The First Step Toward Long-Term Health Begins at Glades Medical Group

Primary Care Doctors in Lake Worth, FL

Do you remember getting sick when you were younger? One day, you wake up, get dressed, and head off to school. You notice that your nose is stuffy. Within a few hours, your throat gets sore, and you start to feel a little off. Before you know it, you've got a full-blown cold. If you were like most children, your parents weren't perfect - but when the sniffles developed into something a little more worrisome, they knew that a trip to the family doctor would be warranted.

As adults, we need primary care doctors in Lake Worth, FL, too - after all, most of our parents aren't around anymore. We've got to rely on ourselves to keep up with our health and the health of our families.

Primary care refers to regular healthcare services that focus on disease prevention, wellness, and health promotion. Usually, individuals who are in good health do not require frequent visits to a primary care provider. However, with annual physicals and preventative care exams, people can lower their chances of developing chronic or catastrophic health issues. These health issues can be expensive and complicated to treat, requiring hospital care and prolonged recovery, and may even lead to permanent disabilities.

Apart from making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol, getting regular health screenings is crucial in maintaining good health. Timely and appropriate screening can detect diseases early when treatment is often most effective or lifesaving.

When you need personalized, professional primary care for you and your family, look no further than Glades Medical Group.

Primary Care Doctor Lake Worth, FL

Why Should You See a Primary Care Medical Doctor?

A primary care doctor can be the main healthcare provider for your everyday health needs. They can offer various preventive care services and be a reliable source of medical assistance. Whether you need flu testing for your child or COVID-19 testing if you think you're sick, a primary care doctor can be your go-to medical person. By having a single point of contact for most of your healthcare needs, you can enjoy the convenience and benefits of a consistent and personalized medical care experience - especially at Glade Medical Group.

 PC Doctor Lake Worth, FL

Here are just a few of the biggest reasons you should visit a family medicine doctor regularly.

What is preventative care, you might be asking? This type of care comprises all the steps you take to stay healthy and avoid getting sick. In other words, it can help prevent you from contracting diseases, illnesses, and other health maladies. By seeing primary care doctors in Lake Worth, FL, it's easier to spot and remedy health issues that might be overlooked otherwise.

In fact, according to a study conducted over a period of 10 years, primary care can have a significant impact on life expectancy. The research was led by professionals at Stanford University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School, who found that individuals with greater access to primary care were likely to live longer.

Important preventative care services to consider include:

  • Yearly Checkups for Kids & Adults
  • Childhood and Adult Vaccines, Boosters, and Flu Shots
  • Screenings for Prostate Cancer in Men
  • Screenings for Cervical Cancer in Women
  • Testing for High Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Etc.

Seeing a primary care physician regularly can also help you manage long-term conditions, like diabetes, more effectively and efficiently. How? Recurring checkups help doctors monitor the conditions you're living. If new problems arise with your condition, you'll have the benefit of spotting them early and may be able to avoid serious complications or visits to the hospital.

Preventive care is an essential aspect of maintaining good health and reducing healthcare costs. Many insurance policies often cover preventive care services with no copay. Regular visits to your primary care doctor for physicals, screenings, and immunizations can help prevent costly healthcare expenses later on. However, despite the benefits of preventive care, studies show that Americans are only getting about half of the preventive care they should be receiving. In addition to better health, having a primary care physician can also lead to a 33% reduction in healthcare costs.

To illustrate, your primary care doctor may recommend a diabetes screening starting around the age of 40, depending on your overall health and risk factors. Diabetes is a disease that occurs when blood sugar levels are too high, which can cause damage to blood vessels and organs and lead to other serious health conditions.

A diabetes screening can detect prediabetes or diabetes before symptoms appear, making it easier to manage with lifestyle changes instead of expensive medications. This can also lower the risk of complications that may increase insurance premiums and lead to high out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

Many people do not feel comfortable discussing their healthcare needs and concerns with strangers. That's normal. The first step toward eliminating that discomfort is to find a trustworthy team of primary care doctors in Lake Worth, FL who can help manage your health. Once you find a family doctor, it's important to schedule regular appointments to discuss any concerns and to monitor your overall health.

According to research conducted by the Journal of Health Affairs, patients who have primary care doctors report higher levels of satisfaction than those who do not. The more frequently you visit your trusted doctor, the stronger the relationship you will have with them, and the better your care will be.

Having a primary care doctor means having a health expert who not only cares for you but also advocates for your overall health. The relationship you build with your primary care doctor can be incredibly valuable in multiple ways. The more your doctor knows about you and understands your health history, the better they can care for you and provide guidance for your long-term health. It can also help you feel more comfortable sharing personal information and asking questions.

When it comes to asking your primary care physician, there are no limits. You can ask anything, and you should never feel embarrassed to do so. Your doctor's job is to help you stay healthy, and they have likely heard similar questions from other patients before.

Another benefit of having a primary care physician is that you won't have to start from scratch every time you see a new doctor. Your primary care physician is already familiar with your health history, so you won't have to explain everything repeatedly at every appointment.

Primary care doctors can help you save time by addressing multiple health needs in a single appointment. They can provide you with a checkup, screening, and necessary immunizations on the same day. You can also take advantage of their extensive knowledge and ask about other health-related questions you have. In some cases, you may be able to receive treatment on the same day without scheduling another appointment.

Services Provided by Glade Medical Group's Primary Care Doctors in Lake Worth, FL

At Glade Medical Group, our goal is to provide patients with a range of medical services that address common health concerns and help them stay in optimal health. As a primary care group, we strive to offer personalized medical services. When you book an appointment with an internal medicine doctor from our group, you can rest easy knowing your care will be tailored to your body and your needs - not someone who matches your age or weight.

Keep reading to learn more about the most popular services we provide at Glade Medical Group.

Preventative Care

Many people only visit a doctor when they're unwell or require medical treatment for a specific condition. The goal of preventative care is to help you maintain your health year-round. It involves regular checkups to identify potential health issues before they become severe. Preventive care is vital in preventing serious illnesses from developing, but unfortunately, it's not as widely embraced as it should be. A study from 2018 published in Health Affairs found that only 8% of adults aged 35 or older in the US receive the recommended preventive care.

Glade Medical Group provides a number of preventative care services, including Covid shots, flu testing, and vaccines such as:

  • Hypertension
  • Pulmonary Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Cardiac Disease
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Cancer
  • Chronic Pain
  • Neurological Problems
  • Much More

Chronic Disease Management

It's important to prioritize your health, as it affects every aspect of your life. Disease Management can help alleviate the symptoms of existing health conditions and lower the risk of developing new ones by optimizing your overall health. Our team of healthcare professionals are experts in providing comprehensive health assessments and conducting necessary tests to identify any potential health concerns. They'll work with you to develop a plan to address any immediate or ongoing medical issues, while also keeping an eye out for any potential health risks or concerns.

Some of the chronic diseases we help treat include:

  • Hypertension
  • Pulmonary Disease
  • Diabetes
  • Cardiac Disease
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Cancer
  • Chronic Pain
  • Neurological Problems
  • Much More

If you're suffering from a chronic disease that needs to be treated, contact our office today to set up an initial appointment.

Primary Care Doctor Lake Worth, FL
 Family Doctor Lake Worth, FL

Same Day Lab Results

Our facility has a CLIA-certified laboratory on-site that offers comprehensive diagnostic services for our patients. In case an insurance provider requires the labs to be sent elsewhere for testing, our lab staff can collect the urine specimens or draw blood and send them to the appropriate lab on the same day. We recently upgraded to new state-of-the-art equipment, which has significantly improved our services. Patients can expect to receive their lab results within one to two days, though some specialized tests may take longer.

Our lab testing includes advanced lipid and mineral testing, as well as other specialized lab work that is drawn in-house and processed at other labs.

Male Health Services

We're living in the 21st century, and if there's one stigma that's been defeated, it's that males undergo significant hormonal changes as they get older. Our family doctors will discuss these changes with you openly and will monitor you for any underlying medical conditions that may affect your life. Factors like physical strength, weight, sexual drive, job stressors, and home life can all impact our health and should be taken into account. Genetic factors are also important to consider from a medical perspective.

Some of the key areas we focus on regarding male health includes:

  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Bone Density Treatment
  • Weight Gain
  • Loss of Muscle Mass
  • Insomnia and Fatigue
  • Low Testosterone
  • Prostate Health
  • Much More
 PC Doctor Lake Worth, FL
Primary Care Doctor Lake Worth, FL

Female Health

Everyone deserves a health maintenance plan that adapts to their changing needs as they grow and experience life. Teenage and college years have unique patterns and health requirements. Working women and young mothers, who often juggle between work and family responsibilities, are not only concerned about their own health but also about staying healthy for their loved ones. It's important to have a plan that addresses all these needs and helps maintain good health for all stages of life. That's where our female health services come in.

At Glade Medical Group, we prioritize your overall well-being by utilizing advanced medical knowledge and coordinating with other healthcare experts when needed. Some of the most common female health areas we focus on include:

  • Hormone Imbalances
  • Libido Loss
  • Adrenal Health
  • Bone Density Treatment
  • Bladder Control
  • Insomnia
  • Thyroid Testing
  • Perimenopause
  • Menopause

Aging Management

Anti-aging medicine is a proactive and preventative approach that aims to preserve your optimum function and quality of life. We achieve this by conducting thorough consultations, lifestyle assessments, physical examinations, and diagnostic testing, including genetic testing when necessary. This helps us create a personalized and proactive treatment plan designed to combat the degenerative changes that accelerate the aging process.

Anti-aging treatment plans from Glade Medical Group may include the following:

  • Hormone Balancing
  • Exercise as Therapy
  • Nutrition as Therapy
  • Medications as Necessary
  • Lifestyle Tools

Our key treatment services include the HCG Weight Loss Program, BioMeridian Assessment, a review of your Brain Health, and a Cardiology Risk Assessment. We also offer a wide range of supplements that can help slow the aging process.

 Family Doctor Lake Worth, FL
 PC Doctor Lake Worth, FL

Annual Physicals

Whether your child is playing sports or you're an adult in need of a thorough checkup, having an annual physical is an important part of keeping up with your health. Glade Medical Group offers physicals for school, sports, camp, college, and other needs. Patients choose our family medical practice for physicals for many reasons, including:

  • No Appointments Needed
  • Open Five days a Week with Extended Hours
  • Our Primary Care Group Maintains Required Lake Worth, FL Forms
  • Most Health Insurance Accepted
  • Cost-Conscious Private Pay Rates

Compassionate Care and Exceptional Service from Primary Care Doctors in Lake Worth, FL

Whether you're sick right now or you want to prevent yourself from getting sick in the future, Glade Medical Group's primary care services have you covered. Unlike some primary care providers, we take as much time as needed to get to know you, your family, and the health challenges you're facing. To us, you're much more than a number on a sign-in sheet or a name on an insurance form. You're a human in need of exceptional care - and our goal is to provide you with that care every time you visit.

Contact our office today to make an appointment or to learn more about the benefits of choosing Glade Medical Group as your team of primary care doctors in Lake Worth, FL.

Using Medicare Coverage for Primary Care from Glade Medical Group

When you first begin to research Medicare, it feels a little bit like you're learning your "ABCs" all over again. Medicare is the government's insurance program for people older than 65. Some individuals are enrolled in Medicare automatically, while others need to actively enroll. This depends on whether they begin receiving retirement or disability benefits from Social Security before they reach the age of 65.

The United States Medicare program receives funding from Social Security and Medicare taxes deducted from your income, as well as from the premiums paid by Medicare beneficiaries and a portion from the federal budget.

Once you become eligible for Medicare and sign up, you can decide whether to receive your Medicare benefits through Original Medicare, the traditional fee-for-service program administered directly by the federal government, or through a Medicare Advantage Plan, which is a type of private insurance provided by companies that have agreements with Medicare.

Types of Medicare Coverage for Primary Care Needs

There's no two ways about it - trying to understand Medicare can be confusing and complex. That's especially true if you're just signing up for the first time. To help you get a better understanding of the program, let's look at a few Medicare options that may cover primary care services from Glade Medical.

Primary Care Doctor Lake Worth, FL

Doctor and Outpatient Servies: Medicare Part B

Medicare Part B covers visits to the doctor, lab tests, medical equipment, and other outpatient services. If you're still working and have health insurance through your job or your spouse's plan, you may want to wait before signing up for Part B. However, if you don't have other insurance and don't sign up when you first enroll in Medicare, you'll probably have to pay a higher monthly premium for as long as you're in the program.

After you meet your Medicare Part B deductible for the year, Part B generally covers 80% of medically necessary services. You are responsible for a 20% Part B coinsurance for most covered services. Some of the medically necessary services covered by Part B can include:

  • Outpatient Services: Visits to your healthcare provider at Glade Medical Group, services like X-rays and stitches.
  • Durable Medical Equipment: This includes wheelchairs, CPAP machines, canes, and diabetes supplies.
  • Ambulance Services: Trips to the nearest medical facility for medically necessary care.
  • Prescription Drugs: This includes drugs you receive at a clinic or doctor's office, such as injections and infusions. It should be noted that most prescription drugs you take yourself are covered by Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage Plans.

Prescription Drugs: Medicare Part D

This section of Medicare covers some of your prescription drug expenses. You enroll in a Part D plan through a private insurer, which usually involves paying premiums and other out-of-pocket costs, such as fixed copays for each medication or a percentage of the prescription costs. There may also be an annual deductible.

If your combined drug expenses add up to $5,030 in 2024, you will be accountable for 25% of the remaining prescription drug costs for the year.

If the cost of your prescriptions keeps increasing, you might become eligible for catastrophic coverage. For 2024, after you have spent $8,000 on medicines - only what you paid, excluding what your Part D insurance plan paid - you won't have to cover any more out-of-pocket costs for the rest of the year. To check whether your prescriptions are covered by Medicare Part D, visit medicare.gov.

Private Insurance Alternative: Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage serves as the private health insurance alternative to the federally operated original Medicare. Consider Advantage as a convenient choice that consolidates different parts of Medicare into a single plan. If you opt for a Medicare Advantage, or MA, plan, you will still need to enroll in parts A and B and pay the Part B premium.

You'll also need to select a Medicare Advantage plan and register with a private insurer. The government mandates these plans to cover everything that Original Medicare covers. Some plans cover services that Original Medicare does not, such as dental and vision care. In recent years, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services - the organization that establishes Medicare regulations - has permitted Medicare Advantage plans to include extras like transportation to and from primary care doctors in Lake Worth, FL.

 Family Doctor Lake Worth, FL

Medicaid Coverage for Primary Care Needs

Medicare and Medicaid are both government health insurance programs, but they work differently. Medicaid is a program funded by the federal government in partnership with states. It is for people with limited incomes. Depending on the state, Medicaid can be available to people below a certain income level who meet other criteria (e.g., age, disability status, pregnancy) or be available to all people below a certain income level.

When it comes to Medicare, eligibility is not based on income. This means that regardless of income, individuals can qualify for Medicare if they meet the other criteria. It's important to know that some people are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. They are called dual-eligibles. If you have Medicare, you will receive a red, white, and blue Original Medicare card.

If you have Medicare and qualify for full Medicaid coverage, your state will pay for your Medicare Part B premiums and may also cover your share of Medicare costs, such as:

  • Coinsurance, Deductibles, and Copayments
  • Medicare Part A Premiums (Hospital Services)
  • Drugs and Services Not Covered by Medicare

Ready to learn more about Glade Medical Group's primary care services covered by Medicare? We're here to help. Contact our office today for more info or to set up a same-day appointment with one of our primary care doctors in South Florida.

Latest News in Lake Worth, FL

Ruptured sewer line causes portion of ground along Florida Mango Road to collapse

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — A ruptured sewer line caused a portion of the ground alongside a Palm Beach County road to collapse Tuesday night, the Lake Worth Beach utility director said Wednesday.The incident occurred when a contractor for AT&T damaged a sewer main on Florida Mango Road between Waterside Drive and a nearby canal.Sam Heady, the utility director for Lake Worth Beach, told WPTV on Wednesday that a portion of the ground caved in because of the rupture.Residents in the area couldn't access their homes...

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — A ruptured sewer line caused a portion of the ground alongside a Palm Beach County road to collapse Tuesday night, the Lake Worth Beach utility director said Wednesday.

The incident occurred when a contractor for AT&T damaged a sewer main on Florida Mango Road between Waterside Drive and a nearby canal.

Sam Heady, the utility director for Lake Worth Beach, told WPTV on Wednesday that a portion of the ground caved in because of the rupture.

Residents in the area couldn't access their homes because of the incident, while another individual told WPTV that authorities asked her to evacuate.

Utility crews from Lake Worth Beach were working to make emergency repairs, which required them to dig two deep potholes into Florida Mango Road.

Nearby residents said the work kept them up all night.

"It's hard for me because I suffer from seizures," Luisa Valdez said. "And since I suffer from seizures, I've been having a very rough night. If it's not the banging, it's just very overwhelming."

WATCH: Residents living near ground collapse frustrated

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection said Wednesday night the 36-inch wastewater force main is discharging at a rate of 2 million gallons per day.

The agency said booms have been placed up and downstream from the break to aid in the temporary containment of the wastewater, which is being pumped out and recovered into the treatment system. Vacuum trucks are running continuously, and aerators have also been deployed to reduce odors, the agency said.

"We thank the community for their patience and will continue to provide updates on the progress of the repair," the city said in a statement.

Palm Beach County spokesman John Jamason said Florida Mango Road was closed between Waterside Drive and Garden Road. He said it was expected to re-open by April 16.

The Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County issued a health alert, no swim advisory and no irrigation to residents and visitors in the area. Drinking water is not affected.

The affected areas are Lake Clarke and Lake Clarke Shores, L-10 canal, L-9 canal, Grassy Saw Lake, Lake Osborne, C-51/West Palm Beach canal, the canal between Waterway Drive and West Lake Drive, the canal between West Lake Drive and Pine Tree Lane, Keller canal, other nearby surface water bodies connected to those water bodies.

"Anyone who comes into contact with the water in this area should wash thoroughly, especially before eating or drinking," spokesman Alex Shaw said in a news release. "Children and older adults, as well as people with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to disease, so every precaution should be taken if needed."

Copyright 2024 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Lake Worth Marine veteran having house remodeled by national TV show

LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. —A Marine veteran in Lake Worth is getting his home remodeled thanks to a national television show.SSgt. Matthew Kruspe has lived in the same home for the last 17 years.He shares the home with his wife and two teenage children.The family of four moved out of the home Friday morning as the crews from Military Makeover with Montel took over and started to work.“It’s about creati...

LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. —

A Marine veteran in Lake Worth is getting his home remodeled thanks to a national television show.

SSgt. Matthew Kruspe has lived in the same home for the last 17 years.

He shares the home with his wife and two teenage children.

The family of four moved out of the home Friday morning as the crews from Military Makeover with Montel took over and started to work.

“It’s about creating a comfortable place for our veterans and their families to, in many cases, recover from the traumas of being deployed,” said Art Edmonds, co-host of Military Makeover.

Military Makeover has been on the air for ten years, making over homes for dozens of veterans across the country.

Partial solar eclipse viewing events across South Florida

Now, they’ve brought their crews to Lake Worth to remodel Kruspe’s home.

“Disbelief,” Kruspe said. “And a blessing at the same time. Much needed for my family.”

Kruspe served in the Marines for 12 years, including tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.

He suffered injuries to his brain, shoulder, back, and neck.

He still suffers from PTSD.

“Life hasn’t been easy with that,” Kruspe said. “But you just move forward, work hard at it, get the right care, the right support around you.”

Now, that support includes Military Makeover, which will, over the next 10 days, completely remodel his home.

“It’s everything that’s right with America,” said John Gallina of Purple Heart Homes, a charity that works with Military Makeover. “We’re doing something for somebody. We’re making a difference in a positive way to make somebody else’s life be better.”

“We’re giving them these opportunities,” Edmonds said. “Not a handout, but a hand up to a better phase of life.”

The Kruspes leave their home while the work is done.

The show doesn’t give away details of that work or what the final product will look like.

It’s all a surprise for the big reveal a week from Sunday.

“There’s no bad news on Military Makeover,” Edmonds said. “It’s tears, hugs, and high fives.”

“I’m not a big surprise guy,” Kruspe said. “But this one, I’m waiting for it.”

This season of Military Makeover will air on the Lifetime network in a couple of months.

Palm Beach Pride kicks off day with parade after events washed out

One day after flooding washed out Saturday's Palm Beach Pride event, all activities, including the parade will go on as scheduled Sunday, according to Compass LGBTQ+ Community Center.LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. — One day after flooding washed out Saturday's Palm Beach Pride event, all activities, including the parade, went on as scheduled Sunday.The closing date was...

One day after flooding washed out Saturday's Palm Beach Pride event, all activities, including the parade will go on as scheduled Sunday, according to Compass LGBTQ+ Community Center.

LAKE WORTH BEACH, Fla. — One day after flooding washed out Saturday's Palm Beach Pride event, all activities, including the parade, went on as scheduled Sunday.

The closing date was extended one hour to 7 p.m., according to the Compass LGBTQ+ Community Center.

The parade started shortly after the planned 11 a.m. time in downtown Lake Worth Beach. The route followed Lucerne Avenue west, then cut south to Lake Avenue and continued east where it ended at Bryant Park in Lake Worth Beach.

This year's parade was full of color, music, dancing and lots of celebrating.

People throughout South Florida and the Treasure Coast came out to show LGBTQ+ Pride.

"It's nice to be a part of a company that is so inclusive and creates that safe space for everybody," Avery Inocente, a Starbucks employee, said. "It's my first year with Starbucks and I've never been with someone who is as supportive and inclusive as they are, and now we get to show everybody else in Lake Worth how much love is love and we just love it. It's awesome."

The parade has been happening for more than two decades.

There was entertainment for all ages from noon until 7 p.m. at Bryant Park.

The performance headliner is Brooke Eden, a native of Palm Beach County and a rising country star.

Regarding the later time, Compass said in a news release: "We understand that this does not entirely make up for the lost Saturday, but we are excited to celebrate with our community for as long as we can."

Tickets purchased for the weekend will remain valid for Sunday's festivities.

"With the projected intense rainfall for Saturday, we did not feel we could provide the safest environment possible," Compass said. "We appreciate the outpouring of support from our community, vendors, volunteers, and sponsors and we will do everything in our power to have an amazing experience for everyone on Sunday, March 24, 2024."

WPTV is a sponsor of Palm Beach Pride.

Copyright 2024 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Lake Worth-area private school cancels Autism Awareness Week after pastor calls it 'demonic'

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — A time that is meant to bring awareness about those who are on the autism spectrum was canceled at a private school in Palm Beach County, leaving some parents heartbroken and full of questions.An email from the lead pastor at Trinity Christian Academy on Military Trail near Lake Worth described recognizing Autism Awareness Week as "demonic."Several parents sent copies of the email to WPTV this week, outraged at the way lead Pastor Matt Baker described the decision not to honor autism aw...

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — A time that is meant to bring awareness about those who are on the autism spectrum was canceled at a private school in Palm Beach County, leaving some parents heartbroken and full of questions.

An email from the lead pastor at Trinity Christian Academy on Military Trail near Lake Worth described recognizing Autism Awareness Week as "demonic."

Several parents sent copies of the email to WPTV this week, outraged at the way lead Pastor Matt Baker described the decision not to honor autism awareness.

Andrea Gallik is a mother of two children, a 9-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son, who attend Trinity Christian Academy.

Her son Miles was recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in November. Still fresh in their journey with ASD, she was blown away by the words Baker used in his message to the school community.

In his email, the pastor wrote the following:

"The word 'Christian' means 'Like Christ,' and it was given to the followers of Christ because they acted just like Jesus. Remember those bracelets from the 2000s that asked, 'WWJD?' If Jesus Christ led Trinity, would HE have an Autism Awareness Week? Of course not! Why? Because anything that exalts itself above the name of Christ should be brought down. Also, anything that teaches our children to have their identity in anything other than Christ is idolatry and demonic. Let me repeat myself just so I am not quoted out of context: any philosophy, teaching, or program that teaches our precious children that their identity is found in anything other than Christ is idolatry and demonic. Period. The world, in its rejection and hatred of Christ, often devises programs such as 'Autism Awareness' (and cultural figures like the Easter Bunny and Santa Clause, etc.) to get the benefits of His teachings (compassion, kindness, feeling love, and self-worth) without acknowledging Jesus as the ultimate authority and the source of all life. These initiatives imply that Jesus alone is insufficient, and we fail to recognize just how deeply they have permeated into our daily lives as Christians. As a result, we have 'a form of godliness but deny its power (2 Timothy 3:5).'"

Gallick said she was left in tears, and she'll be pulling her kids out of the school.

"The email comes, and I feel like my heart stops beating because not once but twice he says that wearing this title of autism is demonic. And my mouth was on the floor," Gallick said. "I'm offended as a Christian because I feel that he is using the Bible for his own interpretation. And his interpretation is offensive. Not just to my son but to any child, adult afflicted with autism. Breaks my heart. It breaks my heart."

She said she feels the pastor's message represents a lack of understanding. Gallik doesn't want others to see those in the autism community in the way he described.

"He (Miles) is a beautiful boy with a spirit, a healthy happy spirit. He doesn't even look at autism as something bad. He's happy," Gallik said. "To think that I send my child somewhere where they use such hateful language, that just breaks my heart as a mom."

She described the activities that were planned for the week.

"We were supposed to have 'wear blue' for World Autism Day. We were going do tie dye for celebrate neurodiversity, all fun things that just would have had kids learning a little bit more about autism and how to speak and act with their friends who have it," Gallik said. "Miles has started saying he doesn't belong in his class, and I just tell him that God made him perfectly. And this was a plan all along, and we just have to walk in it and know he's a smart boy and everyone who meets him loves him."

Gallick added that the staff at the school has been wonderful during the five years their family has been attending there.

WPTV has also confirmed a teacher's aide was fired this week after she said she posted the pastor's email on social media. She said the reason she was given was a "hostile work history."

NewsChannel 5 contacted Baker to speak with him further about the message in his email.

He was not able to meet with us in person but provided the response below:

We have recently been going through our school calendar and canceling and reframing activities and events to align with our Christian Worldview. Christmas and Easter activities have also been significantly revised to align with scriptural messages of the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We also determined last year no longer to engage in a week of “Autism Awareness,” which was separate from and in addition to the educational programs available at the school for students with unique educational needs. Despite the administrative decision, some teachers decided to promote and run with the initiative this year, even after it was canceled.My email recently (attached) clarified for our community that the teachings of Christ are more than sufficient for ministering to all our precious children and that there were moral aspects of this initiative that were diametrically opposed to the teachings of Christ.Trinity Christian Academy welcomes all the children whose guardians seek a Biblically-centered, academically excellent primary and secondary education. We support individualized education plans for children with unique needs at the school, and we have on staff at the school and our church caring believers in Jesus with the requisite licensure, training and expertise in assisting children with special needs. The Bible says in Ephesians 5 that we minister to others according to their needs, and we obey the Word of the Lord to do so, always keeping Christ at the head and center of our education programs.The support in the school community for my emailed message has been overwhelmingly positive, though there appears to be some vocal offense taken, based on a misunderstanding of that message. Our message is simply that Jesus Christ is sufficient for all areas of life, most foundationally, for our identity as individuals created in the image of Almighty God, and we are happy and blessed to take a stand to speak that Truth.Sincerely,Matt Baker

Copyright 2024 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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