Primary Care
The patient's main source for regular medical care, ideally providing continuity and integration of health care services. The aim of primary care is to provide the patient with a broad spectrum of preventive and curative care over a period of time and to coordinate all the care that the patient needs. We provide patient-focused (not disease-oriented) care over time for all major conditions and coordinate integrated care; regardless of where the care is delivered and who provides it. Primary care is the means by which the two main goals of a health system, optimization and equity of health status, are approached. We redefine our medical model from a “sickness” to a “wellness” approach by re-educating our patients, recognizing and managing the complex interactions of chronic diseases, and addressing lifestyle and risk assessment.
Annual Physical
The annual physical exam is beloved by many people and their doctors. But studies show that the actual exam isn't very helpful in discovering problems and may lead to unnecessary tests. Leading doctors and medical groups have called the annual physical exam "not necessary" in generally healthy people. Exercising, keeping a healthy weight, and not smoking are enough to keep most of us in good health with or without an annual exam. Healthy behaviors work far better than medicine at preventing illness and don't require a prescription. As long as you and your doctor are paying attention to prevention and your overall health the details are up to you.
What can you expect from your annual physical exam?
For some people, having an annual physical examination is a source of reassurance that they're as healthy as they feel. Others see it as an alarm system; to catch health problems before they become serious. The value of the routine annual exam has been debated recently, but it remains a cherished tradition among many doctors and patients. The physical exam is an essential part of any doctor's visit. Surprisingly though, there are no absolutes in a routine physical. A good doctor may be thorough or brief, but we will spend time listening to your concerns and provide counseling for your particular needs.
The annual physical exam is beloved by many people and their doctors. But studies show that the actual exam isn't very helpful in discovering problems and may lead to unnecessary tests. Leading doctors and medical groups have called the annual physical exam "not necessary" in generally healthy people. Exercising, keeping a healthy weight, and not smoking are enough to keep most of us in good health with or without an annual exam. Healthy behaviors work far better than medicine at preventing illness and don't require a prescription. As long as you and your doctor are paying attention to prevention and your overall health the details are up to you.
What can you expect from your annual physical exam?
For some people, having an annual physical examination is a source of reassurance that they're as healthy as they feel. Others see it as an alarm system; to catch health problems before they become serious. The value of the routine annual exam has been debated recently, but it remains a cherished tradition among many doctors and patients. The physical exam is an essential part of any doctor's visit. Surprisingly though, there are no absolutes in a routine physical. A good doctor may be thorough or brief, but we will spend time listening to your concerns and provide counseling for your particular needs.
Preventive Medicine
Annual Physicals should emphasize prevention. The annual physical exam is a great opportunity to refocus your attention on prevention and screening. Depending on your age different topics will be discussed in the visit. For example; at age 50, it's time to begin regular screening for colorectal cancer or other risk factors. People with immediate family members with colorectal cancer may need to be screened before age 50. For some women age 40 marks the time to begin annual mammogram screening for breast cancer. Ask us about possible benefits and risks to starting medical screening(s) before age 50.
Annual Physicals should emphasize prevention. The annual physical exam is a great opportunity to refocus your attention on prevention and screening. Depending on your age different topics will be discussed in the visit. For example; at age 50, it's time to begin regular screening for colorectal cancer or other risk factors. People with immediate family members with colorectal cancer may need to be screened before age 50. For some women age 40 marks the time to begin annual mammogram screening for breast cancer. Ask us about possible benefits and risks to starting medical screening(s) before age 50.
Chronic Disease Management
The primary driver of chronic disease is the interaction among genes, activities of daily living (lifestyle), and the environment. All chronic diseases have inflammation in common. The endothelium of the gut, blood vessels, and brain is identical. So, the first step to treat chronic diseases is to reduce the overall inflammation of all the tissues in our bodies.
Chronic care management encompasses the oversight and education activities conducted by health care professionals to help patients with chronic diseases and health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, and cognitive impairment. Patients must learn to understand their condition and live successfully with it. The work involves motivating patients to persist in necessary therapies and interventions and helping them to achieve an ongoing reasonable improved quality of life.
The primary driver of chronic disease is the interaction among genes, activities of daily living (lifestyle), and the environment. All chronic diseases have inflammation in common. The endothelium of the gut, blood vessels, and brain is identical. So, the first step to treat chronic diseases is to reduce the overall inflammation of all the tissues in our bodies.
Chronic care management encompasses the oversight and education activities conducted by health care professionals to help patients with chronic diseases and health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, and cognitive impairment. Patients must learn to understand their condition and live successfully with it. The work involves motivating patients to persist in necessary therapies and interventions and helping them to achieve an ongoing reasonable improved quality of life.