Orthopedic Services at Ridgeline Medical

Orthopedic Services at Ridgeline Medical

According to recent statistics, it is estimated that about 30 million children and teens in the U.S. participate in some form of organized sports. Participation in sports improves physical fitness, coordination, and self-discipline, and provides children valuable opportunities to learn teamwork. Unfortunately, more than 3.5 million injuries occur in children when playing sports! In fact, almost one-third of all injuries that happen in children are sports-related. The most common injuries are sprains and strains.

CAUSES OF SPORTS INJURIES

There can be many different causes of sports injuries. These include: 

  • Improper training 
  • Wearing improper gear for the activity
  • Insufficient or improper warm-up exercises
  • Poor health in the athlete

PREVENTION OF SPORTS INJURIES

Many sports injuries can be prevented. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons offer the following tips to help prevent sports injuries:

  • Be in proper physical condition to play a sport. At Ridgeline Medical, we offer FREE SPORTS PHYSICALS for athletes. This is usually required for school sports and can be very useful in screening for potential issues.
  • Know and follow the rules of the game.
  • Wear appropriate protective gear and footwear for the specific sport you are playing.
  • Know how to correctly use athletic equipment.
  •  Always warm up before playing.
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Listen to your body. If you are overly tired or in pain, take a break from playing.

SPORTS INJURY TREATMENT AT RIDGELINE MEDICAL

Our medical team at Ridgeline Medical consists of highly qualified medical professionals who strive to give their patients the highest quality of care. We are excited to announce we now offer Orthopedic Services at Ridgeline Medical! We want to introduce you to one of the top-rated orthopedic surgeons, Dr. R. Jeffrey Grondel, MD. We are so happy to have him as part of our Ridgeline Medical team!

Dr. Grondel has recently started practicing in Idaho Falls to be closer to family. He provides treatment for all orthopedic conditions with advanced training in the treatment of shoulder and sports medicine injuries. With 25 years of experience, Dr. Grondel individualizes treatment and works efficiently to help each patient return to full activity and live life to its fullest.

Dr. Grondel is board certified in orthopedic surgery. He is a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, the Arthroscopy Association of North America, and the American Academy of Sports Medicine. Dr. Grondel graduated from Brigham Young University and received his M.D. from the University of Utah School of Medicine in Salt Lake City. He performed his Residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Oregon Health Sciences University, completed a Fellowship in Orthopedic Trauma Surgery at Emanuel Hospital in Portland, Oregon, and a Fellowship in Sports Medicine and Shoulder at Mississippi Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center. Dr. Grondel has the experience and expertise to help with the treatment and prevention of sports injuries.

Sports can be a fun activity for children and adults of all ages. If injuries arise, contact Dr. Grondel at Ridgeline Medical for help. With in-house x-rays and experienced providers, we can help get you back in the game as soon as possible!

 

Ridgeline Urgent Care- Here For You When You Need Us

Ridgeline Urgent Care- Here For You When You Need Us

Ridgeline Urgent Care offers health services without an appointment for when accidents or other urgent health issues arise. Our providers have extensive emergency room experience and have the expertise and knowledge to help you in your time of need. The staff has developed the skills and attitudes that make your trip to our urgent care facility valuable and effective.

What Makes Our Urgent Care Different?

  • In-House X-Ray with Same Day Results
  • In-House Lab Rapid Results (Blood & Urine)
  • Emergency Room Certified Doctors (Saving you money from costly Emergency Room bills!)
  • Continuity of Care Between Family Care & Urgent Care Providers

What Does Ridgeline Urgent Care Treat?

At Ridgeline Medical, the urgent care treats general ailments such as minor to moderate asthma attacks, burns, constipation, cuts, ear infections, fever, influenza, headaches, stomach illnesses or pain, respiratory illnesses, pelvic pain, sports injuries, sprains, fractures, back pain, tract infections, yeast infections, and much more. We can even help with IV hydration when needed!

Why Use Ridgeline Urgent Care?

Ridgeline Medical is a Family Practice and an Urgent Care facility. When a patient comes in for an urgent care visit, our providers have access to their medical history and treatments that have been provided from their family care providers at Ridgeline Medical.  This includes access to important information such as blood work, medications, allergies, and other specific details of their health care.

Also, if a patient comes in to the urgent care and needs follow-up care the next week, the family care providers have access to what diagnosis was made, lab results, and what medication and treatment was given. We are able to collaborate together to help patients get the right diagnosis and treatment plan as quickly as possible. With more information on the patient’s medical history, they are able to deliver the best quality and continuity of care.

Stefanie S. shared this review of Ridgeline Medical’s Urgent Care services: “Dr. Spencer and the Ridgeline staff were so welcoming and made us feel right at home! The nurse even brought a box of toys and goodies for the kids to choose from while we waited. Dr. Spencer was wonderful with my 3 and 5 year old. They weren’t scared one bit with his friendly and outgoing personality. He was thorough, direct and made me feel like he was taking care of one of his own children. Very impressed with Ridgeline [Medical] Care!”

Ridgeline Medical’s urgent care is open extended hours to be here for you when you need us. Our urgent care hours are Monday-Friday from 8 AM – 8 PM, and on Saturday from 9 AM – 6 PM. Whether you need lab work done, x-rays, or an exam for an urgent health issue, Ridgeline Medical can help you to start feeling better!

 

 

woman patient
A Healthy Heart is a Happy Heart!

A Healthy Heart is a Happy Heart!

According to statistics, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men AND women in the United States! About 1.5 MILLION heart attacks and strokes happen every year in the US. Approximately one American dies from stroke every 4 minutes on average. Following a heart attack, approximately 1 in 4 women will die within the first year, and 1 in 5 men. The statistics are definitely alarming! February is American Heart Month, so we want to pass along some facts about heart health and some tips to help you take good care of your heart.

Many Americans have risks for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Some of these risks include:

      • Obesity
      • Physical Inactivity
      • High Blood Pressure
      • Smoking
      • High Cholesterol
      • Diabetes
      • Family history- Father or brother had heart disease before 55, mother or sister had heart disease before 65
      • Age- Men over 45 and women over 55 are at higher risk

The good news, many of the major risks for these conditions can be prevented and controlled through healthy lifestyle changes! Here are some things you can do to help practice healthy living habits and reduce your risk of heart disease or stroke.

  1. Follow the “ABCS” of heart health! A- Take Aspirin if directed. Ask your health care professional if aspirin could help reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke. Be sure to include your family history as well as your own history. B- Blood Pressure Control. High blood pressure increases your risk for heart attack or stroke more than any other risk factor. Check your blood pressure frequently, and ask your health provider about your numbers and if medication or other lifestyle changes are needed to help keep your blood pressure under control. C. Cholesterol management. Your body needs cholesterol, but too much cholesterol can build up in your arteries and cause heart disease. Talk to your doctor about checking your levels regularly and using medications or other means to help lower it if needed. S. Stop Smoking. Smoking raises your blood pressure, increasing your risk for heart attacks and strokes.

2. Eat a healthy diet. Eating a variety of foods rich in nutrients like potassium, calcium, magnesium, fiber, and protein and lower in sodium and saturated fat can help keep your blood pressure low and protect against heart disease and stroke. Choose foods that are low in trans fat and sodium (less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day or only 1500 mg of sodium per day if you are 51 or older or have other medical conditions). Make sure to load up on fruits and vegetables, and seek out recipes that are healthy, fresh, and flavorful. Check out this heart-healthy recipe for Hawaiian Huli Huli Chicken! https://healthyeating.nhlbi.nih.gov/recipedetail.aspx?linkId=12&cId=2&rId=126

3. Maintain a healthy weight.  Staying physically active can help you control your weight and strengthen your heart. If you are just beginning to get started being physically active, try walking for 10 minutes, 3 times a day, for 5 days a week. Slowly increase your activity as tolerated and directed by your healthcare provider.

4. Limit alcohol use. Heart health experts suggest no more than one drink a day for women and two for men.  (1 oz of hard liquor, 4 oz. of wine, or 12 oz. of beer = 1 drink)

5. Manage stress. Try finding ways to reduce stress in your life. Meditation, yoga, or talking to someone can be good options for relieving stress. Make sure to also get enough sleep and allow time for yourself.

 

Through lifestyle changes, medications, and regular doctor appointments, you can help reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke! At Ridgeline Medical, we can help evaluate your heart health and risk of heart attack to find the right treatment plan for you. Ridgeline’s team consists of highly qualified medical professionals who strive to give their patients the highest quality of care to people of all ages. Our providers work together to optimize their patient’s health by creating a relationship with them, genuinely listening, and cultivating a safe place. Contact us at 208-715-9990  or text us at 208-203-7113 with questions about heart health or any of our other healthcare services!

Some content is provided by health.gov and cdc.gov. 

 

 

Nutrition Tips for the New Year!

Nutrition Tips for the New Year!

2023 is in full swing and many people have already set their goals or are currently working on setting new goals. According to the latest Gallup poll, 7 in 10 Americans plan to set goals in 2023. Of those goal-setters, 80% are setting health or nutrition goals!

Clearly, there are many of us who want to be healthier in 2023, and eating nutritiously is a huge part of a healthy lifestyle! The CDC lists the following benefits to eating a nutritious diet:

  • May help you live longer
  • Keeps skin, teeth, and eyes healthy
  • Supports muscles, strengthens bones, and boosts immunity
  • Lowers risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers
  • Supports healthy pregnancies and breastfeeding
  • Helps the digestive system function
  • Helps achieve and maintain a healthy weight

In children, there are even more benefits to eating a healthy diet including supporting healthy growth and brain development! Everyone knows that eating healthy is important, but sometimes it can be hard to stick to your healthy diet goals. We want to pass along some tips to help you keep your nutrition goals this year!

1. MAKE A PLAN – Map out your meals and snacks for the week and make sure you have the necessary ingredients.

2. SHOP SMART – Stick to the grocery list and shop for healthy, whole foods.  A healthy diet includes regularly eating vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protein, low-fat milk, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish such as salmon.

3. GET COOKING – Prepare meals at home with fresh ingredients. Diets high in ultra-processed foods can contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. These foods contain low quality ingredients such as added sugar, fats, and refined grains which usually means they are low in fiber, protein, and micronutrients. 

4. EAT MINDFULLY – Enjoy each bite and take your time. Stop eating when you feel full. Drinking water before and during your meal can also help with digestion.

5. STAY HYDRATED – Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated helps your body function optimally. Limit sugary drinks such as soda, fruit juices, and sweetened tea.

6. MAINTAIN GOOD GUT HEALTH – A disruption in gut health has been linked to chronic diseases and digestion problems. Eating probiotic-rich foods such as yogurt and sauerkraut as well as fiber can help maintain good health in your gut.

7. ENSURE VITAMIN D INTAKE – Vitamin D levels can help with bone strength, and depression, and can boost your immune system and lower your risk for cancer. Milk, calcium-fortified orange juice, and salmon are all good sources of vitamin D. It is a good idea to get your levels tested so you can use supplements, if necessary.

The more scientists know about health, the more they understand how nutrition can affect you from day to day. If you are ready to take control of your eating and nutrition, Ridgeline Medical can help you deal with hunger, weight loss, sleepiness, and related issues through a broad spectrum of programs, tests, and therapies. Ridgeline offers individualized Nutritional Counseling, weight loss programs, diagnostics testing, fasting education and support, and hormonal therapy and balancing. Ridgeline Providers consist of highly qualified professionals who strive to give the highest quality of care to people of all ages. Contact us at 208-715-9990 for more information about our nutrition or other healthcare services!

Stay Healthy and Happy Through the Holidays

Stay Healthy and Happy Through the Holidays

The holiday season is here! With all the parties, events, and shopping to do, it can be hard to find time to take care of yourself! We want to share 5 tips to help you stay healthy through the holidays.

1.  Get enough sleep: It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays, but don’t forget to get plenty of rest. Strive to get 7-8 hours of sleep per night during the holidays to keep your body healthy and energized.

2.  Eat healthy meals: Even though it’s tempting to indulge in all the treats around during the holidays, try to stick to healthy meals and snacks. Fill up on fruits and veggies, and limit your intake of processed and sugary foods.

3.  Exercise regularly: Make sure to stay active during the holidays. Whether it’s a walk around the block, a yoga session at home, or a few trips to the gym, exercise is a great way to stay healthy and energized.

4.  Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is key to staying healthy. Make sure to drink plenty of water to keep your body functioning at its best.

5.  Stay connected: Don’t forget to stay connected with your friends and family during the holidays. Keeping in touch with those you care about can help keep your spirits high and your body healthy.

Ridgeline’s team consists of highly qualified medical professionals who strive to give the highest quality of care to people of all ages. Contact Ridgeline Medical for all of your healthcare needs. We offer a family practice clinic for wellness visits as well as an urgent care for sudden injuries or illnesses. With extended hours on nights and weekends, Ridgeline Medical is here for you and your family when you need us!