While symptoms may overlap, allergies and common colds have different causes. Due to the overlapping symptoms, many people tend to confuse the two. While most of the time, allergies and the common cold are not severe, they can be annoying and get in the way of your daily activities. Identifying whether you have allergies or the common cold is necessary for determining the best way to start feeling better. East Northport Medical Care, Primary Care in Greenlawn, NY, is an excellent resource for you if you believe you are struggling with allergies or a common cold. We can help determine what is causing your symptoms and how to treat them best. If you are working to decide whether or not you have allergies or the common cold, we recommend you go to an Primary Care in Greenlawn, NY.

Common Cold Causes

The common cold is a viral infection that impacts the upper respiratory tract. Typically, it is very contagious, and you can get it multiple times a year because there are many different types of viruses that cause these colds. The common cold can impact people of all ages, even infants. A common cold is not usually something to be concerned about; however, the symptoms associated can be annoying and distracting. There are remedies to help alleviate some of the common cold symptoms, so it would be beneficial to go to an Primary Care in Greenlawn, NY.

Common Cold Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of a cold are:
  • Congestion
  • Coughing
  • Low-grade Fever (100.4 to about 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit)
  • Mild Headache
  • Runny/Stuffy Nose
  • Slight Body Aches
  • Sneezing
  • Sore Throat
You may experience one or a combination of these symptoms if you suffer from the common cold. It is vital to keep an eye on the discharge from your nose as it will change colors through time as the virus runs its course. Again, while the symptoms may not be severe, they can cause discomfort that may need to be addressed by a doctor or over-the-counter medication. If you have severe irritation and over-the-counter medication isn’t cutting it, we recommend visiting an Primary Care in Greenlawn, NY.

Allergies Causes

When you are experiencing allergy symptoms, this is the body’s reaction to a foreign substance that has entered the body. More specifically, this is the immune system’s response to a foreign object in the body. The body’s immune system is in charge of protecting the body from danger through antibodies. Danger can include foreign substances, viruses, and more. Allergies impact people because the body has created an antibody against a specific allergen. When the particular allergen enters the body, the body’s immune system begins fighting against the allergen, even though the allergen is not harmful. Allergies range in severity depending on the person. Some people have severe allergic reactions that can cause death. However, most people with allergies experience discomfort due to the body fighting the allergen.Below are a few of the most common allergens that can cause a reaction of some sort to occur:
  • Pollen
  • Bee or Wasp Sting
  • Penicillin (Antibiotic)
  • Mold
  • Mites
  • Animal Dander
  • Peanuts
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Fish
  • Latex
Everyone is different in terms of what allergens impact them if any at all. Allergies are usually not severe but can be very uncomfortable and may impact your daily life.

Allergies Symptoms

Since everyone’s immune system is so different and can react to other allergens in various ways, there are many symptoms associated with allergies. It is essential to keep track of your allergy symptoms as they will indicate how severe the reaction is. Below are some of the common symptoms associated with allergies:
  • Sneezing
  • Hives
  • Swelling of areas such as the throat, eyes, or face
  • Coughing
  • Itching of the nose and eyes
  • Running nose
These symptoms don’t require you to see a doctor most of the time. However, if your symptoms are constant or become more severe, you must go to Primary Care in Greenlawn, NY. A doctor can give you medications or other remedies to help relieve the symptoms or prevent them in the future.

How To Determine The Difference?

As you can see, there are different causes of allergies and the common cold. The common cold is caused by a virus, whereas allergies are the body’s response to foreign substances that are not harmful. They have overlapping symptoms; however, there are specific symptoms that differentiate the two. For example, those suffering from allergies likely have more itching, but those with the common cold may experience a low-grade fever. Additionally, the common cold is highly transmissible. However, allergies cannot be spread to others as no virus is involved. If you are in doubt about what may be causing some uncomfortable symptoms, we recommend you go to Primary Care in Greenlawn, NY.

Primary Care in Greenlawn, NY

East Northport Medical Care would like to help relieve you of those uncomfortable symptoms you may be having. We have the tools and expertise to differentiate between allergies and the common cold. By determining which you are suffering from, we can help you get the best treatment to feel better in no time! Please get in touch with us today to make an appointment to help determine what is making you feel under the weather!

What is obesity?

If you are obese, it’s important that you get the right treatment. Obesity can lead to serious health problems, such as:
  • Diabetes
  • Arthritis
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart disease
  • Stroke
  • Sleep apnea
  • Liver disease
  • Certain lung diseases, such as asthma
    • Certain cancers

What to expect at your first visit at your Primary Care in Greenlawn, NY.

At your first visit, we may: ● Ask about your health history. This includes your history of eating habits, exercise, and weight loss.● Give you a physical exam. This includes BMI, waist circumference, and blood pressure.Order certain tests to check health factors related to obesity, looking for health problems that can cause weight gain.You may have tests such as:
  • Blood sugar levels, to check for diabetes
  • Lipid and cholesterol levels
  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone levels
  • Liver blood tests
  • Kidney function blood tests
  • Vitamin D levels
  • Electrocardiogram, to look at your heart rhythm
  • Exercise testing, to see how well your heart works during exercise
  • Resting metabolic rate, to look at how many calories you burn at rest

Creating a treatment plan at Primary Care in Greenlawn, NY.

We will create a treatment plan for you. The plan is based on your medical needs and preferences. They will:
  • Find out how ready you are to begin an exercise program
  • Help you make realistic weight loss goals
  • Give you a nutrition plan
  • Tell you to keep a food diary
  • Talk with you about a weight-loss medicine, if needed
We will give you information about:
  • Healthy eating habits
  • Healthy exercise habits
  • How to change health behaviors
  • How mental health affects obesity
  • The complications of obesity
  • The benefits and risks of medicines

Give Your Primary Care in Greenlawn, NY A Call

Give us a call today to begin the journey with Primary Care in Greenlawn, NY to take back your health.
Primary Care in Greenlawn, NY
LDL or low-density lipoprotein collects in the walls of your blood vessels, where it can cause blockages. Higher LDL levels put you at greater risk for a heart attack from a sudden blood clot. You’re probably aware that a simple change in your diet can help lower your LDL “Bad” Cholesterol, but you may not know that this change is simpler and tastier than you think. Just adding a simple cup of oatmeal to your daily routine can help you get back on the right track.

Avocados

Avocados are a potent source of nutrients as well as monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). Adding an avocado a day to a heart-healthy diet can help improve LDL levels in people who are overweight or obese.People tend to be most familiar with avocados in guacamole, try adding avocado slices to salads and sandwiches or eating them as a side dish. Also try guacamole with raw cut vegetables, such as cucumber slices, instead of chips.

Whole Grains

Oatmeal and other foods containing whole grains contain soluble fiber, which has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol. Soluble fiber is also found in kidney beans, apples and pears. Add some fruit on top of your oatmeal for even more soluble fiber.

Vegetables

Most vegetables are high in soluble fiber and low in calories. Eggplant and okra contain high amounts of soluble fiber, but any kind of vegetable will give you fiber and nutrients that are good for lowering LDL cholesterol.

Nuts

Walnuts, almonds and other tree nuts can also aid in improving cholesterol. Rich in mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, walnuts also help keep blood vessels healthy.Eating a handful (1.5 ounces, or 42.5 grams) a day of most nuts, such as almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, some pine nuts, pistachio nuts and walnuts, may reduce your risk of heart disease.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate contains flavonoids and antioxidants that help lower LDL levels. Just make sure to eat in moderation, as chocolate is also high in saturated fat and sugar. We recommend dark chocolate over other type as it is much lower in sugar.

Fish

Salmon, albacore tuna, sardines, and halibut are all rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce triglycerides in the blood. Try preparing the fish by baking or grilling rather than frying.

Contact Primary Care in Greenlawn, NY

In addition to changing your diet, making other heart-healthy lifestyle changes is key to improving your cholesterol. Exercising, quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy weight will help keep your cholesterol at a healthy level. East Northport Medical Care, Primary Care in Greenlawn, NY, can help you come up with a plan that fits into your lifestyle. Give us a call today at (631) 368-9166 and we will be happy to setup an appointment to get you on the road to better health.