When faced with an acute medical need such as cold or flu symptoms, earaches or even extreme muscle pain, most people call their family physician first. However, there are some people who go to an urgent care facility as their primary source for medical care. At Jupiter Medical Specialists, we want to be your first choice as your primary physician and we hope these four benefits will convince you the same.

1. A Primary Physician Knows Your Medical History – When having treated a patient for years, even decades, our physicians develop a keen understanding of our patient’s medical history. Our patients and our physicians are cooperatively involved in ongoing health care management toward the shared goal of high quality medical care. This helps us make precise diagnoses and monitor you more closely for any changes in your health and wellness.
2. Family Doctors Do More Than Just Yearly Exams – While our doctors perform yearly check-ups, they also are there to help our patients manage chronic medical issues such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. They can also treat your acute medical conditions like injuries and many infections. Research has shown that continuity of care  by physicians is associated with lower mortality rates
3. When You Need a Specialist, They’ll Find the Best One for You – Sometimes a medical issue arises that require consultation with a specialist. When our patients are faced with a medical condition that requires a specialist, our physicians will find a specialist who fits your exact needs and will maintain constant communication about the medical condition.
4. A Primary Physician Stays With You For Life – We treat patients over 16 years. It is not uncommon for us to see our patients for decades of their lives. Since our primary care physicians have the skills to treat a wide range of chronic and acute medical conditions, we can be your medical doctor at any point in your life. Patients who see the same physician over time have lower death rates based on a review of 22 studies across nine countries.¹

How We Can Help

If you would like to establish a long-term relationship with one of our doctors, or would like to schedule an appointment, contact your nearest Jupiter Medical Specialists for help.

[1] The review, Continuity of care with doctors – a matter of life and death? A systematic review of continuity of care and mortality, is published in BMJ Open. Authors were Denis J Pereira Gray, Kate Sidaway-Lee, Eleanor White, Angus Thorne, and Philip H Evans.

It’s a New Year!

Schedule your Wellness Visit today! Jupiter Medical Specialists has five convenient locations for all of your primary care needs. For more information, call (561) 972-5709.

Indiantown Road Practice

We are pleased to share that Dr. Wunder is now seeing patients at our new Indiantown Road location located at 1000 E. Indiantown Road Jupiter, FL 33458. He is available for same day sick visits!

We’re sad to say goodbye to Dr. Lyn as he embarks on a new journey. We wish him well in his new endeavor!

In the Spring 2023, Dr. Sirvaitis will be seeing patients at our Indiantown Road location.

Same Week Consultation

Dr. Cober is now offering same week surgery consultations for all general surgery needs with a specialization in gallbladder surgery.

Congratulations!

In the fall of 2022, Dr. Miskin completed over 1,000 cases on the Da Vinci Robotic-Assisted Surgery System.

The Da Vinci Surgical System uses a minimally invasive surgical approach.

Dr. Miskin specializes in robotic hernia surgery.

Welcome

Please welcome Irving Campbell, ARNP to our primary care office in Stuart. He will be seeing patients out of this location this February 2023.

We will also be welcoming Michelle Valentine, ARNP to the Indiantown Road location this Spring 2023.

Radiation Oncology

Dr. Tennyson is currently accepting new patients for consultation for any radiation oncology needs. For more information about next day cancer care, call (561) 263-4400.

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When someone has a cold, it can quickly turn to bronchitis, which can be much more serious. Here is some information that will let you know if you need to visit a doctor should you develop the condition.

Bronchitis 101

There are two types of bronchitis, which occurs when your lungs’ airways become inflamed and create an excessive amount of mucus. Acute bronchitis is the more common form and referred to as a “chest cold.” It is worse than the typical cold, but not as serious as pneumonia. A chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is characterized by a chronic cough that can last up to two or three months. Symptoms often include fatigue, fever, breathing accompanied by a wheezing sound, or frequent coughing that produces mucus.

Do You Need Medical Help?

If you have a cold and a cough, that is, of course, normal. Coughing is the body’s way of eliminating mucus and phlegm. There are some instances, however, where a cough can necessitate a trip to the doctor. For example, you will need to get medical help if you are wheezing, coughing up blood, have night sweats or you have a high fever. If your cough has worsened and you notice any sort of shortness of breath or oddly colored mucus, you should see a doctor as soon as you can.

Preventing Bronchitis

There are a few things you can do that can reduce the chances your cold will turn into bronchitis. For example, stop smoking and do not allow anyone else to smoke inside your home. Get plenty of rest and wash your hands often. If you need to see a doctor for bronchitis, the experts with Questcare Medical Clinic will be ready to help. Contact your nearest location online to learn more.

Not only is it the holiday season, but it is also flu season. The best way to reduce your risk from the seasonal flu and any potential complications is to get vaccinated every year. This year National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW) takes place from December 5-9. The designated week was created by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to create awareness in communities across the country and highlight the importance of vaccination. They chose the last month of the year to remind people that it’s never too late to get a flu vaccine.

Who is at Risk?

Certain individuals are at a higher risk than others for contracting the virus and developing flu-related complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia that can lead to hospitalization or even death. Anyone in this high-risk category should get vaccinated as well as those taking care of them. Those at high risk include:

• People 65 years of age and older
• People of any age with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and asthma
• Pregnant women
• Babies and children younger than 5 years old
• People living in facilities such as nursing and assisted-living homes
• Health care workers
• Caregivers to those under 5 years old and older than 65 years old

It’s Easy as ABC – Simple Tips and Tricks to Protect Yourself and Others

• Avoid close contact, touching, and any exposure to those who are sick and keep your distance from others if you are not feeling well or are sick. Surfaces can be contaminated with germs so do not touch your eyes, nose, and mouth without washing your hands.
• Be Absent – Stay home if you are not feeling well, please stay home to help prevent the spread of germs to others.
• Cover Your Mouth and Nose & Clean Your Hands – Flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets created when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk. Washing hands often will help protect you from germs. Soap and water are preferred, but an alcohol-based hand sanitizer will also do the trick.
• Disinfect – Wipe frequently touched surfaces and areas with products specifically designed to prevent germ contamination especially when someone is ill.

Managing stress, exercising, sleeping, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating a nutrient-rich diet along with being proactive and mindful is the perfect prescription for a healthy and happy life. A routine of these good health habits will help protect you and your loved ones.

Jupiter Medical Specialists are here to make your healthcare journey simple and bring further awareness to the community. Contact us today at (561)972-5709 to get your flu shot!

December is the biggest gift-giving month of the year. Everyone wants to find and give a great gift. But besides searching for the perfect present for your little ones, it is just as important to keep safety in mind while you’re shopping.

According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in 2020 there were 9 deaths and nearly 150,000 toy-related emergency room visits for children ages 14 and younger. Most of the injuries and deaths were associated with choking hazards, mostly because of small toy parts. Although toy safety has improved throughout the years, shoppers should still take precautions to keep children safe.

In recent years, the CPSC has implemented a stringent standards system that requires a third party to independently test toy safety in laboratories across the globe. This includes enforcing the percentage of lead and phthalates used in toys and stopping dangerous and violent toys at the ports and in the marketplace before they end up in little hands.

Safety Tips to Keep in Mind

• Inspect toys before purchasing them. Avoid toys with sharp edges, a multitude of little parts, and/or parts such as buttons that can be easily pulled off which become choking hazards.
• Look at the age and skill level marked on the packaging. Only buy age-appropriate even if you think a child is more mature. The guidelines are placed for good reason.
• Check the label. All toys should have an American Society for Testing and Materials (ATSM) to show it meets proper standards.
• Avoid all toys that with ropes and cords as well as crayons and markers unless they are labeled nontoxic. Other toys to avoid with children younger than eight years old are balloons which can choke or suffocate. This also includes deflated balloons which should be immediately discarded. High-powered magnet sets should always be kept away from small children too.
• Be wary of electric toys. These require close supervision.
• Give safety gear like helmets and knee pads if you are giving a bicycle, skateboard, or scooter.

It’s a Wrap

Upon opening gifts, immediately discard all plastic wrapping and any other toy packaging which can become dangerous playthings if not thrown away. Any toys requiring battery charging should be supervised and done by a trusted adult as chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards.

It’s easy to get swept up in the magic of the holidays, but the gift of safety ensures a happy and healthy holiday season. Jupiter Medical Specialists wish you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday and a happy new year.

Jupiter Medical Specialists are here to make your healthcare journey simple and bring further awareness to the community. Contact us today at (561)972-5709 to schedule a consultation.

Hypothyroidism is one of the most common thyroid problems, making people feel sluggish because the body does not produce enough energy. Here are some signs that you may have this issue.

Hypothyroidism Symptoms

When the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone, that leads to hypothyroidism. Symptoms of this issue typically appear gradually, over a period of several months or even years. They include thinning, coarse hair, skin that has a yellowish tint, brittle nails and slow body movements. People who had thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism also tend to have an inability to tolerate cold, feel weak, sluggish, or tired on a regular basis, and are also susceptible to memory problems or even depression.

There are several other less common symptoms as well, including muscle cramps and aching muscles, hoarseness, unexpected weight gain, swelling of the extremities and puffiness of the face. Like many thyroid problems, the severity of your symptoms will depend on several factors, including how long you have had the problem, your age, and others.

Treatments for Hypothyroidism

As serious as hypothyroidism can be, the good news is that it can be treated very effectively using hormonal medications. Once you start your treatment, you will need to visit your doctor on a regular basis to make sure you are being prescribed the correct amount. In many cases, symptoms will begin to subside within about a week or so after you start treatment, and then disappear altogether within a few months. People who are older or in poor health may not respond to medication as quickly.

If you would like more information on hypothyroidism or any other types of thyroid problems, please get in touch with one of our Jupiter Medical Specialists Clinics. Contact your nearest location online to make an appointment today!

National Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) Awareness Week takes place every year right before November’s signature holiday – when many Americans may experience heartburn associated with overeating. This disorder is so common that 23 years ago, the designated week was created to bring attention and help educate the public. Raising awareness can improve patient care, promote research, and impact positive outcomes.

What is GERD?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition where contents in the stomach flow back (reflux) into the esophagus (food tube) causing troublesome symptoms and/or possible damage to the esophagus. GERD is a chronic disease for which long-term medical therapy is usually effective. No single cause is known as to why this happens as reflux occurs when the muscle barrier between the stomach and the esophagus does not work properly.

Signs & Symptoms of GERD

The most common symptom of GERD is frequent heartburn followed by reflux (the rush of fluid into the mouth). Other less common symptoms may be painful swallowing, a constant clearing of the throat, a sensation of food stuck in the esophagus, a scratchy voice, a chronic cough, wheezing, and/or a sore throat.

Treatment

Individuals with GERD need to be prepared for long-term treatment. Options may include lifestyle changes, medications, surgery, or a combination of approaches all with a common goal. A simple change in foods eaten or medications taken can help tremendously. The goals are to reduce the symptoms, heal an injured esophagus, and manage or prevent complications.

Over-the-counter medications are just temporary fixes for quick relief so your trusted physician needs to know how often one uses these types of medicines. They may prescribe a more powerful medication that reduces or limits acid secretion in the stomach. As always, the last resort is surgery. Surgery can strengthen the barrier between the stomach and esophagus

Only a doctor can make a diagnosis of GERD based on the patient’s signs and symptoms. Certain tests may be done to confirm the diagnosis. It is important to fully disclose all your signs and symptoms to your doctor so the appropriate treatment can be administered.

Jupiter Medical Specialists are here to make your healthcare journey simple and bring further awareness to the community. Contact us today at (561)972-5709 to schedule a consultation.

According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 34 million Americans are living with diabetes. Among those who have died from COVID-19, 40% had the disease. Diabetes does not discriminate either. It can affect anyone regardless of age, race, and gender in any zip code and income bracket. November is the designated month to speak up and create awareness and fight for expanded diabetes testing.

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Those diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes have a pancreas that does not produce insulin. The body breaks down the carbohydrates one eats into blood sugar (blood glucose) that it uses for energy. These individuals must monitor their blood sugar throughout the day and administer multiple daily insulin injections with a pen, a syringe, or a pump. Finding and learning ways to manage blood sugar levels through diet and exercise will help in maintaining and living a normal and healthy life.

What is Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is the most common and it means that your body doesn’t use insulin properly. To use glucose as energy, the body needs insulin. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not make enough insulin or if it does not use it well. Therefore, the body’s cells cannot use glucose for the energy it needs. If glucose stays in the blood, other serious problems can arise. Some individuals can control their blood sugar levels with a healthy diet and exercise regimen, while others may need medication or insulin to help manage it.

Diabetes Symptoms

Individuals with Type 1 diabetes typically have the onset of sudden symptoms, while those with Type 2 have no signs at all or a more gradual occurrence. Some common symptoms are:

• Urinating often
• Extreme fatigue
• Blurry vision
• Excessive Thirst or hunger (even when you’ve eaten)
• Weight loss (Type 1)
• Tingling, pain, or numbness in the extremities (Type 2)

This month is dedicated to becoming educated and aware of diabetes and finding the proper balance of nutrition and physical activity. Making healthy choices and taking steps to manage diabetes can ensure a happier and healthier life.

Jupiter Medical Specialists are here to make your healthcare journey simple and bring further awareness to the community. Contact us today at (561)972-5709 to schedule a consultation.

Lung cancer has been estimated to account for nearly one in five deaths globally in both men and women. It is responsible for claiming more lives than colorectal, breast, and pancreatic cancers combined which makes it the leading cancer killer in the United States. To bring attention to these staggering statistics, each November individuals and organizations come together to raise awareness and recognize the challenges presented when someone is diagnosed with the disease.

What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is a group of diseases classified by the type of tissue the abnormal cells originated from in the lungs. There are two main types: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Non-small cell lung cancer is the more common form of the disease which has many common subtypes such as squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinomas.

The Cause

Smoking is the most common cause of lung cancer. Other risk factors include being exposed to secondhand smoke, having a family history of lung cancer, being treated with radiation therapy to the breast or chest, exposure to asbestos, radon, chromium, nickel, arsenic, soot, or tar in the workplace. When smoking is combined with other risk factors, the risk of lung cancer is increased.

The Stages

There are two stages of small cell lung cancer: Limited and Extensive. Limited is when the cancer is only in one lung or in nearby tissue. Extensive is when the cancer has spread to tissue and organs outside the original lung which can be in the opposite lung or in a distant organ.

The Signs & Symptoms

According to the American Lung Association, in the early stages of lung cancer, symptoms may not manifest because there are few nerve endings in the lungs. Many early detections are diagnosed as an incidental finding from another test for a different purpose. So, knowing the early signs and symptoms can allow for a treatment plan for a better success rate.

If you experience any of these symptoms for an extended amount of time, please see a trusted physician to determine a diagnosis and a treatment plan.

• Persistent Cough
• Shortness of Breath
• Raspy Voice
• Chronic Bronchitis, Pneumonia, or Emphysema
• Chest Pain
• Unexplained Weight Loss
• Bone Pain

Jupiter Medical Specialists are here to make your healthcare journey simple and bring further awareness to the community. Contact us today at (561)972-5709 to schedule a consultation.

One of the most common digestive disorders, acid reflux is typically associated with heartburn, indigestion and belching. However, there are several other symptoms of this issue, including throat pain and/or irritation as well as difficulty swallowing.

Symptoms of Acid Reflux

The severity of acid reflux symptoms can vary according to how long the condition has existed without being treated. Regurgitation, a feeling that you have something stuck in your throat, and continual throat clearing are just a few of the signs that you may have the disease. In addition, you may develop sinus infections on a regular basis and also cough up a great deal of excess phlegm.

It is extremely important that you do not ignore your symptoms, because acid reflux can lead to serious problems if it is not treated. For example, it can cause irreversible damage to your digestive tract, your throat, larynx (voice box) and even your teeth.

Treatment for Acid Reflux

Thankfully, most – if not all – of the symptoms associated with acid reflux can either be substantially reduced or eliminated completely. Many people can find temporary relief for acid reflux by taking an antacid, simply standing upright or sleep with your head elevated to help with symptoms.

However, most doctors will recommend either dietary or lifestyle changes as a long-term solution. Alcohol, peppermint, foods high in fat, coffee and even chocolate have been linked to acid reflux. Other foods can also cause problems, such as tomato products, citrus fruits, pepper and others.

Contact Us About Acid Reflux

If you suffer from acid reflux and you are looking for relief, come see us at one of our Jupiter Medical Specialists Clinics. Contact your nearest location to see how one of our medical experts can help.