Before vaccines became a part of our healthcare system, people remained largely at risk for very deadly diseases. If you were immunocompromised, elderly, or had any underlying medical issues, you would fortunate to survive or may have developed lifelong consequences from infectious disease. With vaccines readily available, diseases such as mumps, rubella, whooping cough, polio, and diphtheria are no longer as common nor as deadly as they were in the past. Studies have shown that when immunization rates drop, preventable diseases begin to rise. A consistent vaccination plan for you and your family can prevent an outbreak of disease in both your family and your community (school, work, or church).

What are vaccines and how do they prevent disease? A vaccine is a product that stimulates a person’s immune
system to produce immunity to a specific disease, protecting the person from that disease. Vaccines are usually administered through needle injections, but can also be administered by mouth or sprayed into the nose. Your immune system develops a memory of how to fight the illness in the form of antibodies so that your body can respond quickly to the disease if you are exposed. If you do happen to become infected, the disease will most likely have a lesser effect than if your immune system were to deal with it for the first time. 

Why are yearly flu shots important? Influenza (the flu) has been known to make an appearance every year and with each year, the strain tends to be different. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each season, which begins in the fall. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get annual flu vaccinations. Vaccination can reduce the severity of influenza illness as well as prevent flu-related doctors’ visits or hospital stays. 

If you have questions or need to schedule a vaccination appointment, call Louetta Family Medicine. Put your health in our hands and let us keep you and our community safe with prevention. 

The post Immunizations & Flu Shots appeared first on Louetta Family Medicine.

These are some examples of chronic illness:

• ● Diabetes
  ● Hypertension
  ● High cholesterol
  ● Heart Disease
  ● COPD
  ● Alzheimers
  ● Arthritis
  ● HIV/AIDS
  ● Crohn’s Disease
  ● GERD/reflux
  ● Epilepsy
  ● Lupus
  ● Mental Disorders (Bipolar, Depression)
  ● Cancer

No matter what has caused your condition or how long you have lived with it, seeking out a physician for evaluation is important. With proper documentation, tests, and examinations, your doctor can diagnose what you have and advise you on proper long term treatment. For example, diabetics know that recording their blood sugars and monitoring their diet is important. Your doctor or provider can help you properly manage your blood sugars and make sure that you are on the right dosage of medication. You may not be able to eliminate your chronic illness, but it is possible to manage the symptoms and minimize any associated complications. 

Routine treatment of chronic conditions is important for daily care, as well as long term disease management and prevention of complications. Heart disease, if not properly managed with diet, exercise, and medication can lead to a heart attack or a stroke. Cancer is another chronic illness that requires regular treatment. Some cancers require chemotherapy, infusions, and possibly surgery. Without long term care, cancer can quickly progress into additional stages with long term consequences. We may refer you to a specialist for the care of certain chronic conditions such as cancer and advanced heart disease.

If you have a chronic illness and need further guidance, then look no further than Louetta Family Medicine. We are here to help you understand your illness, give you the full support that you need, and help you manage your symptoms for a healthier lifestyle. Call us today and book your appointment to get started.

The post Chronic Illness Evaluation & Management appeared first on Louetta Family Medicine.

What does a routine and sport physical entail? Your doctor will examine your body to make sure everything is in proper working order. Your provider will examine you and observe for signs of medical conditions that could need treatment or further investigation. Additionally, you may be given an eye exam and/or hearing exam.

These tests and evaluations can lead to a successful physical examination by your physician. Our clinicians at Louetta Family Medicine are happy to provide this for our patients so call today to book your routine physical exam or sports exam.

The post Routine & Sports Physicals appeared first on Louetta Family Medicine.

A well-woman exam can be life-saving in terms of early detection of cancers. Breast cancer, for example,  can be fatal if not detected in its early stages. Statistics show that 1 in 8 women will develop some form of breast cancer by the time they reach the age of 50. You and your provider can discuss your risk based on age, history, and genetic predisposition and determine the best screening methods for you.

Another potentially life-saving screening that every woman should have is cervical cancer screening. With a yearly pelvic exam, abnormalities can be detected early. In the past, cervical cancer was a leading cause of death in women. Now, cervical cancers are declining due to the routine use of pap smears as a screening tool. 

A well-woman exam also includes safe sex counseling, regular STD screenings, and discussion of the HPV vaccine. HPV is a virus that can cause cervical and other cancers. Vaccination against HPV can minimize the risk of cervical cancer. By taking precautions with vaccinations and safe practices, you can feel assured that your sexual health and wellness stays on track. 

For women who are 40 and over, their overall health needs and bodies begin to change. Perimenopause and menopause can begin anywhere from your mid 40’s to your early 50’s. During your well-woman exam, you can discuss any changes you may be experiencing with menstrual cycles, mood, or your body. Your physician or provider may be able to prescribe something to help you through these changes.

Women’s specific health needs are important. A yearly well-woman exam can be the first step in managing these needs. Schedule your appointment today with Louetta Family Medicine and get your health back on track.

The post Well Woman Care appeared first on Louetta Family Medicine.

Some examples of acute conditions are:

• ● Fever
  ● Cold
  ● Flu
  ● Upper respiratory infection
  ● Ear infection
  ● Sore throat or strep throat
  ● Conjunctivitis
  ● Skin infection
  ● Vomiting
  ● Diarrhea
  ● Heartburn
  ● Headache
  ● Bladder infection
  ● Rash
  ● Back pain

Every year, we recommend scheduling a wellness check in order to keep your health in check. New symptoms may be an indication of an underlying problem. Some acute symptoms could be chest pain, nausea, heartburn, pain in an extremity, or a sudden loss of appetite. These symptoms let you know that it may be time to check in with your physician or schedule an appointment.

During an office visit, you will be evaluated for the best course of treatment. Treatments can be as simple as advice (bed rest, extra fluids, soups), medication for short term management, or a referral to a specialist who can assist in managing your care. If you have an illness that is discovered to be urgent, such as appendicitis, you may need hospitalization or an immediate plan for surgery. 

If you begin to experience any symptoms that cause you concern, please call Louetta Family Medicine today to book your appointment with us. Your health is important to us!

The post Acute Conditions appeared first on Louetta Family Medicine.

Starting with your first well child exam, your physician will monitor and record your child’s height, weight, growth, and development. The first visit is recommended anywhere from 2 to 5 days old and will continue throughout childhood. With a well child exam, you will be able to detect any early issues with heart, mental development, and other physical health issues.

An important part of preventative care in children is immunizations. Vaccines have been shown to prevent major illnesses that can otherwise become fatal to kids and adolescents. The flu, pertussis, and chickenpox can have long term effects on your child. By keeping up with their immunizations, you can reduce the risk of many serious infectious diseases. Most daycares and public schools will require certain immunizations in order to attend. Our clinic strongly encourages on-time immunizations that follow the standard schedules as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC.

Other aspects your physician will look at are:

• *Nutrition
• *Physical Activity
• *Developmental Milestones (Walking, Talking, etc)
• *Sleep Health
• *Hearing Test
• *Vision Screening
• *Dental Health
• *Hygiene
• *Social and Mental Health

Your child’s overall wellness absolutely matters. Whether you are a first time parent, second or even third time parent, keeping up with your children’s health is important. Children’s health needs change as they develop and grow so book with Louetta Family Medicine today to schedule your well child exam. 

The post Well Child Exam appeared first on Louetta Family Medicine.

Did you know that most of the deadly diseases in the United States have been shown to be preventable? For example, cardiovascular disease causes over half a million deaths per year. Worldwide, the numbers are even greater. While genetics can play a factor for some, healthy eating and exercise have been shown to greatly reduce these numbers when done on a regular and consistent basis. If heart disease runs in your family, talk to your doctor during your next visit about a heart-healthy diet. 

Another way to improve your life with preventive healthcare is to avoid smoking. Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. If you are already a smoker, it’s never too late to quit. 

Another preventive measure is to limit alcohol consumption. Drinking wine has been shown to have some benefits when done in moderation but excessive drinking can lead to liver issues. Other complications that can result from drinking alcohol are pancreatitis, alcohol dependence, and esophageal cancer.

Additional ways to use preventive health measures for a better life are:

• Wearing sunscreen and limiting excessive sun exposure
• Eating a healthy and balanced diet
• Exercising on a regular basis
• Practicing safe sex
• Taking precautions for health when traveling with proper vaccines
• Yearly checkups and screenings with your doctors
• Maintain a healthy BMI
• Avoid using illegal and recreational drugs
• Practicing safety in all recreational activities
• Practicing safe hygiene with proper handwashing and sanitization

We all want to live long and healthy lives. There’s no better way to do that than with simple preventive healthcare in our daily routines. For more information on how you can live a healthier life, book an appointment today with Louetta Family Medicine and ask your provider about what you can do to get back onto the right path to wellness.

The post Preventive Healthcare appeared first on Louetta Family Medicine.