Cooper Family Med Center / Live Well MD

  Our goal is to help you feel good about yourself and look your best.  

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6 TIPS FOR HEALTHY LIVING IN PASCAGOULA MS

The term “healthy living’ has been commonly used to describe everything from our diet, to exercise habits. However, while both factors are important in your quest to adopt a healthier lifestyle, there are many other factors that can affect your total health. True healthy living is a balance of physical, mental, and emotional health, as all of these elements can directly affect the other.

If you are just starting your journey towards a healthier lifestyle, or are just looking for new, creative ways to reignite your fire, you’ve come to the right place! Take a look at our 6 tips for healthy living in Pascagoula, Mississippi.

1.       Physical activity and exercise is a major contributor to a healthy lifestyle but it does not have to be boring! Driving less and walking more, even including others can turn a task into a fun outing exploring local attractions. FUN TIP: The I.G. Levy Park has miles of fun for all ages with a 2-mile jogging trail, walking trail, golf-course, playground, skate park, tennis courts, and more.

 2.       Diet is another major component of a healthy lifestyle. The foods we eat, our portions, and even the frequency of our meals can contribute to our overall health. Luckily, gone are the days of starvation and calorie-counting! Adopting healthier eating habits can be done in simple steps like eating more fresh fruits and veggies and cooking at home. FUN TIP: Visit the Jackson County Farmer’s Market on the County Fairgrounds.

▪       Location: 2902 Shortcut Road, Pascagoula

▪       Open: (April-September) Wednesdays & Saturdays

▪       Times: 7am-1pm

 3.       Avoiding high-risk behaviors like smoking, drugs, and alcohol can contribute greatly to adopting a healthy lifestyle. For many people, dealing with stressful situations can seem difficult, especially when you feel alone. Numbing your feelings can be harmful to both your physical and mental health. Try talking to a friend or plan an outing with your significant other. Being out and about can lift your spirits and give you an opportunity to share your feelings with a loved one.  FUN TIP: Plan a trip to the historic downtown district of Pascagoula. You’ll find a sweet, southern charm and unique dining, gift, and antique shops that will instantly lift your spirits!

 4.       Your overall mental health can greatly affect your lifestyle, even if you avoid high-risk behaviors, and can also be hazardous to your health. Stress has been linked to several health problems including high-blood pressure and migraines. Whatever the reason, stressful situations may not always have an instant fix. Be patient with yourself, as you would with a friend or loved one while working through difficult emotions. Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and avoid self-criticism. FUN TIP: Indulge in a “me-day” at Pin Up’s Spa and Boutique or Southern Breeze Massage.

 5.       Incorporating little steps into your daily routine (instead of a major overhaul) can help make the journey towards a healthier lifestyle much easier to maintain and boost your enthusiasm. FUN TIP: Try different activities by volunteering at your church or local community center for a calendar of ongoing events.  

 6.       Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There are barriers to your overall state of wellness that can’t be tackled at home. You may need professional care and shouldn’t be afraid to seek it out. Fun Tip: Get an annual physical exam and make sure to share any health or mental issues you may be dealing with. Your Primary Care Physician is your partner on your journey to a healthy lifestyle and can recommend simple solutions, or ongoing care to help you reach your goals.

 Your journey towards a healthier lifestyle should be as unique as you are! You can follow our tips above, or create your own recipe for a healthy balance of physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Start your journey today by creating small daily goals and celebrate every success. Stay motivated by incorporating your favorite hobbies and interests or start new ones with a friend for an instant boost to your fun level. Don’t forget to take advantage of ongoing events and attractions in your local area to keep your journey fresh and exciting.  You may just discover a whole new you to go along with your new healthy lifestyle!

Cooper Family Medical Center has two convenient locations in Pascagoula and Biloxi, Mississippi. We offer quality Medi­Spa and medical services to our valued patients and strive to keep you looking and feeling your best! Our entire staff is here to care for YOUR needs! If you are interested in becoming a new patient, please call us today at 228­-762­-2044 ext. 302 or visit us online at www.CFMedCenter.com. We look forward to seeing you!

 © Southern View Media 2017: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “Get Online or Get Left Behind”

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4 Signs of A Concussion

Like a broken ankle or cancer in the body, the symptoms of a concussion may not rear their ugly head until days after the incident. To be clear, a concussion is an injury or trauma to the head or brain. In many cases, victims of a mild concussion may not realize that they have a head injury for several days. They will not go to the doctor if they believe that their injury is merely a headache.

 Mild traumas can happen regularly in jobs where a person might suffer ongoing impact to his or her body. Below are four symptoms of a concussion. If you are experiencing any or all of these symptoms, then please contact Cooper Family Medical Center immediately to have tests performed.

 Short-Term Loss of Consciousness

 If a patient suffers a severe impact to the head, he or she may lose consciousness. Unconsciousness may only occur for a few seconds or it can extend to several minutes. If you witness a concussion and the victim is unconscious, call an ambulance immediately. The person is in need of urgent medical attention from ER doctors.

 Appearing Dazed or Confused

 Seeing stars after your head has been hit is not just something that happens in cartoons. A direct impact to the cranium or brain area can cause a victim to appear daze or confused or completely ‘out of it’. Symptoms can include confusion or fogginess, amnesia about part or all of an incident, slurred speech, or a delayed response to questions from those around.

 Long-term effects can include the inability to concentrate or remember events just minutes after they happened. A person who is delusional may also exhibit irritability or become irrational for no apparent reason.

 Vomiting and Nausea

 A swelling in the brain can cause vomiting and nausea after a concussion. The greater the impact, the greater the swelling; thus, the greater the chances are that a victim will vomit or feel sick. The vomiting centers in the medulla area of the brain are triggered when something hits the head area of a victim. The centers can be triggered any number of ways, but the severity of the impact will determine how much a person vomits and for how long.

 Sleep Disturbances and Fatigue

 Like many other major injuries, a concussion can disrupt sleeping patterns. Injury to the head can also produce long-term fatigue. The victim may feel this way for several days or weeks after the accident. Since most patients need recovery time after a concussion, it is wise to listen to your body if you feel tired. Get some rest and don’t be in any hurry to get back to your normal routine. If you engage in too much activity too soon, you could aggravate the concussion and prolong recovery time.

  If you feel that you may have suffered from a recent trauma to the head, then contact Cooper Family Medical Center! We provide comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of all type of head and brain injuries including concussions.

 Cooper Family Medical Center has two convenient locations in Pascagoula and Biloxi, Mississippi. We offer quality Medi­Spa and medical services to our valued patients and strive to keep you looking and feeling your best! Our entire staff is here to care for YOUR needs! If you are interested in becoming a new patient, please call us today at 228­-762­-2044 ext. 302 or visit us online at www.CFMedCenter.com. We look forward to seeing you!

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Avoiding Spring Time Allergies

Spring allergies can cause itchy eyes, sneezing, and sometimes flu like symptoms. Although it is one of the prettiest, most enjoyable seasons, it also brings along pollen with the growth of new flowers. Pollen can play a huge role in your reactions, but outdoor mold can also cause your symptoms to flare up. Here are a few tips on how to improve your springtime experience from Cooper Family Medical Center:

 Eat The Right Foods

Eating a balanced, healthy diet can aid in a healthier, more energized life, but did you know it also can help your body prevent springtime allergies from taking over your day. Foods that have antioxidants such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, and green teas have shown the ability to reduce inflammation in your body. This is a critical factor for you to fight off and control your allergic reactions to pollen and dust.

 Spring Clean

Most of us have a ritual when the temperature starts to rise and the flowers bloom: spring cleaning. This is a pastime to tackling the dust behind your dressers, on the ceiling fans, baseboards, blinds and hidden in corners that were ignored during the winter months. Washing and wiping down everything can help control the amount of allergens that enter your home during peak allergy season.

 Run Your Air Conditioner/ Keep Filters Fresh

Even though this weather makes you want to open up your doors and windows, enjoying the breeze, it’s not the best idea. By doing this you’re giving allergens and other irritants an invitation to take over. Running your ceiling fans can also suck pollen inside. Instead, run your air conditioner to maintain a comfortable temperature, and prevent this by keeping windows shut if you’re particularly susceptible to allergens. Cleaning and changing out your filters in your home can also help keep this under control. There are filters made solely for allergies, so maybe an investment in this will help keep you sick free. Make sure your filters are compatible with your HVAC system to avoid overworking it and raising electricity bills.

 Keep Your Windows Up When Driving

Although it’s tempting to roll your windows down and enjoy the breeze while driving down the road, but during peak season you may want to rethink that. That cool breeze is full of pollen and dander that will drive you crazy. Instead, roll them up and run your AC to cool you off.

 Take A Shower Before Bed

It’s a ritual for most of us to bathe before climbing in our cozy beds after a long day, but if you get in a hurry and don't, you may wake up with swollen eyes, and a runny nose. By washing your hair and changing your clothes before bed, you can eliminate all of the allergens you attracted through the day. Your hair actually can carry high amounts of pollen that has piled up, so by washing it you can reduce symptoms.  

 As you can see some of the prettiest months come with undesirable consequences. Even though you can’t get rid of pollen and dust from the outdoors, you can decrease the chances of letting them enter your body causing you to feel ill. Enjoy this beautiful season, but be cautious of how to prevent reactions by following these tips from Cooper Family Med Center.

 To assess your allergies, Cooper Family Medical Center has two convenient locations in Pascagoula and Biloxi, Mississippi. We offer quality MediSpa and medical services to our valued patients and strive to keep you looking and feeling your best! Our entire staff is here to care for YOUR needs. If you are interested in becoming a new patient, please call us today at 2287622044 ext. 302 or visit us online at www.CFMedCenter.com. We look forward to seeing you!

© Southern View Media 2017: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “Get Online or Get Left Behind”

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SIX WAYS TO STAY HEALTHY THIS SPRING

Spring always seems to bring expected health challenges. The transition to warmer weather means that we will see some of winter’s leftover illnesses, combined with summer allergies and muscle aches. We thought we would bring a few timely tips for you as April roars through:

1.       DRESS FOR THE WEATHER: You know it is spring when the weather drops to 40 degrees, but you still see those chosen few in shorts and tank tops. It seems that once the first warm day hits and the summer clothes come out, many of us forget to put on a sweater or jacket as the weather fluctuates for the next month. However, the first tease of spring is often followed by several weeks of cold spells. Dress for the day, not the season.

2.       CONTINUE THE EXTRA VITAMIN C: Many of us get a cold or the flu, so don’t put the vitamin C away just yet. Another month of intake may help ward off a mild round of illness, giving you more opportunity to enjoy that weather.

3.       GRAB EARLY SPRING GREENS: It is time for the first bites of vitamin-rich freshness. Look for asparagus, spring onions, and early greens to appear. If you are adventurous, forage for wild greens. Dandelion is delectable this time of year. Lamb’s quarter, ramps, plantain, nettle, and many others are wonderful in your salads or sautéed lightly. Even the hostas (plantain lilies) making their appearance in your flower bed are edible, and a wonderful early spring treat.

4.       GET MOVING: If you own a home, you know that this is the month of clean up. Winter winds have blown sticks all over the yard. Flower beds are ready for tidying, and the garden is begging for your attention. If you are an urbanite, enjoy the trails. Walk your dog, grab a bicycle, or get the running shoes out. Check local listings for community runs and other activities.

5.       REST YOUR BODY: Longer days and more sunlight hours mean more work time. Remember to compensate for this extra load with adequate rest. For some, depending on your location, time changes also mess with circadian rhythms, causing us to lose some sleep.

6.       HYDRATE: During the winter, many of us struggle to get enough fluids. When we increase our activity level in the spring, but don’t bring the water levels alongside, we may dehydrate. Keep a water bottle handy. Add flavor packets if you grow tired of drinking plain water. Use early morning and late evening cool temperatures as a great reason to enjoy a cup of herbal tea or decaf coffee. Aim for one ounce of fluid per two pounds of body weight. For instance, a two-hundred-pound man should strive to get one hundred ounces of water per day.

Most of all, listen to your body. It is amazing what it can tell you if you only listen. If you are feeling under the weather, rest and get fluids. If you over-do it, give your body time to heal. If you need food or water, stop your activity and feed it. This miraculous machine will thank you and give you many more days and years of service. And if you have something going on that you can’t take care of, be sure to call us for an appointment, so we can help you stay active and strong this spring.

Cooper Family Medical Center has two convenient locations in Pascagoula and Biloxi, Mississippi. We offer quality MediSpa and medical services to our valued patients and strive to keep you looking and feeling your best! Our entire staff is here to care for YOUR needs. If you are interested in becoming a new patient, please call us today at 2287622044 ext. 302 or visit us online at www.CFMedCenter.com. We look forward to seeing you!

© Southern View Media 2017: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “Get Online or Get Left Behind”

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Is it Broken?  5 Signs it Might Be Serious

There are times when a broken bone is painfully obvious, pun intended. In those situations, it is usually very easy to make decisions about what kind of care the patient needs and how quickly they need it. There are other times when the situation is not so clear. If you or other family members are extremely active and involved in rigorous or year-round sports, you may be used to minor pains, strains, and a little bit of swelling here and there. You might even become used to ignoring it (GASP!). There are some subtle and not so subtle signs to look for if you think you might be dealing with a broken bone. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that a fracture is a less serious situation. A broken bone is a fracture and a fracture is a broken bone. They are the same thing. Remember, a broken bone can only be diagnosed with certainty after x-rays are done and a physician has reviewed them.  

 Here is a list of five signs that you make have a broken bone and need to seek further attention:

 1.  Quick swelling, bruising, and tenderness over a bone. Other tissue is damaged around a bone when it breaks. Also, discolorations in “hard-to-bruise” places, such as the palm of the hand or bottom of the foot are signs to be sure to take a second look at.

 2.  Pain that increases with movement, pressure, or both. Does everything feel fine and normal while sitting still watching T.V.? Then movement or pressure cause significant pain? Yes, you need to have that looked at. There is more going on than meets the eye.

 3.  Loss of use. If at any time a part of your body that has experienced traumatic contact and is not working like it should, take a second look; or at least let a doctor take a second look. Obviously, something is not right!

4.  Hearing a “snap” or a grinding sound at the time of injury. Our bodies and bones pop and sound like grinding sandpaper quite often on a regular day. But if you hear these sounds at the time the injury occurs, make sure you look for other signs and symptoms of a fracture.

5.  Deformity. This one is a sure sign that something has gone wrong. It does not necessarily mean a broken bone, but have this one checked out no matter what. If you notice an excessive bulge in your arm, leg, joint or anywhere else it could mean a severely broken bone. In this situation, you probably will want to go to the Emergency Room right away.

There are a million ways we can break a bone every day.  Sometimes we don’t even remember an event that could have caused the break. All of our bodies are different and react to situations differently. The key is to be educated and know what to look for when you think you could be dealing with a broken bone.

Cooper Family Medical Center has two convenient locations in Pascagoula and Biloxi, Mississippi. We offer quality MediSpa and medical services to our valued patients and strive to keep you looking and feeling your best! Our entire staff is here to care for YOUR needs. If you are interested in becoming a new patient, please call us today at 2287622044 ext. 302 or visit us online at www.CFMedCenter.com. We look forward to seeing you!

© Southern View Media 2017: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “Get Online or Get Left Behind”

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Ice or heat? Heat or ice? The great debate for everyday injuries and pain. Treating an injury with these options is simple, rational, inexpensive, and convenient. However, without a little bit of extra information, you could be doing yourself more harm than good. Be sure to have a basic understanding of when it’s appropriate to use each “self-treatment” method. The following are some basic guidelines to use when deciding which is best for your specific injury.

 WHEN TO USE ICE – Sooner = Better

·         Acute injury or pain – acute injury means sudden on-set, or an injury that has occurred in last 48 hours. In most cases, there is damage to internal tissues, which causes inflammation, swelling, and bruising. Applying ice will calm the damaged tissue, decrease the swelling, and minimize the pain.

·         Muscle injuries – sprains, strains, and tears should be iced but ONLY for the first few days at the most. Seek medical attention if pain and swelling do not improve or they worsen.

·         When NOT to use ice – never ice a chronic injury before activity, the body needs to be warmed and loosened up before exercise to avoid injuries.

·         When in doubt – consult your physician ASAP.

 WHEN TO USE HEAT

·         BE VERY CAREFUL WITH HEAT! Applying heat at the inappropriate time or after certain injuries can cause unwanted inflammation and swelling.

·         Warmth helps loosen and relax injured muscles before activity and stretching. Loosening the muscles properly can prevent re-injury to the effected area and may even prevent a more serious injury.

·         Apply heat to stiff muscles and achy joints. The heat will increase the blood flow to the area and loosen up the muscles.

·         Chronic or overuse injuries - heat is effective and just plain feels good, however, be sure to constantly evaluate the injury. Usually, your own preference will be the tiebreaker between ice and heat in this situation.

·         Stress relief and trigger points – do not underestimate the effectiveness of a good ‘ole fashioned heating pad after a stressful day.

 There are a few instances when you should avoid ice and heat entirely. If there is any sign of infection or any area of the skin is compromised, do not self-treat. Seek medical attention for your injury immediately! With a little bit of knowledge and experience, the great debate will no longer cause you great confusion.

Cooper Family Medical Center has two convenient locations in Pascagoula and Biloxi, Mississippi. We offer quality MediSpa and medical services to our valued patients and strive to keep you looking and feeling your best! Our entire staff is here to care for YOUR needs. If you are interested in becoming a new patient, please call us today at 2287622044 ext. 302 or visit us online at www.CFMedCenter.com. We look forward to seeing you!

© Southern View Media 2017: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “Get Online or Get Left Behind”

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WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT USING ACETAMINOPHEN SAFELY

Sold in many forms, acetaminophen is the most commonly used medication in America. Because it has relatively few side effects, it is safer than many alternative drugs. And, even though It is one of the safest medications, there are some limitations. Here are some basic facts about this popular pain reliever: In a study by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine, conducted in 2011, only 31% of the respondents knew the active ingredient in Tylenol, and 19% knew that Advil contains ibuprofen. However, 75% correctly identified aspirin as the ingredient in Bayer, and 47% recognized Motrin as ibuprofen. In general, fewer than half of the study members even read the ingredients on their pill bottles.

Acetaminophen is not only sold as a stand-alone drug, but is also compounded in more than 600 medications. These include pain relievers, cold and flu formulas, fever reducers, and allergy medications. It may be included in prescription or over-the-counter formulations..

Because of the number of medications which contain acetaminophen, be sure to talk to your doctor about your drug interactions. You may be taking this already, and exceeding the daily limit accidentally can have medical consequences. This medication is not an NSAID (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug). Although it is used for pain relief and fever control, it won’t help with inflammation which may respond better to an NSAID product. Because there are many who can’t take an NSAID for a condition such as arthritis, this product can still be helpful in pain control. Discuss this with your physician.

Over-the-counter tablets and capsules are sold in dosages of 325 mg and 500 mg. These are considered regular and extra strength. Single dose recommendations for adults range from 325 mg to 1000 mg, with a daily total not to exceed 4000 mg. Children’s dosing is by weight and under a doctor’s supervision.

If you enjoy more than three alcoholic beverages per day, take Warfarin. If you have liver damage, you are at a greater risk for liver complications with acetaminophen. You should disclose health conditions to your doctor immediately and let him or her know if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. In 2011, overdoses of this drug were the cause of 78,000 emergency room visits, and subsequent FDA requests capped the dosage in compounds to 325 mg. Even today, the overuse of this drug is the leading cause of liver failure in the U.S., and the leading contributor to the need for organ transplants.

Be sure you understand the dosing requirements for your needs. Know the time between doses, the amount of the dose, and when and if you can increase or decrease the dosage. Always use only the bare minimum needed to control your symptoms. Although the allowed cap for an adult over 150 pounds is 4000 mg, you should try to keep your intake below 3000 mg if possible. When you have mild pain or a fever, acetaminophen is a great choice for managing your symptoms. Now that you have some information awareness, check for any contraindications and consult your doctor if necessary.

Cooper Family Medical Center has two convenient locations in Pascagoula and Biloxi, Mississippi. We offer quality MediSpa and medical services to our valued patients and strive to keep you looking and feeling your best! Our entire staff is here to care for YOUR needs. If you are interested in becoming a new patient, please call us today at 2287622044 ext. 302 or visit us online at www.CFMedCenter.com. We look forward to seeing you!

© Southern View Media 2017: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “Get Online or Get Left Behind”

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7 Reasons Drinking More Water Should Be a Part of Your New Year’s Resolution

Cheers and bottoms up to water! Yes, water, toss it back, chug it, sip it slowly, whatever it takes, just get it down. The definition of water is: a colorless, odorless, tasteless, liquid, which makes it sound so boring and meaningless. However, in reality, water is actually the life-sustaining foundation for all living organisms. Hmm, drinking more H2O as a New Years Resolution or prolonged goal maybe isn’t so meaningless after all.

There are many benefits to drinking more water; here are seven reasons for adding it into your daily routine.

Shed Some Unwanted Weight: Shedding those extra pounds is hard enough even with healthy eating and exercise. By simply drinking the proper amount of water, you will see beneficial results to your weight loss routine. Proper hydration is a crucial component in boosting your metabolism and fighting the urge to overeat. When a person’s body is dehydrated, it can trigger hunger pains. When dehydrated the body thinks you are hungry, when you’re really only thirsty. Get into the routine of drinking 2 cups or 16 ounces of water before every meal. Water makes you feel full; you’ll consume fewer calories. It’s a two-for-one deal- better hydration and weight loss all in one glass.

Getting a Move On: Lack of water is the major cause of constipation. During digestion if your body does not have enough water to absorb, the colon and the large intestine soak up the water in the food byproducts. This, in turn, makes things more difficult to pass. There are two options: 1. Drink more water, less time on potty or 2. Don’t drink water, more time on potty, get a good book to pass the time.

Making it Clean & Clear: The consumption of water helps detoxify your body. It helps flush out toxins that can cause inflammation which may result in acne. The proper amount of water also keeps the kidneys and liver functioning.  It allows these organs to sift and eliminate waste through the urinary tract. Adding a squeeze of lemon to your water not only helps with adding flavor but with the liver’s bile production, which in turn pushes out toxins. Next time the waitress asks you if you want lemon with your water, say yes, please.

Getting on With It: So you have the afternoon drag. Don’t reach for that 5-hour energy shot, grab a big glass of water. We get busy at work and forget to properly hydrate or we reach for the old standby caffeinated drink for that boost. It’s not the lack of caffeine that causes the problem, it’s dehydration. Water is our body’s primary energy source, it helps with the function of red blood cells that provide oxygen to your lungs. Fight fatigue, drink more water. If anything adding more water to your day, will keep you moving. Going back and forth to the bathroom should keep anyone awake.

No Worries, Be Happy: Feeling refreshed and hydrated, actually improves your mood. How do know your good mood is proper water intake and not just Friday afternoon? A rough estimation of daily water consumption is to drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water over the course of the day. Adding more or less based on lifestyle and level of activity. Check with Cooper Family Med Center/ Live Well MD Mississippifor a more comprehensive and accurate formulation. One additional benefit to drinking more water is the regulation of sex hormones. A healthy sex drive should make anyone happy.

Getting Wise To It: Consume more water to improve your brain function. Water gives support and energy for thinking and attention span. It improves brain response too. The brain is 75% water, it’s no wonder that water helps with blood and oxygen flow, concentration, memory and maintaining healthy brain cells. If you ever experience “brain fog” drink more water.

Protecting Your Health: Water adds a balance to the body. With an average of 60% of the adult human body being made of water, not being properly regulated can become a problem. Water helps with body temperature, tissue repair and the functionality of your spinal cord. It is also a vital component of the immune system. Your body is designed to run on water.

Water is the simple cure for thirst. Let the caring and professional staff at Cooper Family Med Center provide their unmatched level of quality and service for you.

Cooper Family Medical Center has two convenient locations in Pascagoula and Biloxi, Mississippi. We offer quality MediSpa and medical services to our valued patients and strive to keep you looking and feeling your best! Our entire staff is here to care for YOUR needs. If you are interested in becoming a new patient, please call us today at 2287622044 ext. 302 or visit us online at www.CFMedCenter.com. We look forward to seeing you!

© Southern View Media 2017: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “Get Online or Get Left Behind”

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Your teen is driving. Their excitement is your worry. How can you keep them while ensuring their safety? Check out these tips for parents of driving teens.

SET RULES IN A PARENT-TEEN DRIVING AGREEMENT. The CDC has a great printable agreement that outlines the responsibilities of your teen when driving. From the basic rules of the road to phone etiquette, alcohol use, and school attendance, this agreement covers every aspect of driving. Many of these pointers are good for adults as well, and we sometimes need a reminder to focus on our driving as well. Having a long conversation before handing over the keys will go a long way. Remember that all privileges can be taken away, and various forms of punishment should also be discussed so that you both are clear on the expectations up front. 

SET THE PHONE UP TO GO INTO DRIVING MODE AND AGREE TO PLACE IT IN THE GLOVEBOX OR TRUNK. Nearly every phone manufactured today has this capability, and it should be set up and occasionally checked for compliance. Call your child now and then and let them know that you will do so. A tracking app may also be installed, with the understanding that if the teen is in compliance, it won’t be used to check up on them consistently.

GIVE YOUR CHILD SOME RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE COSTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF OPERATING A VEHICLE. Like other privileges, it costs money to operate a car. Whether you give them the full costs of the car, or partial costs, make sure that you enforce whatever boundaries you set for them. Maybe they should pay for gas and oil changes all the time, insurance during the summer when they are working, and the car payments upon graduation, if there are any. There are many variations on teaching responsibility. Let them help. They need to feel invested in this stepping stone in life. They will be more responsible when paying some of the expenses themselves.

TEACH MINOR MAINTENANCE AND UPKEEP SO THE VEHICLE IS IN GOOD REPAIR. You will both have peace of mind if the vehicle is being driven in good condition, and you are confident that they can change a tire if necessary. Teach them basic inspection tips and help them identify new sounds when something is going wrong so they will be able to isolate a problem if it happens later.

LIMIT THE DISTRACTIONS CAUSED BY PASSENGERS BY KEEPING THEM TO A MINIMUM WHEN POSSIBLE. Although everyone wants to pick up their friends and head out, it is true that a large percentage of accidents occur when there are passengers. Unless necessary, don’t load the car up with kids. It just isn’t a good idea, and the statistics prove it. Some states even have limitations and laws prohibiting underage passengers, so be sure to know your state’s requirements to avoid a ticket.

Now, trust your teen to follow the rules, and know that you have done your part. It does get easier as they gain experience and maturity.

Cooper Family Medical Center has two convenient locations in Pascagoula and Biloxi, Mississippi. We offer quality MediSpa and medical services to our valued patients and strive to keep you looking and feeling your best! Our entire staff is here to care for YOUR needs. If you are interested in becoming a new patient, please call us today at 2287622044 ext. 302 or visit us online at www.CFMedCenter.com. We look forward to seeing you!

© Southern View Media 2017: Reproduction without explicit permission is prohibited. All Rights Reserved. “Get Online or Get Left Behind”