by RYAN MILEJCZAK
Sponsored by Central Florida Health Care
When something goes wrong with your car, a general mechanic can often address the issue. However, for more complex problems, like transmission or engine issues, a specialist mechanic is better equipped to solve the problems.
Similarly, in health care, primary care physicians handle routine and preventive care, but specialists are better suited for diagnosing and treating more complex conditions related to specific systems of the body.
The endocrine system is responsible for making hormones and releasing them throughout the body. These hormones affect sleep, digestion, metabolism, mood, and more, making endocrinologists an important part of a healthcare team.
Central Florida Health Care’s Kevin Manalo, APRN, works alongside Dr. Jessica Castellanos-Diaz to provide top quality endocrinological care in Davenport and throughout Polk.
“There are many conditions that can necessitate an endocrinologist, with some of the most common examples being diabetes, thyroid disorders, and obesity,” Manalo says. “A solid majority of the patients we see here at CFHC are diabetic patients.”
Most commonly, patients visiting an endocrinologist will be referred through their primary care physicians for further management of their condition. Once with the endocrinologist, they’ll discuss medical history, do a quick physical, and from there, the doctor can begin recommending treatment.
“For diabetic patients, this will usually involve things like pharmacological management, putting a glucose monitor on the patient, and talking about diet and exercise,” Manalo explains. “But the challenge with diabetes is that everybody is different. Some might react to certain medications differently than others, for example. It’s different from managing other diseases, which generally have stricter guidelines to follow. With diabetes, what works for five different people might not work for many others. It’s very variable.”
Endocrinologists can help individuals with hormone-related conditions avoid worsening health and complications from their disease.
“One of the biggest benefits of seeing an endocrinologist is preventing the complications of an endocrinological disease that aren’t managed,” explains Manalo. “For example, things like an amputation for diabetics due to poorly controlled blood sugar. Or things like uncontrolled thyroid conditions can lead to rapid weight gain, weight loss, or palpitations. And any endocrinological disease, if left uncontrolled for long periods of time, can land you in the hospital.”
That’s why management is so important.
To ensure all patients get the treatment they need, Dr. Castellanos and her team customize treatment to each patient and form a relationship with them for the long term.
“We have a very good endocrinology department here, especially with Dr. Castellanos. I’m really proud of our team over here,” reflects Manalo. “What I stress to my patients is that we work as a team with all our patients. If Dr. Castellanos isn’t available, you can see me as well.”
In order to continue providing the highest quality care for their diabetic patients, CFHC is also currently in the process of building a new Lakeland Primary Health Center that will include a Diabetes Center of Excellence and Teaching Kitchen. This center will care for and educate diabetic patients through nutritionist services, a kitchen, and a full suite of lab, X-ray, and pharmacy services. This is one of two new health centers CFHC is currently working on building, with the other set to go up in downtown Winter Haven.
Fortunately, you don’t have to wait until these centers are open to get great healthcare from CFHC. On Friday, November 15 in downtown Winter Haven, CFHC will be holding its annual Health Expo from 4 to 7 p.m. where the community can get a free health screening, learn more about CFHC services, and meet the amazing staff.