Guide to Vampire Facials with Microneedling

Have you heard of vampire facials? This minimally invasive treatment can turn back the clock on skin aging with platelet-rich plasma, more commonly known as PRP. It could be just what you’re looking for to achieve a smoother, healthier, and more youthful-looking appearance. 

Read on for a complete guide to vampire facials with microneedling to rejuvenate your skin. 

What Are The Steps of a Vampire Facial?

The first step of a vampire facial is the application of a topical numbing cream. It’s applied first so that it takes effect by the time your provider uses the microneedling device. 

Next, your provider will draw around a small amount of blood from your arm. They’ll place the blood in a centrifuge, which spins the blood rapidly to separate the PRP from the other blood components. 

With the PRP prepared, your provider will start to treat your skin with a microneedling device. This device creates tiny, controlled punctures in the skin, which allow for greater absorption of the PRP. The controlled injuries from microneedling also stimulate the skin’s natural repair process, leading to increased production of collagen and elastin. 

The last step of the vampire facial is to topically apply the PRP. Your skin may feel tight and slightly swollen after the facial, which can last for around 12 to 24 hours. 

The Results of a Vampire Facial with Microneedling

PRP contains a high volume of growth factors, which promote skin tissue regeneration. As your body gradually produces new skin cells, collagen, and elastin after your vampire facial, your skin may appear plumper, smoother, and brighter, with a reduced appearance of:

  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Scarring 
  • Sun damage
  • Uneven skin tone or texture
  • Discoloration

A vampire facial with microneedling can help you achieve a radiant, youthful appearance. Schedule an appointment at Florida Wellness Medical Group today!

6 Holiday Gift Ideas That Improve Health and Wellness

wellness giftsIt’s about time to start shopping for holiday gifts, and we have some tips for doing something a little different this year. If you have someone in your life who is considered a “health nut” or know someone who wants to improve their well-being, you can choose a healthy living gift for them this holiday season. 

There are multiple options for you to choose from depending on your loved one’s interests, their health goals, and their physical ability. 

Check out a few of our top ideas for holiday wellness gifts. 

#1) Massage Therapy 

Massage therapy is a wonderful gift to show someone that you can and make the season special, but it can also be a valuable tool to improve someone’s health. Massage therapy can reduce pain and increase range of motion for those who need it. It can also improve circulation and enhance the immune system. Learn about the different types of massage therapy to pick out the best wellness gift for your loved one. 

#2) Acupuncture Treatment

Gift cards for acupuncture can also serve as a unique wellness gift for someone who enjoys trying new things to promote their health. Acupuncture has been known to help with fatigue (valuable after the holiday season) as well as digestive issues, respiratory conditions, and emotional disorders. 

#3) Yoga Memberships

Yoga memberships make great wellness gifts because they combine the mental and physical part of your health. Plus, there are so many different types of yoga — from outdoor yoga to hot yoga — that you can find something really creative to give as a gift. If the person you’re buying for already has a membership at their favorite yoga studio, look to upgrade their matt or buy other accessories to help them have a better experience. 

#4) Outdoor Gear (That You Can Use Together)

Some of the best wellness gifts are ones that you can use together. For example,  if you’re thinking about getting a family member or significant other a stand-up paddleboard or new bike that they can use, consider getting two so that you can join them. This will help with your mental health (creating close personal bonds) and get you outside alongside the person who receives the gift. 

#5) Personal Training Sessions 

Do you know someone who loves going to the gym? Consider upgrading their gym experience with a few personal training sessions. Working with a trainer can help them improve their form and learn new ways to work out different muscle groups. This is also a good gift option for someone who feels nervous about the gym and wants to work out in a comfortable setting. 

#6) Nutritionist Consultations

Along with meeting with a personal trainer, setting up sessions with a dietician can serve as a luxurious option for improving wellness. Dieticians look at a person’s diet and offer ideas for eating more balanced meals and improving their overall well-being.  

Give Health and Wellness Gifts From Florida Wellness

Get creative with various wellness gifts this year! You can find something that your friend, family member, or partner really needs to start off the new year (and the new decade) with a healthy foot forward. 

Get acupuncture or massage therapy gift cards by contacting Florida Wellness today. We have wellness gift cards that offer the best gift of all this holiday season: improved health.  

Don’t Listen to Flu Shot Myths! Get Vaccinated This Year

flu shot mythsGetting a flu shot is an important step to stay healthy through the winter and protect your loved ones. While it only takes a few minutes to get a flu vaccine, there are dozens of myths and misconceptions that prevent people from getting it. 

These flu shot myths are dangerous. 

Without the vaccine, you could be at risk of catching the flu and even getting hospitalized because of it. Don’t listen to these common flu shot myths. It’s time to bust these untruths to keep your friends and family healthy. 

Myth: Flu Shots Don’t Work

Each year, people claim that the flu shot is “ineffective” and only covers certain strains. There are also stories about people who got a flu vaccine but got sick anyway. This leads to the myth that the flu shot is ineffective and a waste of time. 

Studies show that getting vaccinated reduces your flu risk by 40-60%, that’s not an insignificant amount. Plus, if you do catch the flu even with your vaccine, your symptoms will likely be milder and last a shorter period of time than if you didn’t get a shot.  

Myth: Flu Shots Cause the Flu

This is a flu shot myth where people claim that the side effects from the vaccine will be just as bad as the flu itself. While some people may experience fatigue, headache, or fever shortly after the injection, the side effects aren’t nearly as bad as getting the flu. In fact, the majority of people only experience mild soreness at the injection site for a few hours after. 

Myth: You Don’t Need a Flu Shot if You’re Healthy

Many people believe that if they eat well and have a good immune system then they don’t need their flu shot. However, the flu affects many strong and healthy people each year. Not only that, but you could pass the flu on to those who are unable to get vaccinated, like the elderly, small children, and people with compromised immune systems. This could be deadly for them. 

Getting a flu shot is part of herd immunity. You will stop the spread of disease to protect others who are vulnerable. 

Myth: You Don’t Need a Flu Shot if You Got One Last Year

One of the most prevalent flu shot myths is the idea that your vaccine from last year will protect you this year. Flu strains are constantly evolving, and the vaccine that protected you last year might not be effective against this year’s strain. Make a point to get a flu shot each year to stay protected. 

Ignore Flu Shot Myths and Schedule Your Vaccine Appointment 

The CDC recommends getting your flu vaccine by the end of October. 

However, getting vaccinated can be beneficial even if you get it in January or beyond. Flu season can last as late as May, so a quick shot can protect you for almost nine months. 

At Florida Wellness, we offer flu vaccines as part of our Primary Care services. Schedule an appointment today to get your flu shot, along with a wellness checkup to make sure you are healthy and happy with your body. 

Why You Need a Primary Care Doctor & How to Find the Right One

primary care doctorWhen was the last time you visited a doctor? If you’re like many Americans, you head to urgent care or the ER when something is wrong, but otherwise don’t schedule regular check-ups or preventative care. According to one report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, roughly 28% of men and 17% of women don’t have a primary care doctor. 

There are significant benefits to having a primary care doctor – and not just when you are sick. Your doctor can take preventative steps and catch problems early on. Plus, you have a central place for your medical care. 

If you don’t have a primary care doctor, it’s time to get one. 

Here’s how you can take the first steps to find the right one.  

Why Do You Need a Primary Care Doctor?

Most people think of doctor’s visits in two ways: sick or healthy. However, your primary care doctor treats your health on a spectrum. You may still need to visit the doctor when you are healthy so you can get healthier. A few of the services that primary care doctors help with include:

This is just the tip of the iceberg for what your primary care doctor can do for you. Their job is to be your top resource for health and wellness concerns.   

How to Find the Right Primary Care Doctor for You

If you want to start going to a primary care doctor, then you need to find one that is right for you. Here are a few criteria to consider when finding an office for direct primary care:

  • Your doctor accepts your insurance. Insurance is one of the top drivers of doctor choice. Ask potential doctors up-front if they accept your insurance. 
  • Your doctor is nearby. If you have to drive across town to find your doctor, then you are more likely to put off follow-up visits or regular appointments. Plus, no one wants to drive an hour when they feel sick. 
  • The office has positive recommendations. The Internet has dozens of resources for getting primary care doctor recommendations. Read online reviews or ask your friends for doctors they suggest. 
  • You can easily schedule an appointment. You shouldn’t have to wait several months to see your doctor. See if the staff is willing to find time to bring you in. 
  • The office staff makes you feel  welcome and comfortable. The closest primary care doctor that takes your insurance isn’t always the best. You should be able to trust your doctor and the rest of the staff. Find somewhere else if you feel uncomfortable.  

If your doctor is hard to get to or treats you poorly, then you’re less likely to go. Take your time to find someone who works for you. 

Schedule an Appointment with Florida Wellness

If you’ve been letting your annual appointments and wellness checks slide, schedule an appointment with Florida Wellness primary care today. This will create a base for your health and give you a home to turn to when you’re sick. We can’t wait to meet you!

Spinal Surgery Pre-Op: Here’s What You Need to Know

Spinal surgery is a delicate procedure that requires most patients to be prepped weeks or months beforehand. Considering how important physical and emotional well-being are to the success of any surgery, pre-op assumes an important place in the scheme of things, as it reduces surgical risks considerably. It also helps a patient to learn more about the process and provides enough time for doctors to evaluate a patient’s condition. But what does this evaluation process entail? Find out below.

Medical Clearance

It is important for the surgical patient to be in good health; otherwise, complications might arise. To determine the state of the person’s mind and body, the surgeon may recommend a general medical examination. The tests are conducted by the patient’s primary care physician and involve blood samples, urine samples, echocardiograms, EKGs, etc.

Medication

A patient needs to prepare a list of medications that he/ she will need for the duration of the hospital stay. If you are going for surgery, make sure that you do not bring any of your own meds. The pharmacy at the medical center will provide the drugs you need. If you have any concerns or questions regarding the availability of your medication, feel free to discuss them with your physician before you’re admitted for the procedure.

Diet

It is important that the patient follows the dietary instructions given by the physician. Depending on a patient’s existing conditions, there may be restrictions on specific food items as well as when you should stop eating/drinking the day before the surgery.

Braces

Some spinal surgeries are so serious that the patient has to wear a back or neck brace afterward. So, as per the doctor’s orders, the patient must be fitted for the brace before the surgery.

Duration of Hospital Stay

Usually, a patient must stay in the hospital for up to four days, depending on the type of spinal surgery he/she has undergone. So, it is important to mentally prepare oneself. Once the patient has been released from the hospital, he or she might need help with daily activities like dressing, bathing, shopping, and cooking during the recuperative period, so it is important to arrange for help.

Be Prepared for Complications

The majority of surgeries go smoothly without any problems. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry, and for that reason the patient needs to be prepared for possible complications.  Lung congestion, blood clots, and infection are possible side effects after a surgical procedure. The physician must review these risks with the patient before moving ahead with the procedure.

A good doctor understands the importance of pre-op and the critical role it plays in determining the success of any spinal surgeries. Contact any of our Florida Wellness Medical Group branches to experience the best in pre-op care. We will make sure you have all the information at your disposal before the surgery.

3 Reasons You Should Visit a Wellness Center Today

A recent Reuters article reported how more and more Americans are embracing a healthier lifestyle which is clearly being reflected in their food choices. It comes as little surprise that wellness as an industry reached a 3.7 trillion U.S. dollar mark globally (Source: www.statista.com/topics/1336/wellness-and-spa/). Many Americans are embracing Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) that wellness centers like Florida Wellness offer.

CAM approachWhile conventional medicine focuses on treating a disease after it occurs, CAM tries to improve a patient’s overall physical and medical well-being to treat the prevailing condition and decrease the chances of health hazards and illnesses in the future.Did you know that according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, four in 10 adults and one in every nine kids use CAM in some form?

If you are intrigued by the CAM approach and want to take advantage of the many time-tested methodologies, you will love to know more about how a wellness center like Florida Wellness can help you get healthier:

Complete Well-Being

Wellness centers  offer various health treatments that combine modern science and technology with classical forms of healing, such as acupuncture. Individuals suffering from acute neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, and other debilitating conditions can seek treatments that are productive but do not invade the body in any way. Wellness centers not only promote a healthy lifestyle, but they ensure long-lasting health benefits by preventing new symptoms from appearing.

Quick Results

Chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage therapies are a few among several other alternative approaches that have experienced a recent rise in popularity as a CAM treatment. All three were included in the National Institute of Health, a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,in 2007. In our wellness center, only trained and experienced professionals administer these treatments so that you start feeling better only after a few sessions.

The best part is the lack of side-effects. If traditional medicines lead to uncomfortable and unwanted after-effects, you could find relief in different alternative treatments. Moreover, these treatments can alleviate the conditions without causing any harm to the other body parts.

Open to All

Any person of any age can benefit from alternative treatment in a wellness center. A National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) found that 12 percent children of adults who participated in the survey use some form of CAM. At Florida Wellness, we have comprehensive treatment plans including sports injury care and sports physical exams which are very beneficial for kids.

Why Visit Florida Wellness?

At Florida Wellness, we believe in the power of holistic healing. With a focus on the mind, body, and soul, we prepare a customized wellness plan that caters to your exact health requirements. Our treatments attack the problem at the root, and our trained staff cares for you and helps in your rehabilitation.

Our walk-in clinics at Tampa, Trinity, Carrollwood, and Zephyrhills are run by compassionate experts who care about your well-being. Apart from Physical Medicine, you can also benefit from our Primary Care unit that offers a comprehensive wellness program including vaccinations, family medicine, and preventative exams. Do you want to discuss wellness programs for you or your family? Give us a call now and schedule an appointment today.

How Teamwork Helps With Maintaining Diabetes

Do you wish to get a handle on your diabetes? If yes, then a team approach might prove an effective solution. When you integrate a whole team of specialists into the care process, including a dietitian, a diabetes instructor, a nephrologist, a cardiologist, and an endocrinologist, it goes a long way towards lowering complications in your health. Worried about the associated costs? Well, this approach actually reduces the cost of your health care system in the long run. Let’s find out more about how you can curb your diabetes with the power of teamwork.

Reducing Complications

Patients suffering from diabetes have a common tendency of developing other health complications such as cardiovascular disease, limb amputation, stroke, nerve pain, kidney disease, and blindness. Most people are unaware of these types of issues, especially the kidney disease. What they fail to realize is that people suffering from type 2 diabetes already have some type of kidney impairment. Annual screenings, including microalbumin urine tests, become important to track the status of the diabetes. The absence of adequate knowledge about their condition could cause further damage to the kidneys and, in severe cases, lead to heart disease.

Lifestyle Modifications

Diabetes patients need to modify their lifestyle and follow the physician’s prescription directly as it reads. In such cases, interventions by dietitians and nutritionists allow patients to get back on track. Working together as a cohesive unit will enable patients to make noticeable improvements to their health.

Understanding the Role of the Medical Care Team

Teamwork has one purpose – to help the patients manage their diabetes and achieve glycemic control via insulin, lifestyle modification, or oral therapy. This necessitates careful follow-up and monitoring as well as support, something that a group of professionals can easily provide.

An interdisciplinary team approach is not a novel concept for chronic illness management but as far as diabetes is concerned, more awareness is required. There is a growing need for diabetes care providers collaborate with professionals in other wellness disciplines for better outcomes with patients. If you are in search of this type of comprehensive treatment for diabetes, get in touch with Florida Wellness Medical Group today.

Strep Throat: Common Symptoms, Tests and Throat Culture

Although physicians usually diagnose strep throat with a simple lab test, some healthcare professionals resort to a clinical diagnosis if they think that the patient’s symptoms are extremely suggestive of the condition. Read on to learn about strep’s common symptoms, diagnosis, and throat culture.

Common Signs and Symptoms

Most treatment guidelines recommend that a medical professional confirms strep throat with a proper laboratory test and not just from the signs or symptoms. However, your doctor can start the treatment if you have the following symptoms, even before you have the throat culture results in your hand:

  • Yellow or white spots on your tonsils or throat
  • A temperature of 101 degrees Fahrenheit or more
  • Swelling and redness of your tonsil or throat
  • Tender or swollen lymph nodes in your neck
  • Any of the above along with the absence of viral infection symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, or a runny nose

Strep Test

Go for a rapid strep test to figure out whether there is any presence of bacteria in the throat signaling a strep throat diagnosis. A professional in one of our wellness clinics will take a cotton swab to the back of your throat to collect cells for the test. Reputed healthcare centers will provide you with test results within an hour or so. The presence of streptococcal bacteria confirms that you have strep throat.

Throat Culture

This test also examines the cells from the back of a patient’s throat. These cells are collected using a cotton swab and put in a container with substances that promote bacteria growth. A positive throat culture means there is a growth of bacteria.

If you indeed have Strep throat, we recommend that you take some precautionary measures to prevent the spread of the infection. Wash your hands frequently, use tissues instead of handkerchiefs, and cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing. If you feel that you have strep throat, visit one of the Florida Wellness clinics for a thorough lab test now.

Why You Should Go for Regular Health Checkups

Thanks to the Internet-driven information avalanche, people today are exceptionally health-savvy. We have innumerable medical resources telling us exactly what we need to do to stay healthy and avoid a bevy of illnesses. Ironically, however, we are living in an age when remaining healthy has become harder than ever. Blame it on people’s fast-paced lifestyles and the influence of environmental pollution. Genetics also plays a major role in determining people’s vulnerability to certain diseases. Under this circumstance, investing in routine health check-ups can help us lead healthy lives.

Here is why:

Prevention Is Better Than Cure

You may not have control over your genetic pattern. You also cannot control the level of pollutants in the air. Sometimes, professional commitments and family factors force you to lead a lifestyle which is not exactly healthy. However, you can have complete control over one thing – how often you visit your physician. By getting yourself examined regularly, your doctor will usually be able to detect and start treating any health problem at its outset. Early detection will help you heal faster.

Health Insight Gives You Power

Your body is a machine and different internal systems have to work in harmony for an overall smooth functioning. If one vital organ fails, the whole system can crash. Your outer appearance can be misleading and is not able to tell you what’s going on inside. However, clinical examinations at regular intervals can take the guess workout of the equation and tell you for sure whether everything is functioning properly or not. Being aware of health risks will help you make better lifestyle choices. Invest in your health today so that you can avoid unnecessary medical expenses in the future.

Facing Reality Always Pays

We have all heard of young and apparently healthy people dying suddenly of stroke or other unforeseen ailments. Nobody wants a fate like this. Avoid it by going for a few tests once or twice a year to learn in advance what is ailing you.

The earlier you face reality, the better it is for you. Visit one of our centers and take your first step towards a healthier tomorrow.

Why Everyone Needs Annual Preventative Health Exams

Visits to the doctor are not something that most people look forward to.In fact, people often delay scheduling an appointment unless they are feeling ill. Only when their health fails do they consider the option of medical help. However, this trend needs to change as the best way to combat ill-health is early detection. It is important to begin treatments even before the physical symptoms begin to manifest themselves. Wait, is that even possible? Well, yes it is. Detection of any health issues and their subsequent treatments become possible through annual preventive exams. These tests are essential if you want to improve your chances of leading a long, healthy life.

Who Should Take the Exam?

Both adults and children should consider going for annual preventative health examinations. Kids and adolescents especially must understand how important it is to track the regular progression of age-appropriate development. Annual preventive exams allow health professionals to detect some diseases early on and treat them successfully.

Benefits of Health Screenings

Part of the reason why annual preventive exams are so popular in the United States is because they provide comprehensive details about the condition of your body. Health screenings are an integral part of the process, which usually includes pap smears, diabetes and cholesterol tests, and breast exams. Such screenings are capable of detecting signs of a disease in its earliest and most-curable stage. If you notice any unusual results, your doctor and you can nip the problem in the bud.

Need For Annual Preventive Health Exams

Any physical condition out of the ordinary indicates the need for annual preventive health exams. It could be something as minor as fluctuations in your body weight or irregularities in your urine or blood reports. Annual visits present a unique opportunity for you to ask your doctor any health-related questions you might have.

Contact us now to learn more about how you and your family can benefit from annual preventive exams. Our healthcare providers can advise you on how to prevent diseases and stay hale and hearty in the long run.