Blog Archive

It’s important to maintain healthy cholesterol levels for your heart health. Luckily, it’s not too difficult! A few simple tweaks to your daily routine can make a world of difference. The compassionate team at Summit Primary Care in La Junta, Denver, Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Englewood, Colorado, offers the...

Chronic shoulder pain can be a real challenge, interfering with everything from your daily routine to getting a good night’s sleep. While it can be tough to figure out exactly what's causing the pain, understanding some of the most common reasons can point you toward relief. The expert team at...

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common neuropathy condition that affects the hands and wrists, causing pain, numbness, and tingling. It occurs when the median nerve, which connects your forearm to your hand, becomes compressed or pinched at the wrist.  The nerve compression can lead to discomfort that interferes with...

Neuropathy, a condition resulting from damaged nerves, can cause a range of symptoms that significantly impact daily life. Below, our experienced team at Summit Primary Care in La Junta, Denver, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo, Colorado, explores the three main symptoms of neuropathy and effective treatment options.  1. Numbness and tingling...

Blood tests are like a preventive tune-up for your body - they give our health care providers the lowdown on your inner workings, helping us detect potential issues before they become major problems. When our team at Summit Primary Care in Colorado orders a blood test, we check for specific...

The thyroid, a small gland located in the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating various body functions through the production of hormones. Thyroid malfunctions can lead to a range of symptoms that often go unnoticed or are mistaken for other health issues. The experienced team at Summit Primary Care...

Experiencing frequent and debilitating migraines can disrupt daily life, making it crucial to understand the potential triggers and underlying causes of these severe headaches. Migraines aren’t just ordinary headaches; they’re complex neurological events that involve various factors from genetic predispositions to environmental triggers. Our experienced team at Summit Primary Care...

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose), which is vital for providing energy to cells. While managing diabetes can be a part of daily life for many, it's crucial to be aware of the serious health conditions that it can lead to...

Many people struggle to lose weight despite following a diet and exercise routine. When you feel like you’ve tried everything under the sun to lose weight without results, consider medical weight loss through peptide therapy with the experienced team at Summit Primary Care. We help individuals lose weight with a...

Managing cholesterol levels can feel like a daunting task, especially if you're concerned about starting medication. The good news? Adjusting your diet might help control your cholesterol levels and avoid the need for medication. The experienced team at Summit Primary Care offers the following information about dietary changes that can...

Preventing disease is always better than trying to find a cure. There's no better way to stay on top of your health needs than through regular annual wellness exams and preventive screenings. Our experienced team at Summit Primary Care offers proactive health care measures that can help you lead a...

Strep throat, a common and potentially serious bacterial infection, is often underestimated in its severity and impact on health. Understanding the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment of strep infections is crucial to prevent complications and promote overall health. Our experienced team at Summit Primary Care is here to provide...

Prediabetes is a condition that affects millions of individuals, and if you've recently received this diagnosis, it's natural to have questions and concerns. Our experienced and compassionate team at Summit Primary Care is here to provide you with guidance and support on what to do next. Understanding prediabetes When you...

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, responsible for regulating numerous metabolic processes throughout the body. If it produces too much (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism) thyroid hormone, it can impact your energy, mood, weight, and overall health. While medications are essential for managing thyroid disorders, dietary...

Depression is a common and significant medical condition that causes adverse effects on your emotions, cognition, and behavior. Depression triggers sadness and a loss of enthusiasm for previously enjoyed activities.  Our experienced team at Summit Primary Care believes in taking a holistic approach to health care, encompassing both your physical and mental well-being. Our behavioral...

Chronic pain can significantly impact your quality of life, making even simple, routine tasks seem challenging. While increasing physical activity might be a distant thought when you experience chronic pain, you may be surprised to learn that exercise can improve your condition and overall well-being. Our experienced team at Summit...

Many people look forward to the warm summer months, but for some who suffer from migraines, the summer season can pose unique challenges. The increased heat, bright sunlight, and outdoor activities can trigger migraines and make them more difficult to manage. Our compassionate team at Summit Primary Care understands the impact migraines have on...

An estimated 283,000 American youth under age 20 have diagnosed diabetes, which is about .35% of that population. Youth-onset diabetes is linked to several health complications, including eye disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage. With the rising prevalence of diabetes, it’s crucial to educate parents about preventive measures. By taking...

Neuropathy refers to numerous conditions that affect your nervous system, with the most common form being peripheral neuropathy. The nervous system includes different types of nerves: Sensory nerves - transmit sensations like touch or pain Motor nerves - control muscles Autonomic nerves - regulate blood pressure and bladder function Peripheral...

If you recently learned you have high blood pressure, you probably also learned that you should be exercising more.  Exercise can significantly affect your blood pressure. Here, at Summit Primary Care in Denver, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo, Colorado, our primary care team recommends the following exercises if you have high...

Human beings need cholesterol to live, but did you know there are two kinds of cholesterol? There's HDL, considered "good" cholesterol, and LDL, or "bad" cholesterol. Too much bad cholesterol can lead to numerous health issues, which is why you should reduce the amount of bad cholesterol you consume while working to increase your good cholesterol. The primary care...

Finding and choosing a new primary care provider is an important step in your health care journey. At Summit Primary Care in Colorado, we’re a team of primary care experts who can help you find a primary care provider perfect for your health needs. Keep reading to learn some tips...

The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland in your neck that creates two hormones, thyroxine, and triiodothyronine, that are discharged into the blood. These hormones are important because they help all the cells in your body function correctly. But when your thyroid gland becomes overactive, also known as hyperthyroidism, it...

Your complete blood count (CBC) is a type of blood test to decipher your overall health. This includes detecting various disorders, such as anemia, infection, and leukemia. Your CBC test also measures components and features of your blood, like your red and white blood cells, platelets, hemoglobin, and hematocrit.  While...

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the flu caused between 140,000 and 710,000 hospitalizations and between 12,000 and 52,000 deaths annually between 2010 and 2020. The CDC recommends getting your flu annual vaccine between September and October since it takes two weeks for the flu shot to become effective after...

An estimated 85% of post-menopausal women have experienced menopause symptoms in their lifetime. While the symptoms are not dangerous, they can interrupt and negatively affect your daily life. Menopause is the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle and usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. You may also undergo a...

Sometimes the foods we love aren’t exactly healthy for us. This is especially true if you’re someone who enjoys salty foods. Your health can be negatively impacted by a high-sodium diet over time, but there are ways to make changes. High sodium levels increase your risk of high blood pressure. High...

The shoulder joint is complicated, containing three bones and several tendons, ligaments, and muscles. With all of the parts and movements associated with the shoulder, shoulder pain is very common and not usually caused by an underlying health issue. At Summit Primary Care, board-certified family physician Lawrence Scott Wilner, DO, and the experienced team...

Knee pain can affect anyone at any age. From high school to college athletes, professional athletes, middle-aged adults, and senior citizens — knee pain doesn’t discriminate. Knee pain from injury, cartilage damage, or arthritis can prevent you from enjoying the activities you love and negatively impact your quality of life....

If you experience stress-triggered migraines, preventing migraines and dealing with the chronic pain they cause are a challenge. Stress causes your migraine, and then the chronic pain caused by the migraine creates more stress. It’s a lot like being on an endless hamster wheel! Even worse, if you typically experience...

Anywhere from 11% to 40% of Americans live with chronic pain, with the amount of reported chronic pain increasing with age. Board-certified family physician Lawrence Scott Wilner, DO, at Summit Primary Care doesn’t believe we should accept chronic pain as normal and unavoidable. As pain management specialists, our goal is to help patients of...

Having obesity puts you at a higher risk of developing diabetes. In fact, you’re six times more likely to develop type 2 diabetes if you’re obese. The good news is — you can take steps to reduce your risk. At Summit Primary Care, board-certified family physician Lawrence Scott Wilner, DO, offers diabetes diagnosis and treatment. Do...

If you’re dealing with chronic joint pain, going about your daily activities can be challenging. You probably avoid putting weight on an affected joint or try to modify your movements to reduce discomfort.  Maybe you’ve even given up activities that used to bring you joy because you fear they might...

Back pain is extremely common and becomes more likely as we age. Sedentary lifestyles, obesity, poor nutrition, and stress can increase your risk of developing back pain. Many people have lived with it for years. You can help prevent back pain and protect your spine with some fairly easy lifestyle...

Not everyone in America is convinced that they need annual physical exams. Only one in five adults gets them. At Summit Primary Care, board-certified family physician Lawrence Scott Wilner, DO, and our team want you to know that having an annual exam is one of the most critical things you...

Chronic pain can stem from a condition like arthritis or an injury. It’s different from acute pain — pain that resolves in six weeks or less — in that it can go on for months or years. Many people who have chronic pain have lived with it for years.  At...

A muscle that has become stiff, sore from being overused, torn, or bruised, can become a point of origin for spreading pain known as a “Trigger Point”.  Pain from an injured muscle can cause headaches and aches in other areas such as the arms, legs, or lower back and neck....

Why You Should Care About Breast Cancer         October is finally here! Pumpkin spice lattes, pumpkin carving, football season…and oh yeah, did you get your mammogram this year? According to the American Cancer Society, women have a 13% chance of getting breast cancer in their lifetime. That’s...