensure you are prescribed the medication you need and are able to obtain refills when necessary.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A quality family doctor is worth his or her weight in gold, helping you and yours to maintain peak health all throughout the year.</span></p>
<h2><b>Do Family Doctors Accept Medical Insurance?</b></h2>
<h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yes, most family doctors</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/castle-rock-medical-insurance/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">accept medical insurance</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, although depending upon your specific insurance plan there may be a small co-pay or deductible required. The majority of pediatricians and specialists also accept insurance. Despite this, it is important to ask your doctor what insurance plans they accept prior to making your first appointment, so you don't find yourself with a surprise bill later.</span></h2>
<p></p>
<h2><b>Why Is Having a Primary Care Doctor Important?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Having an ongoing relationship with your primary care doctor is important to your health and well-being. While medical clinic are a helpful part of today's medical care system, they absolutely are not meant to replace the role of primary care doctors. While they can provide quick, convenient services (after hours or on weekends), if you become sick or injured, they are not meant to manage chronic conditions. Moreover, primary care doctors know your full medical history, including your family history, so they can help you prevent the onset of diseases, manage chronic conditions, and ensure you don't have medication interactions. The long-term relationship you form with a family physician simply cannot be replicated by the quick in and out culture of</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">medical clinics</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p>
<h2><b>What Information Should I Bring with Me To An Appointment With A Primary Care Physician?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When arriving at an appointment with your primary care physician you may be asked to provide the documentation listed below:</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">1.) Identification - Most medical offices will require you to bring identification with you to your appointment, such as your driver's license, military ID, state ID, or passport to verify you are the patient. </span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">2.) Insurance Information - If you have health insurance, it will be important to bring your card with you when you come in for your appointment. Additionally, be sure to bring along any co-pays that are due at the time of service.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">3.) Bring a List of Medications - It is important that your doctor is aware of all prescription medications, over the counter medications, vitamins, and supplements that you take on a regular basis to avoid drug interactions or overdoses.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Providing the correct documentation will expedite the process of seeing your doctor and will ensure your medical history is correct and up to date.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In conclusion, the right primary care doctor is a critical part of maintaining good health throughout the lifespan. With this in mind, don't neglect your health a day longer. Find a primary care physician that you trust and take back your health!</span></p>Do Urgent Care Centers Handle Cases of Covid-19?tag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-10-06:2021996:BlogPost:2716752023-10-06T10:19:41.000ZFounders Family Medicinehttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/AnthonyCerullo
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are many viruses that circulate throughout the year. In 2020, Covid-19 arrived and seems to be here to stay. Just when one variant slows down, another one is quick to pop up and take its place. Thus, if you begin to experience symptoms of the latest Covid-19 strain, you may be wondering if urgent care is able to test,</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/flu-shots-castle-rock/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">provide flu…</span></a></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are many viruses that circulate throughout the year. In 2020, Covid-19 arrived and seems to be here to stay. Just when one variant slows down, another one is quick to pop up and take its place. Thus, if you begin to experience symptoms of the latest Covid-19 strain, you may be wondering if urgent care is able to test,</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/flu-shots-castle-rock/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">provide flu shot</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and treat you for the virus. Urgent care centers are equipped and ready to offer the testing you need to determine if you are sick with Covid-19, the flu, RSV, or even the common cold. Urgent care centers are there to help you will all sickness, including seasonal illnesses, so you are able to get the testing and treatment you need in a jiffy! Read on to learn more about urgent care centers, so you can choose this form of medical treatment, with confidence the next time you find yourself under the weather.</span></p>
<h2><b>Do I Need to Make an Appointment to Be Seen at An Urgent Care Center?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">No, one of the most attractive benefits of choosing urgent care for your health care needs is that they offer quick, convenient services without the need for an appointment. Despite this, if you wish to secure a specific time, many facilities now offer online scheduling, so you can arrive and be seen more quickly when you are feeling your worst. Take note that if you are experiencing the symptoms of Covid-19, your local urgent care may have special protocols to follow when you are seen. As such, be sure to phone ahead and ask how they will proceed with your visit. Many facilities will choose to have you wait in your vehicle until they are ready to see you. That way staff and other patients can be shielded from unnecessary exposure to the virus.</span></p>
<h2><b>Why Is Urgent Care Such a Popular Choice for Those Experiencing Covid-19 Symptoms?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are quite a few reasons people love the services offered by urgent care centers, but this love has steadily grown since Covid-19 first made its appearance several years ago. Simply put, patients love the accessibility of testing and treatment without the need to jump through hoops. Due to restrictions placed on day care centers, schools, and other professions, it is important that people can obtain the answers they need in a hurry. Urgent care centers offer fast, reliable, testing so patients have a definitive answer as to whether they have Covid-19 or not. Better yet, if a patient finds they have something else like the flu, RSV, or some other seasonal illness, urgent care can still offer testing in most cases, as well as appropriate treatment options, to promote a quicker recovery.</span></p>
<h2><b>What Are the Benefits of Choosing Urgent Care for Covid-19 Testing?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">There are many great reasons to utilize an urgent care center if you begin experiencing symptoms of Covid-19. Consider these below:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Better Hours - Covid-19, as well as other seasonal illnesses, typically arrive quickly and without warning. In years past, if you began to feel sick during the evening or on the weekend, your only option was to wait until your family doctor was open again or to visit the emergency room for something that wasn't actually an emergency. Now, with Urgent Care centers being an option, you can get the testing and treatment you need when you need it, since they offer extended hours that include both nights and weekends.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Affordable - Urgent care centers are also attractive for those who lack insurance as they are often a more affordable option for receiving medical care than paying out of pocket to a family doctor or the ER.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Convenience - As was aforementioned, since urgent care facilities offer walk-in appointments, you can go be seen whenever it best suits your schedule. Better yet, you can get the</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/covid-19/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Covid-19 testing</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">you need on demand, instead of waiting for an appointment at your primary care doctor or local pharmacy.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Speed - Perhaps one of the best reasons to visit an urgent care center (if you are feeling sick) is for the speed at which you can be seen. Since many centers offer walk-in appointments, you are able to get in and out quickly, so you can begin receiving treatment as soon as possible. As such, if your symptoms appear to be related to Covid-19, you will be able to get tested and begin the appropriate treatment regimen much quicker than if you had chosen to wait on a regular doctor's appointment.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Comprehensive Care - When you visit an urgent care center, you are, not only able to be tested for Covid-19, but you are also able to receive other services that may be applicable to your case. For example, if you have been exhibiting signs of illness, the staff at the facility can conduct a physical exam and check your vitals to determine if there may be any other underlying issues present or if your case is severe enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room. They can also provide treatment for other existing ailments, such as allergies or asthma, that may be exacerbating your condition. Thus, regardless of what you are dealing with, urgent care will see to it that you get the diagnosis, testing, and care you need when you need it most!</span></li>
</ul>
<h2><b>I Suspect I'm Sick with Covid-19, When Should I Visit the ER Rather Than Urgent Care?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/urgent-care-castle-rock/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">urgent care centers</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">are equipped to provide testing and routine treatment for Covid-19 and other illnesses, it is important to remember that they are NOT able to provide emergency care and do NOT take the place of ER's. With this in mind, if you are exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19 and are experiencing difficulty breathing or are showing other signs of an emergency situation, you should seek care at the nearest emergency room right away.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">However, for those with milder symptoms, an urgent care center may be the best option for testing and treatment. Simply put, urgent care centers can provide comprehensive services including physical examinations, diagnostic tests, and prescriptions all at one place in a timely manner. Henceforth, if you are not experiencing any life threatening symptoms but still feel unwell due to Covid-19 or another illness, you can get the answers and treatment you need without having to wait for an appointment or risk exposing yourself to other patients in the ER.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In conclusion, urgent care centers are an excellent option for those who need testing and treatment for Covid-19, as well as other illnesses. These facilities offer extended hours, walk-in appointments, affordable prices, and comprehensive care that can get you the answers and help you need quickly. However, if you are experiencing signs of an emergency situation due to Covid-19 or any other illness, it is best to go directly to the nearest emergency room or dial 911 for immediate medical attention. So, what are you waiting for? Consider if choosing urgent care for your next bout with illness could be the right choice for you!</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span></p>Can I Seek Treatment at An Urgent Care Facility If I Don't Have Medical Insurance?tag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-09-29:2021996:BlogPost:2716072023-09-29T05:00:30.000ZFounders Family Medicinehttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/AnthonyCerullo
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you find yourself in need of medical care, but you don't have insurance, you may be wondering what to do. As the popularity of urgent care centers continue to increase, you may wonder if this could be an option in getting the care you need if you don't have medical insurance. Sadly, many Americans find themselves in this situation; however, the good news is you can be seen at an urgent care clinic with or without medical insurance. Although, if you don’t…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you find yourself in need of medical care, but you don't have insurance, you may be wondering what to do. As the popularity of urgent care centers continue to increase, you may wonder if this could be an option in getting the care you need if you don't have medical insurance. Sadly, many Americans find themselves in this situation; however, the good news is you can be seen at an urgent care clinic with or without medical insurance. Although, if you don’t have insurance, you should expect to pay out of pocket for services rendered, typically at the time of service. Despite this, most facilities offer reasonable prices for those paying out of pocket. Don't go another day suffering because you don't have insurance, urgent care is waiting to meet your medical needs at an affordable price!</span></p>
<h2><b>What Is Urgent Care?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Urgent care is an alternative to the emergency room for those seeking medical attention for routine illnesses, injuries, cuts, burns, broken bones, seasonal illnesses, Covid/Flu testing, and vaccinations. Urgent care centers are typically open late into the evening and throughout weekends, making them a great choice for those who are unable to seek care during regular doctor's office hours. They also offer convenience since they don't require you to make an appointment prior to being seen. These clinics have steadily gained popularity due to the convenience and wide range of services they provide at an affordable price.</span></p>
<h2><b>If I Don't Have Medical Insurance, Is It Better for Me to Visit The ER Instead of Urgent Care?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Unless you have a true emergency, it is better to visit urgent care than the ER if you don't have insurance. The reality is that urgent care offers medical care at a much lower cost than an ER can. Thus, if you are dealing with a cold, the flu, a minor injury, broken bone, allergic reaction, or animal bite, it simply makes more sense for your wallet to visit an urgent care center. Additionally, this is also beneficial for those who are at the ER for a true emergency, as it prevents the hospital from becoming overwhelmed with patients and helps ensure that those who have critical emergencies receive the care they need more quickly. However, with that said, should you experience symptoms of a heart attack, stroke, shock, trauma, burns, etc., you will need to be seen at your nearest emergency room, in order to receive appropriate care. Ultimately, whenever determining where you should be seen, take a minute to consider if you are in need of emergency or non-emergency care. Then the choice should be simple, allowing you to get the care you need at the most affordable price.</span></p>
<h2><b>Is There Any Help Available?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While the policies of various clinics will differ, most urgent care centers offer a discount for those who do not have health insurance, so you can receive affordable medical care. Additionally, some clinics offer payment plans, so you can receive care now without the burden of paying in full for medical services. It may also be helpful to call ahead to check on the policy of the center you are planning on visiting. That way you will be aware of the costs before you arrive and will have the opportunity to price around with other urgent care centers in your area to find the most affordable care. Lastly, be sure to make your doctor aware that you don't have medical insurance. This can ensure the doctor works with you to give you the most affordable treatment possible without compromising on your care and prescribes generic medications which will be far more affordable if you lack insurance coverage.</span></p>
<h2><b>What Services Do Urgent Care Centers Offer?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It is important to note that regardless of whether you have insurance or not, urgent care centers offer a variety of services. From physicals and wellness exams to injuries and illnesses, urgent care centers can help meet most of your medical needs. Many also provide on-site lab work and digital X-rays, so you can receive a quick diagnosis and start treatment if necessary. Thus, if you find yourself in need of non-emergency medical care, your local urgent care can help. Don’t let a lack of insurance stop you from getting the medical attention you require;</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/urgent-care-castle-rock/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">visit your local urgent care center</span></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">for prompt, quality care when you need it most!</span></p>
<h2><b>If I Become Insured Later, Can I Still Receive Treatment at An Urgent Care Center?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yes, you can still receive treatment at an urgent care center if you become insured later. Most urgent care centers are willing to work with you and your plan to provide quality and affordable medical care. Generally speaking, insurance plans will cover the majority of services offered by your local facility, but in some cases, it may be more cost-effective to pay out-of-pocket for certain services. However, just like traditional medical offices, different clinics may or may not accept certain insurances. Thus, it is important to contact the center you are considering to ask about what insurances they accept. That way you won't receive any surprises later on. It is also important to stay up to date on your policy's copay and deductible amounts, as they can differ from plan to plan. If you have questions about whether your insurance will cover services at an urgent care or what co-pays to expect, contact your insurance company to have all your questions answered prior to seeking medical services.</span></p>
<h2><b>What Are the Benefits of Visiting an Urgent Care Center?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Visiting an urgent care center offers a number of benefits for those who don’t have</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/castle-rock-medical-insurance/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">medical insurance</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Most importantly, it can provide patients with access to quality medical care at an affordable cost. Unlike emergency rooms, urgent care centers typically do not require long wait times and are open extended hours, so you don't spend hours waiting when you are sick or in pain. This allows you to get medical attention when it is most convenient for you without fear of cost. Additionally, most urgent care centers are staffed with board-certified physicians who specialize in family medicine and are qualified to give you the medical care you need without the price tag associated with the ER. Thus, if you don't have medical insurance, visiting an urgent care center is a great option for receiving quality and affordable medical treatment after hours or on the weekends.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Everyone deserves the dignity of medical care. Don't let a lack of health insurance prevent you from receiving medical treatment. With urgent care, quality affordable care is attainable for all. Consider if urgent care could be right for you!</span></p>
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<h2><b>About the Author</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mr. Cerullo is a native New Yorker transplanted to Colorado in 1996. He received a Bachelors in Biology from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Troy, N.Y.) and Masters in Health Sciences from George Washington University (Washington D.C..).</span></p>Is Physical Therapy Helpful For Back Pain?tag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-09-22:2021996:BlogPost:2715902023-09-22T08:54:54.000ZPhysical Therapy Specialistshttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/DawnSandalcidi
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chronic back pain, no matter what the cause, can stop you in your tracks. Nearly every movement the body makes relies on some part of the back for support. As such, when your back is hurting, it can make life seem unbearable. If you are looking for a non-invasive solution to back pain, you may be wondering if physical therapy could be helpful in treating this condition. The short answer is yes, physical therapy can be extremely helpful in healing and managing…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Chronic back pain, no matter what the cause, can stop you in your tracks. Nearly every movement the body makes relies on some part of the back for support. As such, when your back is hurting, it can make life seem unbearable. If you are looking for a non-invasive solution to back pain, you may be wondering if physical therapy could be helpful in treating this condition. The short answer is yes, physical therapy can be extremely helpful in healing and managing acute or chronic back pain. While it may not be a cure for everyone, it is one of the most effective, non-surgical options available to identify the root cause of pain and promote lasting healing. If you are coping with back pain, read on to learn more about how physical therapy can help!</span></p>
<h2><b>How Can Physical Therapy Be Used to Alleviate Back Pain?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Physical therapy is an excellent option for those suffering from back pain as it is a non-invasive and natural way to treat the problem. The physical therapist will begin by assessing the issue to identify the root cause of your pain. During this process, the therapist will take into account any relevant medical history and current lifestyle factors which may be contributing to your discomfort. Following this assessment, they will work to develop a tailored plan of action designed to reduce inflammation, increase strength and flexibility, and improve your overall mobility. This plan may involve a range of exercises, stretches, and activities, all with the ultimate goal being to relieve your pain and restore movement.</span></p>
<h2><b>What Types of Treatment Modalities Will Be Utilized in Physical Therapy for Back Pain?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Physical therapy for back pain can encompass a</span> <a href="https://www.ptspecialist.com/hands-on-physical-therapy-denver-colorado/physical-therapy-modalities-denver-colorado/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">variety of treatment modalities</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Common interventions include manual therapies such as massage, myofascial release, joint and soft tissue mobilization, dry needling, and spinal manipulation. Therapists may also utilize a combination of strength/length-training exercises, rehabilitative ultrasound, stretching, core stability techniques, and neuromuscular and posture re-education to improve alignment and reduce pain. Depending on the type of injury or condition present, physical therapists may also suggest treatments like therapeutic ultrasound/cold laser, kinesio taping/leukotape, functional exercise integration, and movement/awareness training. Lastly, most therapists will take care to educate you and send you home with a home exercise program tailored to your condition, so you can heal, and progress more quickly than you would with therapy sessions alone.</span></p>
<h2><b>What Are the Advantages of Utilizing Physical Therapy for Back Pain?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Physical therapy can be incredibly helpful in alleviating back pain in both the short-term and the long-term for many reasons. Not only can physical therapy help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, but it can also improve strength, flexibility, and mobility while preventing further injury. By strengthening core muscles and improving posture, physical therapy can be a great way to reduce stress on the spine and help restore functional movements.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Physical therapy is also loved for its ability to identify and treat the root cause of the patient’s back pain, rather than simply providing a band-aid solution. Not to mention, physical therapy for back pain can provide the patient with important knowledge about how to make lifestyle modifications that will help to prevent future injuries or flare-ups, so they don't end up back at the doctor's office for the same issue in the future.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Furthermore, another advantage of utilizing physical therapy for back pain is that it will often be effective in treating and mitigating back pain without forcing the patient to be reliant on harsh pain medications with the potential for addictive side effects, or more invasive methods like surgery. Ultimately, physical therapy provides a more natural and holistic method to other modalities and has proven to be safe and effective for back pain relief.</span></p>
<h2><b>Are There Any Risks Involved with Physical Therapy?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Physical therapy is considered to be a very safe option for treating back pain with little risk of side effects or complications. The biggest risk associated with physical therapy is the potential for injury if exercises are done improperly or with too much intensity. This is why it is so important that you work with a qualified physical therapist who will be able to provide guidance and advice tailored to your individual needs, allowing treatment to be helpful rather than harmful.</span></p>
<h2><b>How Soon Can I Expect to See Results After Beginning Physical Therapy for Back Pain?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The amount of time it takes to see results from physical therapy for back pain can vary depending on a variety of factors. For instance, the nature and severity of the injury or condition present can play a role in how quickly a patient sees improvement. That being said, most patients begin to experience stronger, less painful muscles and an improved range of motion within the first few weeks of beginning physical therapy for back pain. However, it is important to remember that physical therapy is a long-term process and improvement may not be seen right away. Ultimately, you should trust the process and stick with the treatment tailored to you by your therapist until you are able to meet your goals.</span></p>
<h2><b>How Many Times A Week Should I Expect to Visit My Physical Therapist for The Ongoing Treatment of Back Pain?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The frequency at which you will need to attend physical therapy sessions for back pain can depend on a number of things, including the severity of your condition and your goals for treatment. Generally speaking, most patients attend physical therapy two or three times per week for the first six to eight weeks as they progress through their plan of care. After that, it is common for physical therapists to suggest weekly follow-up visits for ongoing treatment. However, note that physical therapy is built around the unique needs of each patient. As such, for the most accurate answer, consult with your therapist.</span></p>
<h2><b>Does Insurance Commonly Cover Physical Therapy Treatment for Back Pain?</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Yes, typically most insurance plans will cover some, if not all, of the costs associated with</span> <a href="https://www.ptspecialist.com/physical-therapy-for-back-pain-denver-colorado/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">physical therapy for back pain</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">. As a matter of fact, many insurance companies will require that you try physical therapy first before they will be willing to pay for surgery. Additionally, many employers offer coverage for physical therapy as part of their employee health plans, for those who qualify. To find out if your insurance company covers the cost of physical therapy for back pain, contact your insurance provider directly or check your policy details online for the most accurate information.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In conclusion, when it comes to treating back pain, physical therapy has become one of the most recommended and successful solutions for those suffering from acute or chronic pain. Regardless of the cause, physical can help identify the underlying condition to provide a comprehensive and holistic plan for total body healing. With so many proven advantages to this method of treatment, what do you have to lose other than your back pain? Don't delay, make your appointment with a physical therapist today, and say goodbye to debilitating back pain!</span></p>
<p></p>Youth Invited to Join the Boulder Nordic Junior Racing Teamtag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-09-20:2021996:BlogPost:2716432023-09-20T22:20:01.000ZJennifer Peershttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/JenniferPeers
<blockquote><div dir="ltr"><div><p dir="ltr"><span>As the air starts to grow chillier, many are looking forward to the arrival of snow. The Boulder Nordic Junior Racing Team, which is dedicated to inspiring and assisting Boulder area youth to become lifelong Nordic skiers, is encouraging new members to join for the 2023/2024 season. </span></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><span>The Boulder Nordic Junior Racing Team offers Nordic, also known as “cross-country,” ski training in both classic and skate…</span></p>
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<blockquote><div dir="ltr"><div><p dir="ltr"><span>As the air starts to grow chillier, many are looking forward to the arrival of snow. The Boulder Nordic Junior Racing Team, which is dedicated to inspiring and assisting Boulder area youth to become lifelong Nordic skiers, is encouraging new members to join for the 2023/2024 season. </span></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><span>The Boulder Nordic Junior Racing Team offers Nordic, also known as “cross-country,” ski training in both classic and skate techniques. In the development program, skiers ages 8 to 15 focus on learning techniques, how to wax skis, and having fun on snow three days a week. Skiers sixteen and older can elect to practice up to 5 days a week. Practices are held at Eldora Nordic Center, at the base of Eldora Ski Area in Nederland. </span><span>In the fall, running and roller-skiing practice is offered at various locations in Boulder. The Team offers seasonal ski equipment rentals, so there is no need to have your own gear.</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><span>Nordic skiing builds endurance and aerobic fitness, and is a great low-impact cross-training activity for other youth sports like cycling, running, and soccer. There is no obligation to race, but for those who wish to compete, the Team participates in races throughout Colorado and the Mountain West. Team members can also participate in a fun and invigorating training camp in Crested Butte over Thanksgiving week. </span></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><span>Head coaches Ursula Volz and Jason Bartley are looking forward to a strong team-building season this year. “Our biggest goal for this season is to continue to develop a cohesive team and bring together a community of Nordic skiers in Boulder. That means lots of team events, fun practices, and opportunities to race starting in mid-December. We hope to keep getting kids in the area excited about the sport that has shaped us into the people we are today, no matter their background in skiing. We believe this is the most fun, gritty, and rewarding sport out there and we hope to share our experience with the youth in our community."</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><span>Most importantly, it is a great opportunity to make friendships and lasting memories while promoting sportsmanship and fitness. Skier Tad Enos (age 11) says “The best thing is the coaches are super nice, and it’s really fun! We all play games together at the end of practice—my favorites are ski ball, sharks and minnows, and freeze tag. Everybody cheers for and supports each other, and there’s great team spirit!” </span></p>
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<p dir="ltr"><span>More information on joining the team can be found at their website: bnjrt.ski.</span></p>
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</blockquote>If Disaster Strikes, Can You Afford to Rebuild Your Home?tag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-09-07:2021996:BlogPost:2713772023-09-07T19:00:00.000ZCountry Financialhttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/CountryFinancial
<p><em><span>A new survey from COUNTRY Financial reveals a lack of preparedness among Americans for extreme weather and natural disasters.</span></em></p>
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<p><span>A recent survey conducted by <a href="https://www.countryfinancial.com" rel="noopener" target="_blank">COUNTRY Financial</a> reveals a lack of preparedness of many Americans for extreme weather and natural disasters. The survey found that 40% of respondents have taken no proactive measures to prepare for…</span></p>
<p><em><span>A new survey from COUNTRY Financial reveals a lack of preparedness among Americans for extreme weather and natural disasters.</span></em></p>
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<p><span>A recent survey conducted by <a href="https://www.countryfinancial.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">COUNTRY Financial</a> reveals a lack of preparedness of many Americans for extreme weather and natural disasters. The survey found that 40% of respondents have taken no proactive measures to prepare for potential weather-related emergencies, like wildfires, leaving them vulnerable to the unpredictable forces of nature.</span></p>
<p><a href="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12219159461?profile=original" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/12219159461?profile=RESIZE_710x" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p><span>The survey also shed light on the concerns of homeowners regarding potential damage to their properties. A worrying half of homeowners surveyed don’t think they have the funds to cover repairs in the event of future home damage.</span></p>
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<p><span>“These concerns are valid. Homeowners have experienced significant loss due to extreme weather and wildfire the past couple of years, and rising construction costs continue to be a reality,” said Brian Tausan, COUNTRY Financial representative in Denver, Colorado. “If your home was destroyed, and you are underinsured, it could devastate your savings too. Maintaining your emergency fund is essential.”</span></p>
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<p><span>Homeowners can take several precautions to protect their financial stability if severe weather or a natural disaster should damage their property. This may include simply reading their policy.</span></p>
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<p><span>“One of the smartest things you can do as a homeowner is to review and update your insurance coverage. Many policyholders haven’t updated their coverages to protect against rising building costs,” Tausan explains. “Check to see if your policy has an Additional Replacement Cost endorsement which includes the cost of labor and construction materials, with no limit, and accounts for inflation.”</span></p>
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<p><span>Other steps homeowners can take to protect themselves include taking photos or video inventory of their personal property and scheduling valuables such as art collections, jewelry, or expensive rugs on their policy. Additionally, homeowners who have remodeled or made additions to their homes should update their policies accordingly. Having an idea of where you could live if you were displaced for some time is also important.</span></p>
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<p><span>“What I worry about for people in Maui who lost their home is the Additional Living Expense (ALE). The rebuild process could take years to complete and the ALE could be used up quickly,” said Tausan. “As a precaution, you could adjust your ALE to slightly higher than the current rent in the area for 24 or more months.”</span></p>
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<p><span>As unpredictable weather events continue to affect regions nationwide, increasing awareness and preparedness can help homeowners secure their homes and financial well-being. Since every situation is different, connecting with your insurance agent and following these steps can ensure you’re prepared to weather future events, should disaster strike your community.</span></p>
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<p><span>For more information please visit <a href="http://www.countryfinancial.com/">www.countryfinancial.com</a></span></p>
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<p><strong>About COUNTRY Financial<sup>® </sup></strong> <br/> <br/> COUNTRY Financial is a marketing name for COUNTRY Life Insurance Company®, COUNTRY Mutual Insurance Company® and their respective subsidiaries, located in Bloomington, IL. COUNTRY Financial serves about one million households and businesses throughout the United States and offers a wide range of insurance and financial products and services. </p>
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<p>Visit COUNTRY Financial on X (Formerly Twitter) @HelloCountry, on Facebook @COUNTRYFinancial and on Instagram @countryfinancial. </p>
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<p><strong>About the COUNTRY Financial Security Index® </strong></p>
<p>Since 2007, the COUNTRY Financial Security Index has measured Americans' sentiments of their personal financial security. The Index also delves deeper into individual personal finance topics to better inform Americans about the issues impacting their finances. The COUNTRY Financial Security Index was created by COUNTRY Financial and is compiled by Ipsos an independent research firm. Surveys were conducted using Ipsos' KnowledgePanel®, a national, probability-based panel designed to be representative of the general population and includes responses from approximately 1,330 U.S. adults for national surveys. The margin of sampling error for a survey based on this many interviews is approximately +/- 3.2 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. </p>
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<p><strong><span>About Ipsos </span></strong><span> <br/> </span></p>
<p><span>Ipsos is the world’s third largest market research company, present in 90 markets and employing more than 18,000 people.</span></p>
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<p><span>Our passionately curious research professionals, analysts and scientists have built unique multi-specialist capabilities that provide true understanding and powerful insights into the actions, opinions and motivations of citizens, consumers, patients, customers or employees. We serve more than 5000 clients across the world with 75 business solutions.</span></p>
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<p><span>Founded in France in 1975, Ipsos is listed on the Euronext Paris since July 1st, 1999. The company is part of the SBF 120 and the Mid-60 index and is eligible for the Deferred Settlement Service (SRD).</span></p>
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<p><span>ISIN code FR0000073298, Reuters ISOS.PA, Bloomberg IPS:FP <a href="http://www.ipsos.com/">www.ipsos.com</a></span></p>
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<p> </p>2 Boulder residents named CO Governors Fellowstag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-08-31:2021996:BlogPost:2714852023-08-31T18:26:38.000ZGrace Markleyhttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/GraceMarkley
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<p>Boulder residents Elan Greenberg and Sebastian Corradino named 2023-24 Colorado Governors Fellows.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.livecivico.org/">CiviCO</a>, a nonprofit that cultivates civic-minded leaders, announced 29 Colorado business executives and community leaders as 2023-24 Colorado Governors Fellows. The C<a href="https://www.livecivico.org/2021-cgfp">olorado Governors Fellowship</a> program prepares mainly private and nonprofit sector leaders for opportunities to deepen…</p>
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<p>Boulder residents Elan Greenberg and Sebastian Corradino named 2023-24 Colorado Governors Fellows.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.livecivico.org/">CiviCO</a>, a nonprofit that cultivates civic-minded leaders, announced 29 Colorado business executives and community leaders as 2023-24 Colorado Governors Fellows. The C<a href="https://www.livecivico.org/2021-cgfp">olorado Governors Fellowship</a> program prepares mainly private and nonprofit sector leaders for opportunities to deepen their understanding of Colorado state government and statewide public policy issues. CiviCO received more than 80 well-qualified applicants to the Colorado Governors Fellowship program.</p>
<p>“I am thrilled to welcome the newest cohort of Governors Fellows through the continued partnership between CiviCO and the Colorado Governor’s Office. These fellows will gain valuable experience from this program and go on to help ensure Colorado is the best place to live, work and run or start a business,” said Governor Jared Polis.</p>
<p>This year’s Governors Fellows are:</p>
<p><strong>Emilie Aries</strong> - Denver, Bossed Up. </p>
<p><strong>Josh Beard</strong> - Fort Collins, Liquor Store Services, Inc. (DBA Bullfrog Wine/Spirits, Mulberry Max Wine/Spirits)</p>
<p><strong>Jonathan Byars</strong> - Denver, Amazon</p>
<p><strong>Alana Lipscomb</strong> - Colorado Springs, Kingdom Builders Family Life Center</p>
<p><strong>Sebastian Corradino</strong> - Boulder, Archway Communities</p>
<p><strong>Stephanie Einfeld</strong> - Steamboat Springs, Northwest Colorado Health; CEO,</p>
<p><strong>Kimberly Gold</strong> - Colorado Springs, The Gold Standard</p>
<p><strong>Elan Greenberg</strong> - Boulder, Flock Safety</p>
<p><strong>Kathryn V Harris</strong> - Denver, ActivateWork</p>
<p><strong>Laura Hartman</strong> - Eagle, Adam Palmer Sustainability Fund</p>
<p><strong>Vanessa Huerta</strong> - Denver, gener8tor</p>
<p><strong>Kate Kalstein</strong> - Denver, Kate Kalstein Consulting</p>
<p><strong>John Karner</strong> - Greeley, City of Greeley – left position at City of Greeley</p>
<p><strong>Jamie Leben</strong> - Denver, Xcel Energy</p>
<p><strong>Hannah Lee</strong> - Denver, Arbor Impact Advisors</p>
<p><strong>Azarel Madrigal</strong> - Alamosa, First Southwest Community Fund</p>
<p><strong>Malikah Marrus</strong> - Colorado Springs, University of Colorado - Colorado Springs- p </p>
<p><strong>Landon Mascareñaz</strong> - Denver, Colorado Education Initiative / The Open System Institute</p>
<p><strong>Andrea Miller</strong> - Denver, Delta Dental of Colorado</p>
<p><strong>Trevor Nolan</strong> - Colorado Springs, Summit Advanced Program Consulting- </p>
<p><strong>Ellie Reynolds</strong> - Littleton, 76 Group</p>
<p><strong>Julie Rodriguez</strong> - Pueblo, Black Hills Energy- </p>
<p><strong>Morgan Seibel</strong> - Denver, WeeCycle</p>
<p><strong>Brandon Stam</strong> - Grand Junction, Downtown Grand Junction Partnership</p>
<p><strong>Ames Stenson</strong> - Centennial, City of Englewood, Englewood Municipal Court</p>
<p><strong>David Thurow</strong> - Grand Junction, Prosono</p>
<p><strong>Mike Treiser</strong> - Denver, Google</p>
<p><strong>Katherine Wetzel</strong> - Broomfield, DaVita, Inc.</p>
<p><strong>Brandon Zelasko</strong> - Denver, SE2</p>
<p>CiviCO, formerly Quarterly Forum, has established a legacy over the past 23 years of convening Colorado’s top leaders across all sectors and industries in a non-partisan environment to strengthen connections, leadership and community engagement. Since 2016, CiviCO has graduated 151 fellows who are now leading and serving predominantly across the state of Colorado. </p>
<p>Thanks to partnerships with the State of Colorado and former administration officials, the Colorado Governors Fellowship Program enables participants to shadow members of the Polis Administration, statewide agencies, regional, county and municipal-level leaders, and work on real-time public policy projects with a government client, as well as engage with faculty at the University of Colorado-Denver School of Public Affairs, and Cabinet-level or senior administration officials within Colorado.</p>
<p>“The program is committed to creating spaces and platforms for leaders to grow from a place of seeking to understand Colorado’s rural/urban divide, diversity of thought, political affiliation, and the value of civic engagement and multi-sector leadership,” said Ryan Heckman, chairman of CiviCO.</p>
<p>To learn more about CiviCO and the Colorado Governors Fellowship program, please go to <a href="http://www.livecivico.org/">www.livecivico.org</a></p>
<p></p>Coping with Climate Anxietytag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-08-23:2021996:BlogPost:2712502023-08-23T17:30:00.000ZEvolve In Nature Psychotherapyhttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/EvolveInNaturePsychotherapy
<div class="banner-thumbnail-wrapper" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1692812062538_344"><em>By Tina Peterson, Administrative Assistant,</em> <a href="https://www.evolveinnature.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">www.evolveinnature.com…</a></div>
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<div class="banner-thumbnail-wrapper" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1692812062538_344"><em>By Tina Peterson, Administrative Assistant,</em> <a href="https://www.evolveinnature.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.evolveinnature.com</a></div>
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<div id="content" class="main-content"><div class="blog-item" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1692812062538_157"><div class="entry-content e-content" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1692812062538_156"><div class="sqs-layout sqs-grid-12 columns-12" id="item-64c2b7ba77c72c53f6eacd10"><div class="row sqs-row" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1692812062538_155"><div class="col sqs-col-12 span-12" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1692812062538_154"><div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" id="block-b895182db2eb39b20512"><div class="sqs-block-content" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1692812062538_348"><div class="sqs-html-content" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1692812062538_347"><p class="" id="yui_3_17_2_1_1692812062538_346">If you are struggling with climate anxiety, you are not alone. In a world of wildfires and floods, rising sea levels and drought, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed.</p>
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<div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" id="block-yui_3_17_2_1_1690482729046_130445"><div class="sqs-block-content"><div class="sqs-html-content"><h1>What is Climate Anxiety?</h1>
<p class=""><strong>Anxiety</strong> is a normal, human emotion that signals something is wrong, stressful, or unsafe. If you are waiting to get medical test results or simply nervous to ask someone on a date, some level of anxiety is to be expected.</p>
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<div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html sqs-col-4 span-4 float float-right" id="block-326755185202d5c0db4d"><div class="sqs-block-content"><div class="sqs-html-content"><h1><em><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Anxiety is a normal human emotion, but it can become oversized.</span></em></h1>
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<div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" id="block-yui_3_17_2_1_1690482729046_164209"><div class="sqs-block-content"><div class="sqs-html-content"><p class="">If anxiety grows excessive, it can include symptoms like frequently feeling restless, edgy, fatigued, or distracted or experiencing muscle tension and sleep problems. Anxiety that is inhibiting the life you want to live can be a mental health disorder that is treatable with therapy and sometimes medication. </p>
<p class=""><strong>Climate anxiety</strong> (or eco-anxiety) is anxiety about climate change. Climate change is a global concern with potentially massive consequences for us and for generations to come. It warrants some anxiety! If you feel anxious about the state of our planet sometimes, that’s understandable. But if you feel consumed by climate anxiety, you’re experiencing some of the symptoms listed above, and you’re struggling to do the things you love because of your anxiety, it might be time to evaluate the severity of the anxiety you feel. Maybe you are constantly reading climate-related news or feeling paralyzed by daily decisions and their environmental impacts. Being a conscious, global citizen is a beautiful, admirable, and worthwhile goal, but you cannot shoulder the burden of climate change by yourself. </p>
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<div class="row sqs-row"><div class="col sqs-col-5 span-5"><div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" id="block-yui_3_17_2_1_1690482729046_21378"><div class="sqs-block-content"><div class="sqs-html-content"><h1><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><em>You are not alone. You cannot shoulder the burden of climate change by yourself. </em></span></h1>
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<div class="col sqs-col-7 span-7"><div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" id="block-yui_3_17_2_1_1690482729046_38701"><div class="sqs-block-content"><div class="sqs-html-content"><p class="">If you are struggling with climate anxiety, you are not alone. If you’re struggling to live a fulfilling, self-directed life because of your climate anxiety, it might be time to take action. </p>
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<div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" id="block-yui_3_17_2_1_1690482729046_49004"><div class="sqs-block-content"><div class="sqs-html-content"><h1>Climate Anxiety Coping Strategies</h1>
<p class="">There are things you can do <em>right now</em> so that you’re ready the next time you feel climate anxiety coming on. Read through the tools below, and decide which ones you want to try. How can you keep these tools handy? Maybe a sticky note or bookmark on your phone or computer.</p>
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<div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" id="block-yui_3_17_2_1_1690482729046_265940"><div class="sqs-block-content"><div class="sqs-html-content"><h2>NERVOUS SYSTEM REGULATION</h2>
<p class="">As your first response the next time you feel anxious, try one of these simple calming practices that will help to bring you out of fight-or-flight mode.</p>
<ul>
<li><p class=""><strong>Calming Breaths.</strong> One of the most calming breath ratios is 4:8. Inhale deeply and slowly for 4 seconds. Exhale slowly and evenly for 8 seconds. Repeat 5+ times. </p>
</li>
<li><p class=""><strong>Sway back and forth</strong>, maybe even bounce a little, like you’re rocking a baby. <a href="https://www.evolveinnature.com/blog/2023/7/1-self-regulation-through-rhythm"><span>Rhythmic movement</span></a> is one of the first ways our bodies learned to calm down. </p>
</li>
<li><p class="">There are countless ways to help calm your nervous system, so find what works for you! Find more ideas in “<a href="https://www.evolveinnature.com/blog/2023/6/6-vagus-nerve-healing"><span>Nerving Up for Healing</span></a>” and “<a href="https://www.evolveinnature.com/blog/2022/5/5/checked-out-understanding-dissociation"><span>Checked Out: Understanding Dissociation</span></a>.”<br/><br/></p>
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<div class="sqs-block image-block sqs-block-image sqs-col-5 span-5 float float-right sqs-text-ready" id="block-yui_3_17_2_1_1690482729046_235923"></div>
<div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" id="block-yui_3_17_2_1_1690482729046_272661"><div class="sqs-block-content"><div class="sqs-html-content"><h2>ADOPT A CLIMATE MANTRA</h2>
<p class="">Choose a go-to phrase to help calm yourself. Is there a certain thought that has helped to calm your climate anxiety in the past? Pick a phrase or two to repeat to yourself (maybe while doing calming breaths) when climate anxiety strikes. These phrases might feel difficult to believe in the moment, but repeating them over time can help them to become true. </p>
<h3><span style="font-size: 10pt;">SAMPLE MANTRAS</span></h3>
<ul>
<li><p class="">“My anxiety comes and goes. I can ride this wave.”</p>
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<li><p class="">“I can feel both fear and hope.”</p>
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<li><p class="">“I have faith that the world will heal.”</p>
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<li><p class="">“Our planet is hurting, but people are working tirelessly to make it better.”<br/><br/></p>
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<div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" id="block-yui_3_17_2_1_1690827437572_82308"><div class="sqs-block-content"><div class="sqs-html-content"><h2>MINDFULNESS</h2>
<p class="">Mindfulness is the practice of nonjudgemental acceptance of what is. Mindfulness can be extra difficult when you feel anxious. You might want to escape the anxiety rather than feel it. But often, if you ignore your anxiety or distract yourself, it will keep nagging at you. Trying to explain away your emotions can make them even louder. Your body is trying to tell you, “I’m scared!” and it won’t stop until you take the time to hear it. </p>
<p class="">Next time your climate anxiety makes itself known, try to keep your nervous system regulated (see previous section), and see if you can pay close attention to your feelings of anxiety. What does it feel like? Where does the sensation live in your body? Can you let yourself feel it without deeming it bad? Try showing yourself compassion: <em>I feel anxious, and that is okay. It makes sense that I feel anxious. This is scary stuff.</em></p>
<p class="">Find mindfulness meditations you like and keep them handy for the next time you need them.</p>
<h3><span style="font-size: 10pt;">MINDFULNESS MEDITATIONS</span></h3>
<ul>
<li><p class="">1-Minute <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4noc5gQeswc&t=2s"><span>Mindfulness Meditation: 5 Senses</span></a></p>
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<li><p class="">5-Minute <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-984650879/interdependence-with-nature"><span>Interdependence with Nature Meditation</span></a></p>
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<li><p class="">9-Minute <a href="https://soundcloud.com/user-984650879/tonglen-for-eco-anxiety"><span>Meditation for Eco-Anxiety<br/></span></a></p>
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<div class="sqs-block image-block sqs-block-image sqs-col-5 span-5 float float-right sqs-text-ready" id="block-yui_3_17_2_1_1690482729046_280736"></div>
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<p class="">Sometimes, climate anxiety can feel like you’re bubbling over with energy, righteous anger, or passion that has nowhere to go. Taking action can help you move your energy toward meaningful change. </p>
<h3><span style="font-size: 10pt;">MAKE LIFESTYLE CHANGES</span></h3>
<p class="">Individual climate-conscious decisions can help reduce anxiety because you’ll know you’re doing your part (biking, taking the bus, eating less meat, buying used items, etc.). But remember: even though your actions matter, you cannot solve the climate crisis on your own. The problem is much bigger than you, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself. If making climate-conscious choices causes you anxiety, take a break.</p>
<h3><span style="font-size: 10pt;">JOIN A CLIMATE ACTION GROUP</span></h3>
<p class="">You can find comfort, hope, and community while taking collective action. If you live in Boulder, check out <a href="https://www.coolboulder.org/"><span>Cool Boulder</span></a>, a community-led, nature-based climate action group. </p>
<h3><span style="font-size: 10pt;">VOTE AND ENGAGE YOUR LOCAL POLITICIANS</span></h3>
<p class="">Make sure your politicians know that climate action must be a priority. Sending a letter or making a phone call to your representatives only takes a few minutes and can give you peace of mind that you are doing your part. Maybe even send a thank you note to politicians whose climate stances you admire. Find your legislators <a href="https://leg.colorado.gov/FindMyLegislator"><span>here</span></a>. <br/><br/></p>
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<div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" id="block-yui_3_17_2_1_1690827437572_90204"><div class="sqs-block-content"><div class="sqs-html-content"><h2>LOOK FOR HOPE: CLIMATE OPTIMISM</h2>
<p class="">Whenever you feel hope, savor it! Revel in it. Here are some ideas to infuse your life with hope and climate optimism:</p>
<ul>
<li><p class="">Keep a running list of things that give you hope about climate change. Add to it and refer to it often. Here are some ideas to start your list:</p>
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<li><p class="">People all around the world who send healing energy, prayers, and love to our planet</p>
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<li><p class="">Politicians who work tirelessly to make change</p>
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<li><p class="">Blue-sky days</p>
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<li><p class="">Wildflower fields full of pollinators</p>
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<li><p class="">Environmental and city planners trying to make our cities more resilient</p>
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<li><p class="">First responders who work to protect us</p>
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<li><p class="">Species that get removed from endangered lists</p>
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<li><p class="">Subscribe to “<a href="https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/c-change/climateoptimist/"><span>The Climate Optimist Newsletter</span></a>” from Harvard Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment. </p>
</li>
<li><p class="">Explore <a href="https://www.theclimateoptimist.com/what-is-climate-optimism#:~:text=Therefore%2C%20climate%20optimism%20is%20not,resilience%2C%20action%2C%20and%20hope."><span>The Climate Optimist</span></a> website and book. Their mission is to “shift the narrative on climate change so that we can act from courage and excitement, not fear.” </p>
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<div class="sqs-block html-block sqs-block-html" id="block-yui_3_17_2_1_1690827437572_238771"><div class="sqs-block-content"><div class="sqs-html-content"><p class="">Climate anxiety can seem overwhelming, but learning to calm your body, compassionately accept your emotions, and find productive ways to channel your energy can all help to bring you peace and hope.</p>
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</div>Enhancing Dispensary Security with Twin City Security Denvertag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-08-17:2021996:BlogPost:2714352023-08-17T17:45:25.000ZDan Reddhttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/DanRedd
<p>Are you in need of professional security for your Denver dispensary? Look no further than Twin City Security – Denver (TCS-Denver). With the flourishing cannabis industry in Colorado, dispensaries are facing increased risks of theft, burglary, and robbery. TCS-Denver offers uniformed security personnel to ensure the safety and protection of your business.</p>
<p>Check out…</p>
<p>Are you in need of professional security for your Denver dispensary? Look no further than Twin City Security – Denver (TCS-Denver). With the flourishing cannabis industry in Colorado, dispensaries are facing increased risks of theft, burglary, and robbery. TCS-Denver offers uniformed security personnel to ensure the safety and protection of your business.</p>
<p>Check out <a href="https://www.twincitysecuritydenver.com/security-services-denver/dispensary-security-guard-denver/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">https://www.twincitysecuritydenver.com/security-services-denver/dispensary-security-guard-denver/</a></p>
<p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/izI3pIMSn1o?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>
</p>Duties of Primary Care Physicianstag:www.mytowncolorado.com,2023-08-16:2021996:BlogPost:2711182023-08-16T09:11:20.000ZFounders Family Medicinehttps://www.mytowncolorado.com/profile/AnthonyCerullo
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Primary care physicians (PCPs) play a critical role in the healthcare system by providing comprehensive and continuous medical care to patients. As the first point of contact for patients seeking medical attention, PCPs are responsible for managing a broad range of health issues, from acute illnesses to chronic conditions. Their duties go beyond diagnosing and treating diseases; they also focus on promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing illnesses before…</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Primary care physicians (PCPs) play a critical role in the healthcare system by providing comprehensive and continuous medical care to patients. As the first point of contact for patients seeking medical attention, PCPs are responsible for managing a broad range of health issues, from acute illnesses to chronic conditions. Their duties go beyond diagnosing and treating diseases; they also focus on promoting healthy lifestyles and preventing illnesses before they occur.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The duties of primary care doctors are vast and varied, ranging from physical exams and routine screenings to managing complex medical conditions. They work closely with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated care that addresses the unique needs of each patient.</span></p>
<h2><b>Comprehensive Medical Care</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Comprehensive medical care involves a range of services that aim to prevent, diagnose, and treat various health conditions.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Primary care doctors play a crucial role in providing comprehensive medical care to their patients. They are responsible for conducting routine check-ups, performing preventive screenings, and managing chronic illnesses. Primary care physicians also provide diagnostic services by ordering lab tests and imaging studies when necessary.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition to these clinical responsibilities, primary care physicians are also responsible for addressing the psychosocial needs of their patients. This includes providing emotional support, counseling on lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, and managing mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">By providing comprehensive medical care that addresses both the physical and emotional well-being of their patients, primary care physicians can help individuals achieve better health outcomes and improve their overall quality of life.</span></p>
<h2><b>Health Promotion and Disease Prevention</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Health promotion and disease prevention are essential aspects of maintaining optimal health. As primary care doctors, it is our duty to educate patients on the importance of healthy behaviors and practices that can prevent chronic illnesses such as</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/medical-services-castle-rock/heart-disease-castle-rock/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">heart disease</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">, diabetes, and cancer.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">We must also emphasize the benefits of regular physical activity, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, stress management techniques, and smoking cessation. By promoting these healthy habits within our patient population, we can help reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases and improve their overall quality of life.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In addition to promoting healthy behaviors among patients, primary care providers can also engage in community outreach programs that focus on disease preventive care and early detection. This involves collaborating with local organizations to provide free health screenings for conditions such as hypertension or breast cancer.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Through these initiatives, we can identify individuals who may be at risk for developing a chronic illness or detect early signs of disease before they become more serious. Overall, by focusing on preventative measures rather than solely treating existing conditions, primary care physicians can contribute to a healthier population and reduce healthcare costs in the long run.</span></p>
<h2><b>Continuity of Care</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Maintaining continuity of care across different healthcare settings is crucial for ensuring that patients receive appropriate and coordinated medical attention. Continuity of care is defined as the “degree to which a series of discrete healthcare events is experienced by people as coherent and connected” (Bodenheimer et al., 2002).</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It involves the coordination and communication among healthcare providers, including primary care physicians, specialists, hospitals, and other health professionals involved in a patient's care.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br/></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">To ensure continuity of care, primary care physicians play a pivotal role in overseeing their patients' medical needs across different settings. They should be knowledgeable about their patient's medical history, current medications, allergies, and other pertinent information that can affect their health outcomes.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Primary care physicians must also communicate effectively with other healthcare providers to ensure that all parties are informed about any changes or updates to a patient's condition. Overall, maintaining continuity of care requires collaboration among healthcare teams to provide high-quality patient-centered care that meets the unique needs of each individual.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Some strategies to promote continuity of care include:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Developing systems for sharing electronic health records across different healthcare settings.</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"><br/></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Encouraging patients to take an active role in managing their own health by providing them with educational resources.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Establishing protocols for communication between primary care physicians and specialists to ensure effective coordination of medical treatment plans.</span></li>
</ul>
<h2><b>Health Assessments and Screenings</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Regular health assessments and screenings are essential for early detection of diseases and identifying risk factors, allowing for timely interventions to improve health outcomes. Primary care physicians have a crucial role in conducting these assessments and screenings as they are the first point of contact for patients</span> <a href="https://www.foundersfamilymedicine.com/urgent-care-castle-rock/"><span style="font-weight: 400;">seeking healthcare services</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Health assessments can include physical examinations, laboratory tests, and medical history reviews to assess the patient's overall health status. Screening tests are used to detect specific conditions such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol levels.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Primary care physicians must tailor each assessment and screening based on the patient's age, sex, family history, lifestyle habits, past medical history, and other individual factors that may influence their health status. Early identification of diseases through regular assessments and screenings allows primary care physicians to address the root causes of illness before symptoms become severe.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">By detecting diseases early on or recognizing potential risk factors for developing certain conditions such as heart disease or diabetes in their patients through screening tests like blood pressure checks or blood sugar testing- primary care physicians can guide their patients towards appropriate preventative measures which can significantly improve overall health outcomes.</span></p>
<h2><b>Patient Education and Counseling</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Patient education and counseling are essential components of healthcare delivery that can improve patient outcomes and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health. Primary care physicians have a crucial role in providing patients with information, advice, and support to help them manage their conditions effectively.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Here are four ways in which primary care physicians can provide effective patient education and counseling:</span></p>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Providing clear explanations: Physicians should use plain language when explaining medical concepts to patients, avoiding complex terminology that may confuse or intimidate them.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Encouraging questions: Patients should be encouraged to ask questions about their condition, treatment options, and any concerns they may have. This helps them understand their health better and feel more empowered to manage it.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Offering resources: Physicians should provide patients with resources such as brochures or websites that offer further information on their condition or treatment options.</span></li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">Addressing barriers: Physicians must also address any barriers that might prevent patients from following through with recommended treatments or lifestyle changes such as cultural beliefs, financial limitations, or transportation issues. By addressing these barriers, physicians can help patients overcome obstacles to better health outcomes.</span></li>
</ul>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Patient education and counseling is an integral part of primary care practice that helps empower individuals to take control of their health. By providing clear explanations, encouraging questions, offering resources, and addressing barriers to care access; primary care physicians can enhance the quality of care for their patients while promoting healthier lifestyles for all people regardless of socio-economic background or ethnicity.</span></p>
<h2><b>Referrals and Care Coordination</b></h2>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Referrals and care coordination are crucial duties of primary care physicians. Referrals involve the process of transferring a patient to another healthcare provider for specialized treatment or diagnostic testing that is outside the scope of a primary care physician's practice.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Care coordination, on the other hand, involves ensuring that patients receive appropriate and timely specialty care when necessary by effectively communicating with specialists and other healthcare providers.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Effective referrals require clear communication between the primary care physician, specialist, and patient. The primary care physician must provide accurate medical information about the patient to the specialist while also providing clear instructions regarding what services are needed.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This can include providing relevant medical records, lab results, and imaging studies to ensure that specialists have all the necessary information to make informed decisions about treatment plans. Primary care physicians must also follow up with their patients after receiving specialty care to ensure that they receive proper post-treatment management and ongoing support.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Effective referrals and care coordination result in better health outcomes for patients as well as increased satisfaction with their healthcare experience.</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Primary care physicians play a crucial role in the healthcare system by providing comprehensive medical care, promoting health and disease prevention, ensuring continuity of care, conducting health assessments and screenings, educating patients, counseling them on their health and lifestyle choices, and coordinating referrals when necessary.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With their expertise in preventive medicine and patient-centered approach to care delivery, primary care physicians play a vital role in improving patient outcomes while reducing overall healthcare costs.</span></p>