Primary Care Specialist

What is primary care?

You receive primary care when you visit the doctor with an undiagnosed symptom or concern. It’s also the medical care that keeps you healthy through preventive care, and diagnoses and treats acute and chronic illnesses.

Primary care physicians are typically internal, family, or pediatric specialists who oversee the total care of their patients. They advocate for their patient’s needs and ensure they get proper treatment; they educate patients and provide counseling on leading a healthy lifestyle.

What conditions do primary care physicians treat?

Primary care physicians are specially-trained to provide a wide range of care to their patients. Examples of conditions that they treat include:

Diabetes

Diabetes affects how the body uses insulin. It’s a chronic disease with persistent and lingering symptoms that occur due to the body’s inefficient use of insulin. The two common types of diabetes are Type 1 and Type 2.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the cells that create insulin in the pancreas. It occurs due to insulin resistance. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, the insulin created by the pancreas doesn’t give cells enough access to the sugar it needs.

Symptoms of diabetes can include:

• Blurry vision
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Irritability
• Confusion
• Seizures

High blood pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when blood flows through the arteries at an accelerated rate. As time progresses, high blood pressure can injure the arteries and result in heart disease. Untreated hypertension can also lead to other health problems, including kidney and eye disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis.

Most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms at all. Shortness of breath and headaches can be symptoms of high blood pressure, but alone they’re not enough to form a definitive diagnosis.

How can I prevent health problems from occurring?

The best way to keep health problems at bay is to take preventive measures. You can work with Dr. Bonnici to create a personalized plan that addresses your health concerns.

You can prevent health problems by:

• Getting regular physical exams and health screenings
• Eating healthy
• Exercising
• Managing your blood pressure  
• Getting enough rest
• Managing your weight
• Quitting smoking

Let Dr. Bonnici help you maintain optimum health: Call or book your appointment online today.