PORT SAINT LUCIE, Florida/August 22, 2008 - Physicians Immediate Care, the premier provider of urgent care medicine on the Treasure Coast, is urging Treasure Coast residents to avoid potential serious health problems associated with bacteria and other hazards in Tropical Storm Fay's floodwaters.

"With so much local flooding, there are now serious health concerns for our residents," said Kenneth J. Palestrant, MD, founder of Physicians Immediate Care. "While some residents have been forced to wade in the floodwaters to get in and out of their homes, they are running the risk of a variety of infections and health issues caused by bacteria in the water," added Dr. Palestrant.

E. coli is one of many bacteria that may be present in the floodwaters left over from Tropical Storm Fay. "There also are parasites that could be in the water, such as giardia or cryptosporidosis," said Dr. Palestrant. Both may pose very serious health hazards.

Residents, especially children, face a health threat when the floodwater splashes in their eyes and mouth. Dr. Palestrant urged parents to keep their children out of the floodwaters no matter how much they would like to play in the water. "It would take only a small cut or scratch to expose someone to tetanus, an acute, often fatal, disease." Floodwater also may carry a number of contaminants including sewage and chemicals.

Physicians Immediate Care offers the following additional tips about Fay's floodwaters:

• Sharp debris could be hidden in the water causing injury.

• Downed power lines hidden under standing water pose the risk of electrocution.

• Watch for snakes! Most Florida snakes are not poisonous but may still react if approached.

• Insects, such as spiders and scorpions, may also seek protection from the floodwaters which could force them into your home.

"We urge everyone to use caution during the flooding and as the water recedes. Should anyone experience skin that is reddish and swollen, have an unexplained stomach ache, or generally feel under the weather, they should seek medical assistance," concluded Dr. Palestrant.

Physicians Immediate Care measures its success through patient satisfaction and extraordinary care. Physicians Immediate Care also offers employers professional services for workers compensation, routine exams, and drug testing. Physicians Immediate Care provides a convenient, cost effective alternative to emergency rooms and doctor's offices from their original facilities at 1900 SE Port Saint Lucie Boulevard and at 4007 SW Port Saint Lucie Boulevard in the Paar Center. For additional information call (772) 398-1588 or (772) 343-1774, or visit their website at www.immedcare.com.

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