January is National Thyroid Awareness Month, but patients often do not naturally give a lot of attention to this important gland. Your thyroid sits at the front of your trachea, or windpipe, in your neck and while it’s a small gland, it has several crucial functions concerning your metabolism and it helps regulate other body functions by constantly releasing a steady amount of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream.
Seasonal depression disorder is perhaps better known as seasonal affective disorder (or SAD, an appropriate acronym). Over 16 million Americans suffer from SAD each year. As the American Psychiatric Association explains, the symptoms of SAD are similar to depression but are brought on in the US by the low light levels present during winter.
Tis the season – unfortunately we’re talking flu season- where you start to wonder if what you’re feeling is more than just the common cold. With December 2 – 8 marking National Influenza Vaccination Week, it’s a timely step to receive your flu vaccine (if you haven’t already) and to better understand the flu symptoms in adults so that if you do get sick this winter, you can tell if you have the flu or have contracted a common cold.
November is National Diabetes Month which makes it an opportune time to provide education on the basic facts about this disease. Diabetes mellitus is typically a chronic condition but can be effectively managed when caught early. However, when left untreated it can have potentially devastating effects and lead to potential complications that include heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and nerve damage.
In many cases, both a family medical doctor and a gynecologist can provide the well woman care you need, including annual pelvic exams, breast examinations, Pap smears, and mammogram scheduling. With both healthcare providers available to you, how do you decide who to visit for your women’s health maintenance? We will examine this question in detail below and provide guidance.
While the days of house calls in horse-drawn carriages and baby deliveries by lamplight are gone, modern family doctors still offer some of the same traditional healthcare benefits, specifically, their ability to provide healthcare for the entire family – from children to seniors. It is not at all uncommon for a family physician to treat several generations of the same family, although they can also serve as a primary care physician for an individual. Whether you are single, a new couple or have a large family, a family doctor is there to safeguard the long-term health of you and your family as well as support your medical needs if any health issues arise. Although patients are not required to have a family medicine specialist who they regularly see, a family doctor can provide convenience and simply make it easier to stay healthy.
If you’re shopping for groceries, it can be inconvenient and time-consuming to visit half a dozen separate specialty stores, traveling to a produce market, butcher’s shop, bakery, etc. Why not just visit a supermarket instead? This same concept holds true for family medicine. A family doctor is your one-stop shop for general medical problems and health maintenance, typically including:
If you’re new to the Connecticut area or have found yourself in need of a new primary care physician, finding the right healthcare provider can be confusing, difficult and even a daunting task. Your primary care physician (PCP) will be your principal healthcare provider for years to come so taking some time to evaluate the choices is worthwhile, although not always straightforward.
