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Welcome to Gardendale Primary Care
Gardendale Primary Care is the office of Dr. Gilbert F. Douglas, IV, D.O. Gardendale Primary Care joined the medical staff of Norwood Clinic, Inc. in July of 2016. The clinic is experienced in Internal Medicine and provides convenient, competent, and personal primary care. We look forward to caring for you!
Please complete all the necessary forms and bring them to your first appointment. New patients are always advised to come 30 minutes prior to their scheduled new patient appointment.
Health Tips
May is Mental Health Awareness Month – Know the Signs of Depression
According to the World Health Organization, more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from depression. This number has drastically increased since the pandemic hit, and people can't help but wonder how the lockdowns have affected those numbers. What has social distancing, quarantines, disturbing ...
How to Nourish Your Mental Health
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Whether you struggle to keep yourself mentally healthy or you know someone who does, this is a good month to ask yourself and others: "How are you doing mentally?" Here are some things you can do this month to ...
A Guide to Living a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle
The leading cause of global deaths is heart disease, accounting for a third of all deaths in the USA. The disease may manifest itself in various ways, each with its own set of symptoms and treatment options. For some people, making lifestyle changes and taking ...
Five Tips for Coping With Stress
Stress affects all people, regardless of age. In truth, it's in the physiology of the human body to experience stress and respond to it. This happens whenever you are confronted with new or difficult situations that affect your physical or mental functioning. The body's stress ...
How to Prevent and Treat Poison Ivy Rash
In the South, late summer/early fall is one of the most beautiful times of year to spend time outdoors! As temps begin to drop, outdoor activities such as camping, stargazing, and hiking become more popular. But, with that extra time outdoors, you also run the ...
How to Curb Your Phone Addiction
How many times do you check your phone each day? How much time do you spend on your phone within a 24-hour period? An overwhelming amount of research indicates we are becoming addicted to our phones. In fact, studies have shown that excessive cell phone ...
Does Dressing Warmly Prevent You From Catching a Cold?
"Dress warmly, or you'll catch a cold!" It's a common admonishment you may have heard many times over the course of your childhood. But does dressing warmly really prevent you from catching a cold? Ask any doctor or scientist, and they will give you a ...
How to Stay Healthy While Traveling
If you're planning a lengthy business trip or vacation, it's crucial to keep your health in mind. Travel creates additional risks because it often involves stress, inadequate sleep, different eating habits, and exposure to more germs than usual. These tips can help prevent illness while ...
Top Ways to Improve Gut Health
Our gut is an incredibly complex facet of our digestive system, as well as the largest endocrine organ in the entire body. Research is continually proving that strong gut health not only correlates to a healthy body, but also to a healthy mind. In fact, ...
Best Ways to Prevent Depression During Cold Months
As the nights grow ever longer in the winter months, millions of people around the world may find themselves suffering from depression or seasonal affective disorder. These seasonal changes may manifest in lowered mood, a decrease in energy, lowered self-esteem, and other depressive symptoms that ...
Top Ways to Boost Your Immune System
In addition to things like hand-washing and food safety, your immune system plays a tremendously important role in preventing illness. You can boost it by making various adjustments to your daily life. This will help protect your health from harmful viruses, such as COVID-19 and ...
5 Activities to Boost Brain Health
The brain plays a part in every aspect of our body and controls everything it does. And, like other parts of our bodies, we need to train them to keep them in shape. Exercising our brain is essential to improving memory, focus, and daily function, ...
Dehydration: Everything You Need To Know About How To Prevent It
Many people have low level dehydration and don’t even know it. They go about their lives, drinking their sodas and coffee without a second thought. They may see some signs, such as confusion, forgetfulness, fatigue and headaches, among other things, but it usually doesn’t register ...
Best Tips To Help You Manage Your Heartburn
Heartburn affects millions of people around the world. It occurs when stomach acid finds its way into the esophagus, which is a tube that connects the stomach and the mouth. While heartburn is not a life-threatening condition, it can lower the quality of your life ...
When Is It Time To See A Doctor For A Fever?
Having a high temperature can be a sweaty, nauseous, and all-around uncomfortable experience. But when does it really get life-threatening, and how do you know when it's time to seek help? While most fevers are not dangerous, some may pose a serious threat to your ...
How to Relieve Joint Pain
Joints are an essential part of the body as they allow movement of the skeleton. Unfortunately, joints can be painful, causing discomfort or swelling, especially in older people. Normally, joint pain can result from an injury or disease such as bursitis, osteoarthritis, gout, and rheumatoid ...
4 Things To Do Every Day To Keep Your Heart Healthy
Did you know that heart disease stands as the leading cause of death in America? One in every four deaths can be contributed to heart diseases like coronary heart disease, heart failure, and more. That means that if you don't want to become another statistic, ...
How To Stay Happy And Healthy This Fall
This fall, it's time to live your happiest, healthiest life. Though the days may be darkening, there's no reason why your spirits shouldn't stay merry and bright. So keep the autumnal blues at bay, and read on to discover 5 ways to stay happy and ...
What Should I Do If I Can’t Sleep?
Racing thoughts, pounding heart, tossing and turning... we all know the struggle of trying to fall asleep and finding rest far off. These are unpleasant symptoms, but they are also warning signs that it's time to take initiative and find a way to beat insomnia. ...
How To Get Rid Of A Migraine
Headaches affect everyone now and then, but there's no need for prolonged suffering. With the right tools and practices, you can get rid of a headache or migraine in no time, and move on with your life. Read on to discover quick ways to get ...
5 Worst Foods For Boosting Energy Levels
You may be familiar with the best foods for boosting energy levels, but what about the worst? Whether you suffer from excessive fatigue or are just looking to maximize alertness, it's important to be wary of foods that could put a damper on your energy. ...
Caffeine – Is It Good Or Bad For Health?
Do a quick search into the pros and cons of caffeine, and you might come up with some conflicting information. It's popular knowledge that caffeine is bad for health - but is it really? As research shows, the truth might be a whole lot more ...
The Benefits of Drinking Green Tea
Tea lovers have long extolled the merits of drinking green tea, but this refreshing beverage does more than please the palate. Green tea is also a superfood loaded with antioxidants that come with benefits like boosted heart health, improved brain function, and more. Some researchers ...
3 Ways to Get Rid of Headaches Quickly
Headaches and migraines are a widespread problem affecting approximately 45 million Americans each year. These pesky aches and pains can be brought on by various factors, from sinus infections and stress to lack of sleep. Often, the best cure is making lifestyle changes like improving ...
4 Healthy Ways to Gain Weight If Underweight Is A Problem
Any unhealthy body weight, whether over or under, is cause for concern. While being underweight isn’t necessarily a health problem, it can lead to impaired immune function, increased risk of infections, osteoporosis, and fractures, as well as fertility issues in some cases. As always, the ...
The Health Benefits of Walking as Exercise
There are many health benefits to walking, and it is far and the most accessible, easy, and enjoyable exercise there is. There's nothing like a good walk in fresh air to lift your spirits and get your blood flowing. All you need is a comfortable ...
The Importance Of Sticking To A Sleep Schedule
A good sleep schedule is important to every aspect of our lives. And it is the most restorative when you sync it up with the light and dark rhythms of the planet. Usually, melatonin production is suppressed during the day when you are exposed to ...
Why Fiber Is So Good for You
Fiber is one of the most vital foods in your diet. This plant-based nutrient plays a key role in helping your digestive system flourish, and also works wonders for your blood sugar and cardiovascular health. What makes it so unique? While other food components like ...
5 Fast And Effective Back Pain Remedies
Back pain is one of the most common medical complaints in the world. With over 80% of adults experiencing it at least once in their lives, it’s one of the leading causes of disability globally. The good news is that there are plenty of ways ...
How to Get Kids to Eat Healthy Food
Are you having trouble getting your kids to eat healthy food? If so, you’re not alone! Most parents and guardians, especially those with hectic schedules, often struggle to keep their kids off chicken nuggets, macaroni, cheese, and their alternatives. While it’s easier to give in ...
How Smoking Affects Your Health
Despite overwhelming evidence that it causes numerous health problems, smoking continues to be a relevant health concern. Here are just some of the ways smoke negatively affects your health. Shortens your life span Want to live longer? Don't smoke! According to the World Health Organization, ...
How to Upkeep Your Mental Health in a COVID World
Lockdown wears away at everyone's mental health. Maybe at the start of quarantine, you were active and determined to put on pants each day, but it's quite possible you're now spending all day in bed. The COVID world gets to you, and it can be ...
Foods That Will Help Boost Your Memory
What we consume plays an important role in increasing our brain function, memory, and concentration. Various foods and supplements that will help you boost your memory are: Omega-3 is a huge memory booster and brain enhancer; hence, eating fatty fish with an abundant amount is a healthy choice ...
How to Stay Healthy Throughout the Winter Season
Thanks to COVID-19, we've had tips for staying healthy drilled into us all year long. But as we move into the winter season, it's critical we keep those wellness habits at the forefront of our minds. Here are some of the best ways to stay ...
Coronavirus, Social Distancing, and Self Quarantine
Coronavirus Covid-19 cell. Covid, covid19 pandemic. 3D illustration What is social distancing? Social distancing is the practice of deliberately placing physical space between people. It is recommended that people stay at least six feet from each other to avoid spreading the disease. Events like cruises, ...
COVID-19: your questions answered
Top down composition of medical masks with coronavirus word and sthetoscope laid out over grey background, copy space Q: What is the coronavirus (COVID-19)? A: Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a respiratory disease that spreads from person to person. This virus was discovered while an outbreak in ...
5 Ways to Combat the Flu This Flu Season
The season has just changed and with the change in weather, many of you might be experiencing symptoms of a flu virus. Flu is one of the most common diseases in people all over the world. The CDC data of 2017-18 shows that 49 million ...
Management of Hypertension and Heart Disease In Cold Weather
Hypertension And Heart Disease in Cold Weather Damp and cold Alabama winters can be troublesome if you have heart disease or hypertension. Cold weather can worsen symptoms by causing an increase in your heart rate and an increase in blood pressure. Additionally, this can increase ...
Is Cold Weather Making You Ache? How To Alleviate Arthritis In The Winter
For most people, winter is a time of hot chocolate, holiday shopping, and fuzzy sweaters. But for some, winter can be a time of pain, joint stiffness, and fatigue. If you have arthritis, you know of the debilitating symptoms it can bring, but even more ...
Freezing Temperatures Might be Making Your Asthma Worse
Sometimes good things give you the worst experiences. This is being said after identifying that the cold weather is arguably the most beautiful and delightful weather of the year. Yet, it becomes worse for those people who have asthma problems. This is a chronic disease ...
Feeling Blue After The Holidays? Here’s How To Get Back On Track
The holidays were a time of merriment, joy, laughter, and family togetherness. Since they were so full of gift-giving and cheer, you may wonder “why am I still feeling so down?” This reaction isn’t new or odd! In fact, feeling down after the holidays end ...
Going Keto? Let’s Look At the Science Behind the Diet
Christmas new year decorations still life on dark wooden background. You’ve more than likely heard about the ketogenic diet. From celebrities to influencers, everybody is getting behind the keto-craze as they say it help in everything from acne to cancer. What Is Ketogenesis? It refers ...
Do You Need a Mental Health Day?
Mental health concept. Young woman having depression on sofa at home. Lonely millennial lady feeling hopeless or melancholic, having relationship problem or nervous breakdown If you are among the 48% of Americans who consider themselves a workaholic, you may be refusing to take a day ...
Top Ways to Reduce Holiday Anxiety
Mental health concept. Young woman having depression on sofa at home. Lonely millennial lady feeling hopeless or melancholic, having relationship problem or nervous breakdown Anxiety Most people look forward to the holiday season and the beginning of the New Year. It provides them with an ...
Ways To Boost Your Immunity Before You Get Sick
Immunity You are what you eat! These days, junk food has overpowered the generation. Sometimes you notice that you’ve finished a huge bag of chips without even registering it. You eat subconsciously; this is where you need to pay attention. Eating and not even realizing ...
Are Retail Clinics Dangerous?
It was already 7 years ago that you first saw retail clinics being launched. CVS, Walgreens, and Target were among the first stores to include a retail clinic on their locations. However, when most people saw them, two ideas immediately popped on their minds: - ...
Does It Matter If You And Your Doctor Get Along?
Caucasian Medical Doctor Examine Little Caucasian Girl Inside Clinics Office. Healthcare Industry. While this may seem a stupid question, the reality is that it needs to be answered. Whenever you need to schedule an appointment with a doctor, a lot of people only tend to ...
Arthritis – The Facts
Caucasian Medical Doctor Examine Little Caucasian Girl Inside Clinics Office. Healthcare Industry. While most people tend to think that arthritis is just one disease, the reality is that there are over 100 types of it. In addition, arthritis affects people of all ages, including around ...
Eczema And Your Skin Health
Eczema currently affects between 10 and 20% of infants. One of the things that you need to know about eczema is that this is the general term that it is used for medical conditions that lead the skin to become irritated or inflamed. One of ...
What Are The Main Symptoms of Hypertension?
Young smiling caregiver checking her older patient's hypertension Hypertension or very high blood pressure is rather common in today’s day and age. That being said, it appears because the blood force is very high and this can cause damage to artery walls in the long ...
3 Tell-Tale Signs of Diabetes
Medical practitioner asking patient questions from the list Learn a few early signs of diabetes to look out for. 1. Increased thirst (dry mouth) High blood sugar can cause frequent urination, which in turn causes dehydration. You may feel like you have an excessively dry ...
Is it a Cold or Just Your Allergies Acting Up
It can sometimes be difficult to tell if the illness you have is a cold or an allergy. What Are Their Causes? Colds and allergies have different causes: a cold is normally caused by a virus and an allergy is a result of an overactive ...
5 Steps to Get a Better Nights Sleep
More than a third of American adults are not getting enough sleep on a regular basis. So, here are some steps you can take to promote adequate sleep! 1. Increase your “daylight” Your circadian rhythm relies heavily on natural sunlight (or bright alternative light) in ...
How to Encourage Your Kids to Be More Physically Active
The benefits of exercise are endless no matter what age you are! Here are some handy tips to help you inspire your children to exercise consistently. Keep it fun! Kids are far more likely to do something challenging if it’s still enjoyable. An example of ...
Why You Need to Listen to Your Body Telling You to “Slow Down”
Your Body Saying "Slow Down" Has your body been asking you to slow down lately? If so, how do you respond to it? Stop To Think Pushing through fatigue is very common these days and you may be tempted to simply have some more coffee ...
4 of the Most Common Health Diagnoses
There are a plethora of diagnoses being shared every day with people from all over the world. The reality is that medical problems are coming from a variety of causes, but in the end, it all comes down to finding the right diagnosis and handling ...
Three Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Health Care Insurance
Most people have Health Care Insurance, but the issue is that not everyone uses it to the maximum potential. Which is a shame, because Health Care Insurance can be a powerful tool especially if you know how to use it adequately. It can indeed pay ...
Choosing the Appropriate Health Care Plan
As this open-enrollment season begins, here are 4 things you should consider as you choose a health care plan that is right for you! How It Works In order to make an informed decision, you need to educate yourself when it comes to how health care ...
Springing Forward: How to Reset Your Body’s Clock (After the “Daylight Savings Time” Time Change)
Time Change Daylight savings time involves either “falling back” (adjusting your clock 1 hour behind) or “springing forward” by advancing it one hour forward. Either way, this change can have an effect on our bodies by making it more difficult to wake up in the ...
Do Coffee Drinkers Live Longer?
Coffee Drinkers Recent research has shown that folks who drink 2 to 3 cups of coffee per day actually live longer than those who do not. A paper published in the JAMA Internal Medicine revealed that coffee drinkers who enjoy 2 to 3 cups of ...
Does Detoxing Work? Is it Healthy?
Detoxing Detoxing diets are incredibly popular these days but do they actually work? Also, are they even healthy? Let’s take a look! A detoxing diet claims to flush toxins from your system, which sounds great, but most detox diets are a risk to your health, ...
What Is Chronic Care?
The definition of chronic care is quite self-explanatory. Patients who need chronic care have the following conditions: DiabetesDepression and other mental illnessesAsthmaCirrhosis of the liverHypertensionEpilepsyAutoimmune conditionsMultiple sclerosisCystic fibrosisArthritisDementia and Alzheimer diseaseCOPDAID/HIVAny other long-term illness Patients who have any of those conditions mentioned above or any ...
How to Change Unhealthy Habits
Unhealthy Habits Changing an unhealthy habit is easier said than done! If you have ever eaten too much junk food, knowing that it is bad for you, you are not alone! We all have unhealthy habits that are difficult to break. Whether it’s not exercising ...
The Role of A Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care
Moddle-aged nurse or assistant with bottle of medicine and clipboard standing by cabinet with glassware Nurse Practitioners could be the future of primary care. Read on to learn how their roles may be changing to better serve the public. A Medical Crisis As the demand ...
3 Medical Tests You Should Have This Year
Medical practitioner asking patient questions from the list Since we are so focused on our financial wellbeing, most of the time we lose sight of the fact that health is a lot more important than anything else. That’s why we should try to complete some ...
What Are The Symptoms Of Diabetes?
Flu Vaccination Diabetes is becoming more rampant over time in the USA alone, as well as in other different countries in the world. In fact, according to the CDC, the latest report had found that 11.3% men and 11.7% women in the USA are diagnosed ...
5 Reasons To Get Your Flu Vaccine
The flu vaccine is your best bet for avoiding influenza. But it also carries other benefits! Here are five reasons why you should get your flu vaccine this year. 1. The flu vaccine could save your life. In a study done by the CDC, it was ...
4 Simple Ways to Improve Heart Health
Although the heart is one of the most important organs in the human body, it is often neglected. Here are a few ways you can give your heart a little TLC and enjoy the natural benefits along the way! Eat Healthy Fats & Avoid Trans ...
Food: The Solution, Not The Problem
Could the way you eat be holding you back from a healthier you? Eating on Autopilot If you've ever finished a whole bag of chips before realizing it, you know what eating food on autopilot looks like. You want more, no matter how much you’ve ...
How Often Do You Need A Physical?
Life gets busy, but keeping tabs on your health always pays off.Find out how often you should schedule a physical, and why. Are Physicals Really Necessary? You may have gone so long without a physical check-up that it seems unimportant. Yet, according to a ...
Summer Sun Protection 101
Sunny Supplies and Trusty Tips Sunscreen helps prevent sunburn and even decreases your risk of developing skin cancer! It’s a must-have on a hot summer day. Tip: SPF 15 is the minimum recommendation and reapplying every two hours should provide the protection you need. Hats ...
How to Cope When Life Seems Hard
We have all been there. Life isn’t always easy. So how do we respond and cope in a healthy and hopeful way when we’re feeling the weight of it all? What Steps Should I Take to Cope? Acknowledge there is a problem: If you’re being ...
Beat the Heat – 3 Ways to Prevent Heat Injury
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are no joke. Read on for a few ways you can prevent heat-injury this summer. 1. Staying Cool When the heat index spikes, it’s best to stay in an air-conditioned location. (Tip: If you don’t have AC, a cold shower ...
4 Ways to Allergy- Proof Your Home
From household dust to pet dander, inside allergens are no joke. Read on to learn how to better allergy-proof your home! Ditch the CarpetAlmost every allergen gets trapped in carpet, so exchanging carpet for hardwood or tile flooring is one of thehealthiest home improvements out there! ...
3 Health Benefits of Gratitude
Studies show gratitude can actually change you from the inside out. So here are a few ways being thankful can lead to a healthier you. Gratitude and Mental Health Feeling grateful can positively influence your well-being and quality of life. There are studies suggesting that ...
4 Stress Reducing Tips
Follow these 4 steps and begin alleviating your day-to-day stress. Think About DietWhen it comes to mental strain, your physical fuel matters. Eating well-balanced and portion-controlled meals throughout the day. Paying attention to your diet will minimize peaks and dips in your energy level. Focus ...
3 Brain Boosting Superfoods
Food: the brain's fuel. Did you know that the kinds of food you consume are directly linked to the quality of your brain function? Here are three superfoods that are considered premium brain fuel, and why. Coconut Oil: Coconut oil provides your brain with an extremely ...
Two surprising foods that can decrease brain function
Proper brain function is a vital part of everyday life. So if you're looking to escape a cognitive catastrophe and snag some health benefits while you're at it, here are two foods to avoid. Bagels Do you usually enjoy a bagel with your morning coffee? ...
How to Manage Stress
Raise your hand if you're not stressed. [cricket noises] While stress is a natural part of life, it doesn't have to overwhelm you. If you manage stress, it not only improves your mood and daily outlook, but it's also good for your health! What's causing ...
How to Know If You Have Chronic Sinusitis
Has your nose felt "stopped up" for a while, making it difficult for you to breathe? Have you tried blowing your nose to clear it, only to discover it doesn't help? Do you have tenderness in your forehead or other areas of your face/head? If ...
Back Pain? Try These Three Suggestions for Relief
Back pain among Americans is very common, and many do not seek treatment for it. They’re simply living, coping and working with the pain. If you are living with back pain, then you know that the simplest tasks can be fraught with discomfort, from playing ...
Sugar Addiction: Can it Happen to You?
The average American consumes about 66 pounds of added sugar per year. This is around three times the recommended limit by the American Heart Association: no more than six teaspoons per day for women and nine teaspoons per day for men. Added sugars are more ...
Meal Timing for Diabetes Management
Diabetes Diabetes is a hugely common condition in the United States. Each year sees about 1.5 million new cases. In 2015, 9.4 percent of our population had diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association. Most of these cases are type 2. Insulin may be required ...
Why Your New Year’s Resolution Should be a Balanced Diet
Approximately 80 percent of people give up on their New Year's resolutions by the second month of the year. Why is that number so high? Many people say they want to do something, but they stop there. They don't delve into their own reasonings for ...
The Steep Cost of Sleep Deprivation
So many Americans are not getting the amount of sleep that they need to be healthy mentally and physically. In fact, according to the CDC, more than a third of us are sleep deprived. Sleep deprivation, even mild to moderate, can have negative or even ...
Protect Yourself during Cold and Flu Season
You hear the sneezing, coughing and wheezing all around you. It's here - cold and flu season. It's easy to fall victim. The holiday season is filled with long days and nights, holiday parties, family get - togethers, last minute shopping and being around a ...
Why Antibiotic Stewardship is Crucial
In 1928, Alexander Fleming, professor of bacteriology at St. Mary's Hospital in London, discovered the first true antibiotic - penicillin. Prior to his discovery that penicillin could kill harmful strains of bacteria such as streptococcus and meningococcus, doctors would try all sorts of sometimes harmful ...
Food Intolerances and Food Allergies: Do You Know the Difference?
Nuts, shellfish, soy and wheat - you’ve probably heard of these common food allergies. However, did you know that food intolerances have many of the same symptoms as food allergies? A lot of people often mistake the two, but knowing the differences is crucial. A ...
Mindful Eating for Wellness
Eating Healthy In the fast-paced world in which we live today, being mindful about what we’re eating has become secondary to checking social media, watching TV, getting kids ready for school or focusing on work - among many other things. It’s tempting and very easy ...
Welcome to the Practice – Hillary Davis, CRNP
We are thrilled to introduce the newest member of our practice. Hillary Davis, CRNP. We know that she will be an asset to our team and can't wait for you to meet her! Call today to schedule an appointment with her. (205) 631-0055. Hillary is ...
Heart Disease and Heart Attacks Number One Killers in the U.S.
Heart disease and heart attacks are the number one killers of people in the United States. Heart disease kills approximately 630,000 men and women each year, and over a million people suffer from fatal heart attacks yearly. Those are scary numbers, but the good news ...
The Most Important Reasons to See a Primary Care Doctor
Young serious doctor in uniform looking at camera while sitting by workplace in front of laptop What is a primary care doctor? This is someone that you go to on a regular basis, usually at least once to twice a year for a general checkup ...
Three Ways to Wellness
Wellness You went to the doctor for a checkup or because you were feeling sick. Maybe you got a clean bill of health, or maybe your doctor prescribed you some medication to help you feel better. That’s enough, right? Wrong. Wellness care is very important ...