Is It Normal For My Nails To Look Like This?

If the saying is that eyes are the window to the soul, then what does that make your nails? The barometer of your overall health, of course. That’s because everything from nutrition and age to infections and diseases can all show themselves through your nails.

Now this isn’t to say that every little change in nail texture, thickness, or rate of growth, is something to be concerned about, since these occur naturally with age. However, there are subtle shifts in your nails that may be trying to tell you something more.

However, before we get to the specifics, here are a few fast facts about nail health:

1.    On average, fingernails grow 3.5 millimeters (aka: 1/10 of an inch) per month.

2.    While your nails may be hard, they’re actually made from the same protein as hair, keratin.

3.    Your nails actually grow fastest in the summer—another great reason to schedule that upcoming manicure.

4.    Contrary to popular belief, small, white spots on your nail(s) are not indicative of a calcium or zinc deficiency.

Unfortunately, though, because we spend so much of our time working to change the appearance of our nails by cutting, filing and painting them, it can be tough to tell just what normal looks like. So in the name of nail health, and overall wellness, it’s time to hit pause on the pampering. Give your nails a breather every once in a while, and keep a look out for these sneaky changes:  

·         A dark, brownish streak. This could be a sign of melanoma skin cancer.

·         A nail lifting up. This could be a sign of a fungal infection, psoriasis, injury from an aggressive manicure or injury from cleaning under your nails.

·         Brittle or thin nails. This could indicate a thyroid imbalance.

·         Redness and swelling around a nail. You probably have an infection. Often times, candida yeast is the culprit.

·         Greenish black color. You probably have an infection. Unlike redness that is usually caused by fungus, this discoloration is likely the result of bacteria.

·         Pitting nails. These may be triggered by psoriasis, atopic dermatitis or alopecia.

·         Yellow nails. This is most likely the result of a fungal infection, but it could be a sign of something more serious, like lung disease or rheumatoid arthritis.

·         Thin reddish line. This may be a splinter hemorrhage, which can be the result of a heart valve infection.

·         Deep grooves or gaps. These could be triggered by chemotherapy, an injury or major stress.

·         Curved nails. These can be hereditary or a sign of lung, heart, liver or stomach disease.

·         Horizontal, white lines. Small, white spots are no big deal. But if you notice lines that span across you’re whole nail, this may be the result of nutrition deficiencies. In more serious cases, it may be the result of liver or kidney abnormalities.

Keep your nails—and your overall health—growing strong.

Before you start analyzing the appearance of each and every nail, remember: it’s common to experience minor changes in your nails as you age. However, if you do notice something abnormal for you—and your nails—it’s never a bad idea to see your trusted health care partner. With trusted providers, extensive services and the latest treatment options, GMG Primary Care will help you nail all of your health needs and goals.

Cuddle-Lovers Rejoice: Here Are 6 Surprising Health Benefits

Sure, pumpkin spice lattes are tasty. And apple cider isn’t half bad. Of course enjoying football is great, too. But the truth is this season was made for cuddling. Can’t you just hear your favorite pair of sweat pants, that cozy blanket and your go-to cuddle buddy—significant other, cat/dog, or your little one—calling your name? Even if you don’t consider yourself a cuddle bug, it’s hard to resist the idea of getting close and comfy with these crisp, fall temperatures.

But it isn’t just contentment and warmth that cuddling offers—although those are great. It’s all of the mental and physical health benefits it provides, too. Now just because cuddle time can boost your overall well-being, doesn’t mean that you get to skip those routine workouts and balanced, nutritious meals. However, what it does mean is that you have yet another great reason to enjoy all the cuddles you want (all fall and winter long).

To kick off snuggle season the right way, Tik Pau, MD, a primary care provider at GMG’s Bostock Family Medicine, offers 6 health benefits to keep in mind:

1.    It’s extremely soothing. While the human body has five senses—sight, hearing, touch, taste and smell—touch is often the most powerful. “Because skin is the largest organ in the human body, there is an instinctual drive for skin-to-skin contact,” notes Dr. Pau. Enter cuddling: the perfect way to get that comforting, relaxing touch.

2.    It makes you feel good. But not just physically. When you’re snuggled up, your brain will release higher levels of the hormone, oxytocin, which is often referred to as the love hormone. “This hormone plays an important role in bonding and connection, which can help to increase feelings of intimacy and closeness,” explains Dr. Pau.

3.    It improves sleep. Getting a good night’s sleep may feel impossible sometimes, but it’s nothing that a good snuggle session can’t fix. “When you experience a boost in oxytocin, which cuddling provides, it can help increase both the amount and quality of sleep,” notes Dr. Pau. “Plus, it naturally helps to slow and deepen your breathing, which happens when you sleep.”

4.    It helps relieve stress. Regardless of whether you’re big spoon or little spoon, the bottom line is cuddling is relaxing for your body. But it isn’t just that your body is comfortable and at rest, it’s also the mental break that cuddling provides from life—it’s like hitting the pause button. And let’s not forget about oxytocin. This helpful hormone acts as a natural stress-reliever.

5.    It supports heart health. Oxytocin strikes yet again. “Not only is oxytocin great at reducing stress, and all of its negative side effects—including harming your heart—it also helps to reduce blood pressure and lower heart rate,” says Dr. Pau. All of which can help to support lasting heart health. So what are you waiting for? Get your cuddle on.

6.    It boosts immune health. It isn’t just oxytocin that gives cuddling its good name, there’s also serotonin, which is known as the happiness hormone. “When these two hormones join forces, it gives your immune system a jumpstart,” describes Dr. Pau, “this is thanks to the increase in T-regulatory cells, which help to balance and strengthen your immune health.”

Embracing good health. There’s simply no denying that cuddling is king, especially with all of its health perks. But that doesn’t mean you can achieve lasting health by snuggling all day every day—as great as that may sound. The good news is, though, that ensuring your overall health and well-being may be just as easy. With several convenient locations, a wide-variety of services and experienced, knowledgeable providers, GMG Primary Care is your perfect fit.

5 Super Easy Wellness Habits You're Not Doing, But Should Be

By: Kristie Delgado, MS, GMC’s Fitness Specialist

Health goals—whether it’s losing 10 pounds, eating healthier or sleeping a full 8 hours each night—are great in theory. But the truth is it takes a lot of hard work, and even more patience to achieve these goals.

So much so that many of us feel overwhelmed or defeated before we’ve even started. That’s because when we look at our end health goal, all we see is every little obstacle and challenge, everything we have to give up and how long it’s going to take to be successful. But what if we just decided to forget about our big health goals—at least for now?

Instead, let’s focus on micro-goals, or things we can all realistically and easily do today—right this very moment. Now you may be tempted to overlook these small steps—will they even make a difference? The answer is yes. In fact, habit-change research has shown that setting micro-goals—regardless of the goal is—and achieving them is what actually matters most. This success and consistency helps to improve confidence, provides momentum and increases your motivation to set a new goal.

So if you’re wondering what your first micro-goal should be, here are 5 that are easy enough to get done, but will still make a (surprisingly) big impact on your health and wellbeing.

1.    Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up, every day.

We wake up dehydrated every morning. Starting your day with a glass of water (before you slug down that cup of joe) can increase energy, decrease cravings and improve mental focus.

2.    Complete a 2-minute dynamic warm-up routine once a day.

After lying in bed all night—or sitting in an office chair all day—our joints don’t stand a chance. With lack of motion, they get rigid, stiff and creaky. That’s where a quick warm-up comes in. Moving your joints and muscles through their full range of motion increases blood flow, lubricates joints, prevents discomfort and pain, and will make any exercise more effective.  

3.    Add one-half cup of veggies to your daily diet.

Even if you’re not a fan of veggies, you can likely handle one-half cup (for example, that’s 5 broccoli florets or 6 baby carrots). Remember, eating fiber-rich vegetables can help with a feeling of fullness after a meal, which aids in weight control and regulating blood sugar levels. Let’s not forget all of the vitamins and minerals that reduce your risk of chronic diseases, too.

4.    Take a 2-minute brain break.

It may not sound like much, but taking even just a few minutes to detach and decompress from what you’re doing can improve concentration, decrease anxiety and stress, and increase productivity. Use those 2 minutes wisely, though, by enjoying some music, guided meditation or getting some movement.

5.    Spend 5 minutes journaling before bed each night.

You’ve survived all day and now it’s time to actually lie down and get some much-needed rest. But even when our bodies are winding down, this doesn’t mean our minds got the memo. Often times, this can be a time when stress, worry and anxiety reach their peak. To counteract that, try journaling for just 5 minutes as this will give you chance to reflect on the day, work through your thoughts and write down anything you don’t want to forget.  

Take the first step.

Whether your health and wellness goal is to eat healthier, lose weight, work out more, or simply to feel better, they all start the same exact way: with one small step. To help increase your confidence and boost your motivation, these micro-goals are a perfect place to start. And if you ever have any questions, are in need of support or guidance or are just ready for the next step of your fitness and health journey, you can count on the experts at GMC’s Fitness & Performance Center.

Meet Kristie: GMC’s Go-To Gal For All-Things Fitness

Living a healthy, active and balanced lifestyle is something that all of us want. But the truth is it can be really hard to actually achieve, let alone sustain. Things like eating a nutritious diet and getting regular exercise don’t always come naturally—most of us have to work at it.

So amidst a busy schedule and a never-ending to-do list, what are you supposed to do to live your happiest, healthiest and fullest life? Well that’s exactly what Kristie Delgado, MS, GMC’s Fitness Specialist is here to help with.

Whether you need guidance with weekly meal planning and at-home exercise circuits, or tips to stay active during the workday and properly fuel pre- and post-workout, Kristie can help. In fact, you can get expert fitness and wellness advice, straight from Kristie, every single week! So mark your calendar for each Friday because you won't want to miss any of her blog posts.

But first things first, let’s get to know Kristie a little better.

Q: What exactly do you do here at GMC?

A: It’s hard to narrow down what I do to just a few words. Overall, I would say that my role is to help people move better, exercise more and eat healthier—all in a way that fits their busy lives—so they can meet their health, weight loss and performance goals.

Q: What’s your experience?

A: I’ve been in the fitness and exercise world for nearly 17 years, 4 of those have been here at GMC. Initially, I did my undergraduate studies at Auburn University and I continued my studies at the University of West Florida where I got my Master of Science degree in Exercise Science. I have continued expanding my expertise by pursuing specialty training with the following certifications and additional education:

• Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
• CrossFit Level 1 Trainer
• Functional Movement Screen expert
• CrossFit Movement & Mobility Trainer
• Exercise is Medicine Level 2
• Certified Sportsmetrics Instructor
• The Roll Model Method™
• Sports Nutrition
• Nutrition for Sports, Exercise, and Weight Management

Q: What was your inspiration for becoming a Fitness Specialist?

A: I grew-up in a very active family and I was tri-sport athlete (track, volleyball and swimming), so I always knew that I wanted to do something with athletes. At first I wanted to be a doctor, then a physical therapist—but when I discovered that Exercise Science was its own field, that sealed my fate.

Q: What’s your favorite part about your job?

A: One of my favorite parts of this job is the people. I love that I get to work with such a diverse clientele with individuals from all walks of life. Also, I really enjoy that this job allows me to continue growing and expanding my knowledge with new certifications and learning opportunities. And of course there’s the fact that I basically get to workout for a living—how cool is that?

Q: How do you stay healthy (outside of what you do at work)?

A: I take an all things in moderation approach to my own health. I don’t believe in labeling foods as bad or off-limits. In fact, I enjoy treats on a regular basis. I take this stance with exercise, too.

My go-to workout is high intensity circuit training (where you alternate cardio with strength-building exercises). My workouts are usually complete in less than 20 minutes (not including warm-up/cool-down).

But I have off days, too (who doesn't, right?). Even on those days, though, when I only do the bare minimum, I rarely compromise these habits: 

• Eat slowly
• Stop eating when you're full
• Get some—no matter how little—physical activity 

Q: How do you stay motivated about fitness and exercise?

A: I struggle with motivation just like anyone else. My number one motivation is my own health. I just feel better when I stay active and eat a balanced diet, plain and simple.

Another large motivator for me is the desire to be a good role model for my family. I want my sons (Mason and Grady, ages 1 and 7 J) to know me as a fit mom who can keep up with them. I also want to be a good role model for my clients and others who look to me for inspiration.

Q: How do you spend your time outside of the office?

A: My absolute favorite activity is spending time with my kids. My 1-year old keeps me on my toes since he started walking and my 7-year old loves for me to join him for movie nights.

My husband is teaching me Latin dancing so we enjoy going out to dance, including salsa, merengue and bachata.

I also enjoy spending time reading or playing word games on my phone with a little Facebook thrown in, too.

Q: How do you like to unwind after a long and/or stressful day?

A: I love having a hot beverage of some sort while sitting on my back deck (or on my couch when it’s too hot or the mosquitoes drive me in). I’ll sip decaf coffee, hot tea, healthy hot chocolate or a drink called golden milk after we get the kids to bed.

Q: What’s the one thing you want people to remember about fitness/exercise?

A: The one takeaway I want people to always keep in mind is: staying healthy is all about progress, not perfection. You don’t have to do it all. Instead, focus on at least one healthy behavior you can do today. Always remember that something is better than nothing.

This Is How Healthy People Start Their Day: 10 Quick Tips

When it comes to health, it seems like the early birds get the better end of the deal. After all, its old news that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, helping with everything from metabolism and energy levels to memory and concentration, and heart health. That’s enough to make just about anyone want to get up extra early to make all those delicious breakfast ideas you see on Pinterest.

Like we said, it’s almost enough to get us up early, but not quite. When in doubt, the snooze button usually wins. So does all this mean that you’re doomed if you’re more of a night owl? No…But we’re not saying that those first few minutes you’re awake aren’t crucial, either. Whether you like it or not, how you start your day influences how the rest of it unfolds. Don’t believe us? Try getting up a little earlier tomorrow—no 5 a.m. wake-up-calls necessary—and put these life-changing tips to the test. We promise you—and your health—won’t regret it.

1.    No alarm. Unless you’re one of those people who can wake-up naturally—and before 10 a.m.—but for most of us some type of wake-up call is essential. But instead of the horrible beeping of the typical alarm clock, opt for music or radio to wake you up. You know your fav song will get you pumped up to start the day!

2.    Get up.Now this seems like an obvious one, but most of us don’t do this—at least not for several minutes anyway. Instead you may opt to lay in bed and look through your phone (we all do it). This is a big no-no, though, as starting your day this way has been shown to increase feelings of anxiety and unhappiness.

3.    Or stay in bed a little longer. But make it intentional. If you just have to stay in bed for a few extra minutes, try doing some stretching, deep breathing or bed yoga (hint: child’s pose and hamstring stretch are bed-friendly). Even just doing a few stretches can help to get your blood flowing, while relieving tension.

4.    Grab some water. Even if your preferred drink to start the day is coffee or another caffeinated beverage, water shouldn’t be skipped. Not only are you dehydrated from going 6+ hours without fluids, but water helps to get your metabolism going and rehydrates your skin.

5.    Get some sunshine. Or at least keep your blinds partially open. Not only is sunlight refreshing and calming, it can also aid in the waking-up process. In fact, sunlight is one of the key ways your brain knows to decrease melatonin, while increasing adrenaline.

6.    Smell something energizing. In addition to the delicious scent of fresh coffee brewing, spark your senses with a fresh, invigorating scent. A great way to do this is with your face wash. Not only is rinsing off any pore-clogging bacteria a good thing (thanks, pillow case!), but a citrus-scented wash will energize you. Look for lemon, orange and grapefruit scents.

7.    Look at your calendar. Now before you start the getting-dressed process, take a quick peek at your calendar to see what lies ahead. For instance, if you have a big meeting with leadership, maybe you’ll opt for heals instead of flats. Or maybe your daughter has a soccer game and you’ll definitely want to remember to bring a jacket and sneakers to watch comfortably.

8.    Prepare for a fashion emergency. On the same note, there are those mornings when you feel like absolutely nothing looks good (maybe it was the extra slice of pizza last night). Where did all those cute blouses go? Well, in the event of a fashion emergency like this, don’t waste 30 minutes trying on different outfit options. Instead, reach for that go-to dress or top-bottom combo that you can always count on to look good. Are you taking a mental inventory of your closet as we speak?

9.    Be inspired. If you’re not super jazzed about heading into the office or doing a bunch of errands for the day, we don’t blame you. The struggle is real. So to help overcome feelings of dullness, start your day with an inspiring quote or a personal mantra. This will help to spark your motivation and determination when enthusiasm may be in short supply. After all, you are pretty amazing!

10.  Stay organized. It’s finally time to head out the door and get the day started, but now you can’t find your sunglasses. And your son doesn’t know where his lunchbox is. To avoid stressors like these, pick out spots for each member of the family and remember to put your stuff there each day when you get home. This will ensure that you don’t forget anything or lose it to the junk drawer.

Good morning, health!

So, you’ve tried these simple, healthy tips and your mornings still aren’t getting the job done? It may be time to call in the experts. After all, it isn’t just your a.m. routine that can influence how you feel. For instance, sleep disorders, thyroid conditions, allergies and more, can make you feel like you’re dragging through the day.

That’s why Gwinnett Medical Group Primary Care is prepared to help. With knowledgeable experts, an extensive range of services and resources, and convenient locations, you can receive customized care for all of your unique health needs.
 

Exactly How Long Do You Need To Exercise To Get The Benefits?

Have you ever been mid workday and thought to yourself, "I should go to the gym"? And while it seems like a great idea at the time, by the end of the workday, lacing up and heading to the gym is the absolute last thing you want to do. So even though we all know that getting routine exercise—preferably 150 minutes per week—is ideal, motivation can be hard to come by.

And despite all those catchy sayings out there, like, “You have to burn it to earn it. No pain, no gain. Work hard, play hard,” the daily struggles of work, kids, cleaning and more, are real—and tough to overcome. But that’s where the numerous benefits of exercise come in.

So, the next time you’re faced with the workout vs. relax dilemma, keep these quick facts in mind. And remember, it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can get numerous health benefits by working out for just 10 to 30 minutes a day. Okay, okay, it’s more like 45 minutes by the time you shower, but it’s still worth it.

To reduce inflammation and boost immune health: You need at least 20 minutes of moderate exercise, per week. Whether that’s taking the stairs every day, heading out for a walk or mowing the lawn, you can easily get your heart rate up, break a sweat (after 10 minutes) and reap all the anti-inflammatory benefits.

To reduce your risk of type 2 Diabetes: You need at least 30 minutes of high intensity exercise, per week. Whether it’s interval training, or another form of (intense) exercise, it only counts as high intensity if you can’t talk and you reach 80% of your maximum heart rate.

To support heart health: You need at least 90 minutes of moderated exercise, per week. But for heart health in particular, not all exercises are created equal. The best moderate exercises for your heart are total-body workouts because the more muscles that are targeted, the more your heart is challenged (and grows).

To improve your memory: You need at least 120 minutes of moderate to intense exercise, per week. Not only does exercise support the growth of the hippocampus, the part of the brain that helps with memory, it also helps to reduce stress, which weakens the brain’s ability to retain information. Opt for Pilates or yoga for a stress-relief focus.

To reduce your risk of cancer: You need at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise, per week, to reduce your risk of cancer. Because exercise helps to regulate sex hormones, insulin and stress hormones, regular activity can reduce your risk of 13 different types of cancer (wow!). Try a walking meeting or a brief walk during your lunch break to get those 30 minutes in 5 days a week.

To improve your overall health & wellbeing. While you already know that exercise is important for living a happy, healthy and long life, it bears repeating. The benefits it offers don’t stop with those listed above. In fact, regular exercise can also help to improve mood, energy, sleep quality, bone health and creativity. Now before you run out to the gym—just to get all of these awesome health benefits—it’s important to note that benefits do take time. For the most part, you can expect a noticeable difference in how you feel after 3 to 5 months. However, if you are new to exercise (or it’s been a while), it may take closer to a full year.

So, make sure that you don’t rush the process and set yourself up for success by working with the health expert that knows you—and your health—best. Your primary care provider will be able to help you safely start a new exercise program, help you avoid injury and ensure you’re eating a diet to support your health and fitness goals.

6 Healthy Reasons To Love April Fools’ Day

Everyone knows that on April Fools’ Day it’s better to be the one doing the pranking, than the one being pranked. But maybe this year it’s time for a change. Before you tap into your evil genius to start planning those clever pranks; sit back, relax and enjoy a few laughs instead.

After all, you’ve heard that laughter is the best medicine, so why not give it a try? Your health might just thank you for it. Here are a few jokes to help you get in a laughing mood:

·         How do you make a tissue dance? Put a little boogie in it.

·         What time did the woman go to the dentist? Tooth hurt-y.

The health benefits that laughter provides are no laughing matter (just kidding). From reducing inflammation and improving blood flow to soothing tension and stimulating your organs, here are 6 health perks to keep in mind:

   1. It’s a stress reliever. If you’ve been searching for an easy way to reduce stress, look no further than laughter. In fact, laughter has the exact opposite effect on your body that stress does. It’s able to stop the release of stress hormones and replace them with feel-good neurochemicals that have calming, anti-anxiety effect.

   2. It can help reduce pain. While laughing may be the last thing you feel like doing when you’re in pain, it can offer some serious relief. When you laugh, your body produces natural pain killers. And it isn’t just the placebo effect, studies have shown that laughter doesn’t just up positive emotions; it helps to minimize pain, too.

   3. It supports immune health. Just in time for the end of flu season, laugher is a great way to feel better faster, or prevent a cold or the flu all together. Laughter has been shown to boost the number of infection-fighting antibodies and immune cells. It can also support the release of neuropeptides, which reduce stress and fight illness.

   4. It can help reduce hypertension. Because laughter improves blood flow, the result is reduced blood pressure. And laughter doesn’t just provide a temporary fix for high blood pressure; it has a positive impact for upwards of 24 hours. Overtime, getting in regular laughs may even be able to reduce your risk of heart disease.

   5. It supports brain health. And we aren’t just talking about mental health, although laughing supports that, too. Laughing actually serves as an exercise for your mind and has been linked to improved cognitive function.

   6. It can be quite the workout. This doesn’t mean that you should quit your exercise routine, but laughter can be a good core workout. If you’re enjoying a 10-15 minute laugh session, not only will your sides be a little sore, but you will also have burned close to 50 calories. That’s because laughing causes your stomach muscles to expand and contract.

Something to smile about.

April Fools’ Day is a great opportunity to do a little extra smiling and laughing with friends and family. But why stop there? After all, there’s no better feeling than good health. That’s why Gwinnett Medical Group Primary Care offers the services, resources and support you need to achieve lasting health and wellness. With expert care you can count on, you and your family can breathe a little easier, relax a little more and laugh a lot harder.

5 Harmless Habits That Are Aging You Overnight

While getting older is an inevitable part of life—along with the aches, pains and gray hair that come with it—who doesn’t want to make the most of this process by doing it as gracefully as possible? For some, that may mean paying big bucks for a new skin serum, for others that may mean eating more antioxidant-rich foods and getting a good night’s sleep. After all, it’s called beauty rest for a reason—right?

So, even if you know the big 5 for healthy skin—sun protection, not smoking, routine cleansing, eating healthy and minimizing stress—you may still be causing damage to your skin unknowingly. According to Hira Kohli, MD, a Primary Care provider with GMG Primary Care-Suwanee, these 5 sneaky habits are aging you overnight:

   1. You’re sleeping on your side—or worse—your stomach.

We’re looking at you on this one, ladies, as women are twice as likely as men to sleep on their sides. And while it may be the most comfortable sleeping position (who can sleep on their back all night?), it’s not doing your skin any favors. That’s because when your face is snuggled into that favorite pillow, gravity pulls at your skin and its connective tissue causing sagging, wrinkles and eventually a loss in collagen.

   2. You’re not nurturing your eyes.

It’s bad enough that most of us spend the entire day staring at a screen of some kind—phone, tablet, work computer or all of the above—but when you add in screen time right before bed, you’re begging for eye fatigue. Having red, tired eyes would make just about anyone look older.

Plus, if you’re not caring for the delicate skin around your eyes—the thinnest skin on your whole body—puffiness, dark circles and wrinkles are more likely.

   3. You’re eating dessert (almost every night).

Sometimes that delicious chocolate chip cookie is just too good to resist. But if delicious dessert becomes a part of your daily routine, you may be harming your skin—along with many other things.

In fact, when you eat something sweet, those sugar molecules attach to protein fibers, a process called glycation. Overtime, this can lead to a loss of radiance, dark circles, uneven tone, puffiness, fine lines and increased pore size. So, in the name of skin health, it’s time to put that package of cookies away.

   4. You’re a fan of the heat.

Whether it’s turning up the thermostat a little higher or lingering in that extra hot shower, if you’re a fan of keeping things toasty, your skin may be paying the price. That warm air and extra hot water suck the moisture right out of your skin, which can cause it to be inflamed and dehydrated. Over time, irritated, flaky skin can have some serious aging effects. And your go-to makeup may actually be accentuating those problem areas, or worse, causing further irritation.

   5. You’re always stressed.

In fact, you’re probably stressed out right now (Why is minimizing stress so stressful?). As you may know, stress causes a negative chain reaction within your body. Your stress hormones spike, your heart rate increases, your blood vessels narrow and your blood pressure rises. But that’s not all, stress also impacts your DNA and can speed up the aging process.

So, what can you do? After all, if it was easy to get rid of stress, then we’d all be feeling a whole lot better. Unfortunately, though, it seems like stress is one of those tricky things that’s nearly impossible to get rid of completely. But that doesn’t mean you can’t minimize it.

A great place to start is with a complete team of health experts whose top priority is your health. At the GMC Primary Care & Specialty Center-Suwanee, you will find the services, resources and support you need to look and feel your healthiest. Peace of mind is possible with expert health care you can always count on.