Glendale Family Medical Center - Armen Nercessian D.O.

Difference Between A Break, Sprain, Or Strain - What You Need To Know

To many people, pain is pain and it is hard to indicate if you have a broken bone or a sprain.

Most of our patients hurt their ankle around the house or while working out, they are more concerned with the pain they are feeling than determining whether the ankle is broken, sprained, or strained.

The best way to obtain proper treatment for your injury is to come in for a visit and get it looked at by a healthcare professional.

A healthcare provider knows what specific signs to look for when determining whether an injured body part is broken, sprained, or strained and can then recommend the correct treatment to help it heal.

Our urgent care is more affordable, and convenient, and we offer quick services. Contact us today if you are in pain, and our helpful staff will ensure you feel well taken care of.

Back Pain- When to See a Doctor

If you live with back pain, then you know more than anyone how difficult it is to do your day to day activities with out back pain getting in the way.

Your spine is the structure that supports your body and every movement you make. When you are experiencing back pain, even the most simple tasks can become excruciating and painful.

Back pain is usually brought on by overexertion or a minor injury. However, in more rare cases, low back pain can indicate an underlying medical issue.

As a rule of thumb, if you ever find yourself unable to go about your normal activities without experiencing pain, it’s probably time to see a doctor.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Glendale Family Medical Center!

We hope that everyone has a fun and safe holiday today

Strokes Can Happen Any Time - What You Need To Know

Quick thinking can help you lessen brain damage that may result from a stroke. A stroke happens when the blood supply to your brain is reduced depriving the brain of oxygen, and nutrients.

While a stroke may come without warning, knowing the signs and symptoms could save your life. If you are experiencing any of these following stroke symptoms call 9-1-1 immediately:

- Numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially if only on one side of the body.
- Confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech.
- Trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
- Severe headache with no known cause.

If you suspect that you are at a higher risk of having a stroke, speak with your health care provider about preventive measures.

We are here when you need us! Our Urgent Care can evaluate and treat a wide range of illnesses and injuries.

Health Benefits of Walking

We all strive to have better health and it starts with diet and exercise. Whether you're trying to lose some weight or protect your body from diseases or heart problems, simply walking more each day can help!

Did you know walking even at a slow pace for at least 30 minutes a day can help the average person burn 150 calories?
By walking just 30 minutes daily, you can help improve conditions such as high cholesterol and blood pressure or even diabetes.

Keep in mind, the faster and more intensely you walk, the more calories you may burn. If you have any underlying conditions, you should always ask your doctor what they think would be the best walking plan to keep you active and healthy.

At our urgent care, we understand the importance of stepping your way into better health.

We are Here For You!

Injuries and illnesses can happen at any time! That is why we are always here to provide the best care!

Although, we all do our best to be safe and careful, we understand that accidents and injuries occur during all hours of the day.

Whether it’s a cut, burn or broken bone to eye injury or fever... we are here to help. Our patients come in knowing that they will receive the best service and get the relief they need.

Whether or not you have insurance, we will work with you and our knowledgeable staff is here to provide the best service.

Visit our website to see what types of services we provide.

Lack of Sleep

We all know “a good night’s sleep can make everything better.” Well, they might just be right!

Many of us do not meet the minimum requirement of sleeping hours. Factors affecting sleep include long work hours, distractions, caffeine use, and even screen time.

Sleep deprivation is when you don’t get the sleep you need. Lack of sleep directly affects how we think and feel.

Understanding this condition, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment can put you in a better position to ensure that you’re getting the sleep you need.

Contact us at 818-552-2011 today to discuss your options.

Improving Your Circulation

Getting out and moving is great for your body, but it can also help in many other areas of our physical and mental health! We recommend mild to moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes each day.

Another great way to improve circulation is to get massages. Massages help promote healthy circulation by helping move blood and lymph fluid throughout your body, in the same way that both walking and exercise do.

Drinking lots of water is also a great way to improve your circulation. The benefits of drinking water are huge and go far beyond thirst.

Omega-3 fatty acids promote cardiovascular health and are also another way to improve circulation. The American Heart Association recommends that you eat at least two servings of omega-3 fatty acids per week.

Cut back on alcohol - Moderate alcohol consumption can be okay for your body, but you need to be sure you know how to define what “moderate” means. For most people that means no more than two drinks.

Speak with your doctor for more information.

Treating Dry Nose

Cold and allergy season leaves many of us with a trademark symptom, dry nose.

While having a dry nose is uncomfortable, there are many remedies for treating a dry nose can be purchased, or even treated with things you already have in your home.

Here’s five effective home remedies:

- Petroleum jelly
- Humidifier
- Nasal spray
- Damp wipes
- Steam or sauna

Besides using moisture in the air, make sure you help your body from inside by staying hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids like water or tea can help moisturize your nose from the inside out.

However, if you have had a dry nose for more than 10 days or experience signs of infection then you should stop by our urgent care. Contact us at 818-552-2011!

Happy President’s Day from Glendale Family Medical Center!

On this special day, we salute to all the great presidents throughout history. Your great deeds are always remembered.

’sDay2022

Happy Valentines Day from Glendale Family Medical Center!

Today is Valentine’s Day and we wanted to express our love for our patients.

We deeply value those who have supported our business.

We hope your is as wonderful as you are!

Did You Know That a Cough Itself Is Not an Illness?

It’s either a symptom of an illness or a way to rid our bodies of foreign matter. A cough indicates that something isn’t quite right in our bodies, and it signals our conscious mind that we need to more pay attention to it. In short, a cough is a spontaneous reflex that clears your airways.

When we lie down, phlegm drips down the back of the throat and begins to pool. It then triggers a cough reflex to get rid of the obstruction.

Your cough may also be worse at night because gravity causes stomach acid to creep up your throat. The rising stomach acid irritates nerves in the esophagus, which sets off a reflexive action, and you cough.

Stop by our urgent care today to figure out the cause of your persistent cough.

Arthritis Pain?

Hand exercises can help maintain flexibility in your ligaments and tendons. Certain exercises can also help to reduce pain.
Our trusted doctor might recommend physical therapy, where a specialist will work with an individual to develop an exercise plan.

People with arthritis should practice these exercises gently and slowly so as not to cause any new pain.

• Place hand flat on a surface, spread the fingers out sideways, and then bring them back together.
• Make a loose fist and open your fingers to fully straighten them, repeat.
• Holding the hand flat, move out the thumb to the side, bring your thumb back across the palm, then return to the starting point.
• Place the wrist on the edge of a table, with your hand free to hang down. Keeping the fingers relaxed, raise your hand until you feel a stretch, then slowly lower it.
• From the same position, turn the hand so that the thumb faces upward. Raise and lower your hand, as if waving.

Resting the hands from activities that might cause pain and overuse can also help alleviate pain.

Schedule an appointment or stop by our urgent care today to see what other options we can offer you.

Why You Should Get More Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is extremely important for your health. It’s just as important as eating a balanced, nutritious diet and keeping up with exercising.

Sleep deprivation can put both your health and safety at risk, which is why it’s essential that you prioritize and protect your sleep on a daily basis.

Consider what a good night sleep can do for you:

- Maintain or lose weight
- Improve concentration and productivity
- Maximize athletic performance
- Strengthen your heart
-Poor sleep is linked to depression
- Healthy immune system

Lack of sleep can be dangerous. When we’re tired, our ability to focus on tasks, reflexes, and reaction times decrease. If you aren’t getting good enough sleep speak with your Doctor to discuss what options you have

Sinus Infections

Have you ever experienced a sinus infection? If so, then you know how irritating it can be to deal with. The good news is that some individuals can get rid of their recurring sinus infections by modifying certain aspects of their lifestyles.

To help minimize your risk of sinus infections, you can:

• Wash your hands frequently
• Keep the inside of your nose moist with nasal saline sprays
• Keep your allergies under control with prescribed medication
• Maintain an allergen-free home
• Avoid nasal irritants such as pollution and smoke

Some people are simply more susceptible to sinus infections, regardless of any preventative measures they may take.

Visit our urgent care today to discuss the best treatment for your sinus infection.

Happy Martin Luther King Jr Day from Glendale Family Medical Center

Ninety-three years after his birth on Jan. 15, 1929, and 58 years after his historic “I Have a Dream” speech, Martin Luther King Jr’s stirring words and writings remain as relevant and inspiring today as they were when he lived.

We wish you all a wonderful day full of inspiration.

Taking Care of Your Eyes

The hands are constantly exposed to dirt and bacteria which can be easily transferred to your eyes each time you touch or rub them. Make sure to wash your hands regularly to keep bacteria at bay and try to prevent them from getting in contact with your eyes.

Exposure to sunlight and UV rays increases your risk for age-related macular degeneration and could cause cornea sunburn, so make sure to put on those sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Sufficient fluid intake is essential to your body’s overall wellbeing, including the eyes. If you’re hydrated enough, you prevent your eyes from getting dry and irritated.

Omega-3 and Vitamins C, A, and E are essential for maintaining your eye health. Try to have your diet be infused with a variety of foods that are rich in these nutrients.

Contact your doctor to learn more about what you can do to take care of your eyes.

Trouble Waking Up?

As you get less sleep, it seems nearly impossible to feel fully awake.

It’s tempting to reach for an energy or caffeinated drink to stay awake during the day. But believe it or not, consuming these types of drinks to combat sleepiness, can lead to a vicious cycle.

So, how do can you stay awake naturally?

1. Get up and move around to feel awake
2. Take a nap
3. Give your eyes a break
4. Eat a healthy snack to boost energy
5. Start a conversation to wake up your mind
6. Turn up the lights

If you still feel fatigued and unable to feel awake, contact your doctor to see if lab work is needed as this could be an underling condition.

Allergies or Common Cold?

Cough, wheezing, stuffy nose are all symptoms of a cold and allergies. So how do you really know if you are sick with a cold or have allergies?

Even if you never had allergies before, so you must have the common cold? Right?… Not necessarily. An allergy is an overreaction of the human immune system to a foreign protein substance that is either eaten, breathed, injected or touched.

The common cold is caused by hundreds of different viruses. After several days to a week, your immune system will fight off the virus and your symptoms will cease.

Both allergies and the common cold require medical attention. Whether you need to control your allergies, or help your immune system fight off the virus associated with the common cold.

Contact your doctor for more information.

Happy New Year from all of us at Glendale Family Medical Center!

Wishing you and your family all the best for 2023! Let this new year bring you much happiness along with new goals, and new inspirations in your life.

#2023

Habits and Your Joints

We usually don’t think much about our joints until they start hurting us, but there are many habits we do daily that can cause our joints pain, such as:

-Texting / typing
-Not exercising
-Holding heavy items
-Ignoring your joints
-Lack of vitamins
-Lack of sleep
-Weight gain
-Smoking

If you are experiencing any pain in your joints, consult with your doctor or stop by our urgent care to see what options you have.

Walking for Better Health

We all strive to have better health. Whether you're trying to lose some weight or protect your body from diseases or even heart problems, simply walking more each day can help!

By walking 30 minutes each day, you can help improve conditions such as high cholesterol, blood pressure, and even diabetes.

Did you know walking even at a slow pace for at least 30 minutes a day can help the average person burn 150 calories. Keep in mind, the faster and more intensely you walk, the more calories you may burn.

Walking can also:

• Boost your immune and digestive system
• Improve your endurance
• Reduce risk of varicose veins
• Help you sleep better
• Reduce stress
• Improve muscle, bone, and joint pain
• Help improve cardiovascular and pulmonary health

If you have any underlying conditions, it’s best to consult with your doctor what they think would be the best walking plan to keep you active and healthy.

Merry Christmas from Glendale Family Medical Center

Wishing all our patients joy and all the best this wonderful holiday has to offer! May this incredible time of giving and spending time with family bring you joy that lasts throughout the year!

Christmas Gatherings – Picking Artificial Sweeteners

Artificial Sweeteners also called sugar substitutes, are substances that are used instead of table sugar.

Artificial sweeteners are synthetic sugar substitutes that often are an attractive alternative to sugar because they add virtually no calories to your diet and can aid in weight control which makes it perfect for the holidays as everyone can enjoy!

If you are concerned about the difference between sugar and artificial sweeteners or your daily sugar intake, you may benefit from talking with your health care provider. Contact us today!

Bronchitis – What You Need To Know

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs.
Chronic bronchitis is long-term inflammation of the bronchi and is commonly associated with smoking.

Common symptoms include the following:
• Persistent Cough
• Productive Cough
• Wheezing
• Low Grade Fever
• Chills And Body Aches
• Chest Tightness
• Shortness Of Breath

At our urgent care, we are dedicated to providing quality care to the community we serve. Our urgent care facilities and physicians are equipped to render the highest standard of care and provide fast and accurate diagnosis of the illnesses that present this time of year so you can be on your way to feeling your best.

Why You May Be Experiencing Fatigue

Fatigue is an overall feeling of tiredness or lack of energy. It is different than feeling drowsy or sleepy. When you’re fatigued, you have no motivation or energy to go about your daily activities.

Fatigue is a common symptom of many medical conditions that range in severity from mild to serious, it is urged to discuss this immediately with your doctor if you are experiencing fatigue.

You should make an appointment with your doctor if you’re feeling fatigued and have:

• Unsure why you are feeling fatigue
• Higher-than-normal body temperature
• Unexplained weight loss
• Sensitive to colder temperatures
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Depression

Sore Throats - How To Relieve?

If you are suffering from a sore throat, we know you want it to go away immediately.

The itching, scratching, and burning isn’t fun, especially if they’re accompanied by other symptoms of a cold or a more serious virus. Plain and simple, sore throats can be downright miserable.

We recommend trying:
• saltwater gargle
• lozenges
• honey
• echinacea/sage spray
• humidifier

Visit us to get antibiotics if your sore throat continues to last. For more tips and relief, make an appointment with your trusted doctor at your local urgent care.

Physical Activity Even During The Winter

It’s cold and we all rather be snuggling on the couch watching a Christmas movie rather than exercising, but physical activity needs to be a year-round activity.

The health benefits of regular exercise and physical activity are very important to consider. Physical activity or exercise can improve your health and reduce the risk of developing several diseases like type 2 diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease.

Other benefits of exercise include:

-Weight loss
-Fights health conditions and diseases
-Improves mood
-Boost energy
-Improves sleep

We encourage all of our patients to continue to practice their exercise regime and schedule your check-up to ensure we can help you stay healthy and safe!