What is Family Medicine?
Your family means everything to you, and you want to ensure your loved ones live long and productive lives. The purpose of family medicine is to focus on creating long-term relationships with patients and their families, while also providing quality, compassionate care for a full range of issues. This includes acute and chronic diseases, preventive care and even mental health. Unlike other specialties that may focus on a specific illness or organ, family medicine specializes in treating the whole person, no matter their age or gender.
Family practitioners help patients remain healthy and free of disease through routine visits, immunizations and screenings. They may provide medical care in a variety of different settings, including at-home care, standard clinics, hospitals and urgent care centers.
From diabetes and heart disease to asthma and physical injuries, the practice of a family practitioner offers patients long-term individualized care to handle their most serious health issues.
What Does a Family Doctor Do?
Some responsibilities of your family physician include:
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Treating and diagnosing a comprehensive range of health issues
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Creating a treatment plan with other health professionals
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Providing health care that focuses on the patient as a whole
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Establishing relationships with patients and their health
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Preventing illness
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Offering up advice and tips for patients to take control of their health
Family physicians offer the care you need to reduce your risk of developing illness. In fact, it has been shown that those with primary health care have better overall health than those who do not. By maintaining an active relationship with your family physician, you can reduce your overall health care costs, while getting the preventive care you need to keep you feeling healthy and happy.
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Acute Disease
Category:
Acute Disease
At some point in our lives we will all experience a health problem, whether it's the common cold or the pesky flu. While some will go away on their own, there are health issues that require urgent medical attention, and it's important to know when to seek proper treatment.
What Is An Acute Disease?
An
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Acute Diseases
Category:
Acute Diseases
At some point in our lives we will all experience a health problem, whether it's the common cold or the pesky flu. While some will go away on their own, there are health issues that require urgent medical attention, and it's important to know when to seek proper treatment.
What Is An Acute Disease?
An
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Annual Checkups
Category:
Annual Checkups
Why Annual Checkups Matter
So, let's cut to the chase – why bother with an annual checkup? Well, think of it as your health's yearly tune-up. These visits are not just about fixing what's broken but ensuring everything runs smoothly in the first place. Prevention is the name of the game, and annual
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Arthritis
Category:
Chronic Disease
Arthritis can affect individuals of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. While the exact causes vary depending on the type of arthritis, common factors include genetics, age, joint injuries, and autoimmune disorders. Osteoarthritis, for instance, often develops due to the wear and tear of joint cartilage
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Asthma
Category:
Chronic Disease
Your respiratory system is one of the most complicated parts of your body. There are many diseases and conditions that can afflict various parts of this system, including asthma. Asthma is an extremely common condition, and it can happen for a variety of reasons. If you've ever experienced trouble breathing,
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Asthma Attack
Category:
Acute Diseases
Experiencing an asthma attack can be scary, but if you know how to handle an asthma attack, you can learn to make it more manageable. However, if you are experiencing a severe asthma attack, you may need to seek medical attention immediately.
Avoiding an attack
With your doctor, you can figure out a
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Chronic Disease
Category:
Chronic Disease
According to the Center of Disease Control, chronic diseases cause 7 out of 10 deaths each year and are responsible for 86 percent of America’s healthcare costs. Some of the most common chronic diseases include:
Heart disease
Stroke
Cancer
Diabetes
Obesity
Arthritis
Other types of chronic conditions
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Chronic Diseases
Category:
Chronic Diseases
According to the Center of Disease Control, chronic diseases cause 7 out of 10 deaths each year and are responsible for 86 percent of America’s healthcare costs. Some of the most common chronic diseases include:
Heart disease
Stroke
Cancer
Diabetes
Obesity
Arthritis
Other types of chronic conditions
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Depression
Category:
Depression
Clinical depression is a mood disorder that causes people to lose interest in things they once loved. People with depression often feel hopeless and anxious. And make no mistake - depression can happen to anyone, regardless of their age or gender.
Some of the most common symptoms of depression include:
Increased
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Diabetes
Category:
Chronic Disease
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This type is often diagnosed in childhood or adolescence and requires lifelong insulin therapy.
Type 2 Diabetes:
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Discussing Mental Health
Category:
Annual Checkups
The Importance of Addressing Mental Health
Mental health is an integral part of overall well-being. It influences how we think, feel, and act. It also affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Despite its significance, mental health often takes a backseat during annual checkups.
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Heart Attack and Heart Failure
Category:
Acute Diseases
We've all heard the dreaded names heart attack and heart failure. So what sets these two frightening conditions apart?
Heart Attack
A heart attack, also known as a myocardial infarction, occurs when a blood clot develops at the site of plaque in a coronary artery, suddenly cutting off most or all
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Heart Disease
Category:
Chronic Disease
Hey there, heart health enthusiasts! Today, we're diving deep into the intricate world of heart disease – a topic that hits close to home for many of us. But fret not; this isn't a doom-and-gloom tale. Instead, think of it as your guide to understanding, preventing, and embracing a heart-healthy lifestyle.
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Mental Health
Category:
Mental Health
Mental health disorders are common and can affect anyone, no matter their age. It’s believed that as many as 54 million Americans suffer from a mental disorder every year. It can be difficult for families to accept that a loved one has a mental illness. If you or someone you know is currently experiencing
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Obesity
Category:
Chronic Disease
Overview
Defining Obesity: Obesity is not just a matter of excess weight; it's a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of body fat to the extent that it poses health risks. Body Mass Index (BMI) is a commonly used tool to classify obesity, with a BMI of 30 or higher indicating obesity.
Global
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Personalized Health Goals
Category:
Annual Checkups
The Value of Setting Health Goals
Health goals are a vital part of maintaining and improving overall well-being. They provide a roadmap for individuals to follow, guiding their health-related decisions and behaviors. During an annual checkup, discussing these goals with a healthcare provider can offer
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