Kindred Care Health & Wellness

Welcome to Relationship Counseling Center of California, where compassionate care meets inclusivity. We are dedicated to fostering a warm and supportive environment that values the unique experiences and identities of each individual. At Relationship Counseling Center of California, we believe in the power of inclusivity and strive to create a safe space where everyone can feel seen, heard, and understood. At the core of our philosophy is the belief that everyone deserves access to high-quality mental health care. We are passionate about breaking down barriers and ensuring that our services are accessible to individuals from all walks of life. Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, or any other mental health concern, our team is here to help guide you on your path to healing. We listen, act, and transform Our team of experienced mental health professionals is committed to providing client-centered therapy, tailoring our approach to meet the specific needs and goals of each person we work with. We recognize that mental health is a deeply personal journey, and we aim to empower our clients to take an active role in their own healing and growth. We're here for you. In our practice, diversity is not just acknowledged; it is celebrated. We embrace individuals from all walks of life, regardless of age, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or cultural background. We understand that each person's story is unique, and we honor the richness that diversity brings to our therapeutic community.

At Kindred Care Health & Wellness, we provide an in-house pharmacy through Genoa Healthcare, providing numerous advantages specifically tailored to enhance patient care. In-house pharmacies significantly enhance the patient experience by providing convenient, safe, and personalized pharmaceutical care. They play a crucial role in improving medication adherence, ensuring timely access to treatments, and fostering a holistic approach to patient health. These benefits collectively contribute to better health outcomes and higher levels of patient satisfaction.

Family medicine, also known as family practice, is the medical specialty in which physicians provide comprehensive, patient-centered primary health care to patients and their families. Physicians who practice family medicine can provide routine wellness care, such as physical exams or preventative care, to patients, regardless of age, gender, health or social status. They are also trained to know about many areas of medicine so that they are equipped to treat a wide variety of conditions. Family practices often staff a team of professionals that can help provide a continuity of care to patients, including nurse practitioners, physician assistants and others. There is often a great need for family doctors in medically underserved communities where patients have limited access to hospitals and specialists, such as rural areas or overseas. Members of these communities may suffer from low health literacy and more chronic conditions. Additionally, they may have access to fewer resources, underscoring the importance of compassionate, well-trained family physicians. The Purpose of Family Medicine The goal of the family medicine specialty is to provide continual, comprehensive care to an individual. Family medicine advocates believe that seeing many different specialists can sometimes result in fragmented care. But physicians who practice family medicine are trained in providing coordination of care and will refer patients to specialists when necessary. Frequently, they can also provide information about other community resources or health services. Some family doctors are even prepared to deliver babies or perform minor surgeries. Some of the services that family doctors offer may include: Diagnosis, treatment and prevention of chronic disease Immediate care for sudden and serious illness or injury Routine physical exams as well as sports clearance physical exams Vaccinations Preventative medicine Family physicians may also be trained in subspecialties, such as: Adolescent medicine Obstetric medicine Geriatric medicine Hospice and palliative medicine Sports medicine Sleep medicine Mental health The Benefits of Family Medicine Physicians who practice family medicine can treat patients regardless of age, gender, social status or health issue. Having a family doctor allows all members of the family, from infancy to an elderly age, to see the same doctor. This enables the doctor to develop a trusting and genuine personal relationship with the family, which can result in better care. A family doctor who cares for a family over a period of years may also be able to provide better guidance about how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, especially if the doctor knows the family's medical history firsthand or has seen patterns of health problems. By adapting lifestyle changes and new health habits, patients may be able to avoid costly medications or procedures that can later affect them. Generally, specialists treat conditions that already afflict a patient. Family doctors are equipped to treat chronic disease, ongoing health needs or other conditions and can help a patient develop a personalized, cost-effective treatment plan. The physicians most commonly found in underserved areas are those who practice family medicine. Family medicine practitioners can help create a health care system with an emphasis on equitable care that is accessible to and affordable for all patients.

Pediatrics is the medical specialty that deals with the care of infants, children and adolescents. Medical doctors who treat children, called pediatricians, are trained to monitor their patients as they grow and ensure that they are reaching normal milestones during their stages of development. Pediatricians also oversee the general health of their patients, making sure that children receive proper nutrition, adequate rest and enough physical activity to be healthy. Regular wellness visits can help identify and diagnose any potential problems early, and a pediatrician can refer a patient to a specialist if necessary. Subspecialties of Pediatrics Pediatricians can undergo additional training to further subspecialize. These subspecialties include: Neonatology Neonatologists care for newborn infants who require special care due to illness or premature birth. Usually the patients are treated inside a neonatal intensive care unit within a hospital. Pediatric neuropsychology These doctors study children and adolescents who suffer from developmental disorders or mental disorders that are a result of illness or injury. Pediatric ophthalmology Pediatric ophthalmologists treat vision problems in children. This can include infections or glaucoma. Pediatric endocrinology These doctors treat a number of disorders that are linked to the endocrine glands. This includes diabetes, but can also involve treating children who are intersex or suffer from physical growth or sexual development problems. Pediatric oncology Pediatric oncologists treat children up to 14 years of age who suffer from cancer. Pediatric pulmonology This type of doctor focuses on treating young patients with some form of respiratory disease. Pediatric pulmonology includes the treatment of such conditions as pneumonia, asthma and tuberculosis. Reasons for a Pediatrician Visit Pediatricians are trained to treat child patients who suffer from a variety of conditions, such as: Allergies and asthma Diabetes Celiac disease Fetal alcohol syndrome A spectrum disorder or other developmental delays Hay fever Constipation Influenza and the common cold Other illness or injury Services provided by pediatricians also include: Vaccinations Physical exams, especially those required prior to beginning school or athletics Routine wellness care Stages of Growth Pediatricians care for their patients from infancy all the way through early and middle childhood and into adolescence. Patients experience physical, emotional, cognitive and behavioral growth during each of these stages and it is important for pediatricians to monitor these milestones. Infancy A pediatrician can determine whether a baby suffers from physical defects during infancy. Doctors will also check infants for signs of normal growth and weight gain as well as physical milestones, such as the ability to hold their heads upright and the ability to smile. Infants will learn to make sounds and, after a few months, will learn to crawl and hold objects. During this time, children should receive regular wellness check-ups, as well as vaccinations. Early Childhood At this stage, children can learn to walk and then run. They also begin to speak. Most children with autism are diagnosed during early childhood after failing to meet some of these milestones. Regular vaccinations continue during this stage. Middle Childhood As children grow, their speech patterns develop. During this stage they reach a new level of independence and can feed and dress themselves. There are additional vaccinations for children around the age of 5. Adolescence Aside from reaching puberty, adolescents will also undergo rapid cognitive development, especially in the areas of attention, memory, processing speed, organization and metacognition. Usually after the age of 18, patients will begin to see physicians who specialize in treating adults. Around 12 years of age, patients will receive the last of their vaccinations.

Contraception is any method of birth control used to prevent pregnancy. A woman has many birth control options; which are appropriate depend on her age, overall health and lifestyle. Contraception can be permanent or temporary. Some types of contraception are more effective than others, and it is up to each woman to decide which type is right for her. During a woman's monthly cycle, the ovaries produce an egg that moves through the fallopian tubes into the uterus. When an active sperm reaches and fertilizes the egg, it attaches to the wall of the uterus and begins to develop. There are various methods of contraception that prevent pregnancy, some by changing the process of a woman's cycle, and some by ensuring that the sperm and egg do not meet. Methods of Contraception There are two basic types of contraception available. Some are available by prescription only, and others can be purchased over the counter, at a pharmacy. Barrier Methods A barrier method of contraception places a barrier or block between the sperm and the egg, thus preventing pregnancy from occurring. Common barrier methods include: Cervical cap Diaphragm Sponge Condom Condoms and sponges may be purchased over the counter, but diaphragms and cervical caps must be prescribed and fitted by a physician. Spermicide, a substance that kills sperm, can be used in conjunction with all barrier methods except the sponge, which already contains a spermicide. Hormonal Methods Hormonal methods of birth control use hormones to prevent pregnancy. Most methods use estrogen or progestin, or a combination of the two. Both hormones prevent a woman's body from ovulating or releasing an egg. In addition, progestin causes the mucus within the cervix to thicken, making it difficult for the sperm to reach the egg. Common hormonal methods of birth control include: Birth control pills Injections Vaginal ring Patch Implant IUD Hormonal methods of birth control are prescribed by a physician after a physical examination. The doctor determines which type of hormonal method of contraception is appropriate for each individual. Birth control pills must be taken on a daily basis, or on a schedule determined by the physician. In order for birth control pills to be effective, they must be taken daily or as directed by a doctor. Other types of hormonal methods, such as a vaginal ring, implant or IUD, are surgically implanted into the woman's cervix or uterus, and release a steady stream of hormones. To be effective, both barrier and hormonal methods of contraception must be used consistently and correctly. Risks of Contraception In general, hormonal methods of birth control have more risks associated with them than barrier methods. Barrier Methods Although most barrier methods of birth control are safe, they are associated with the following risks: Vaginal or cervical irritation Allergic reaction to spermicides Toxic shock syndrome Urinary tract infection Allergic reaction to latex It is important to note that condoms are the only method of contraception that provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases and HIV. Hormonal Methods Although most methods of hormonal birth control are safe, they are associated with the following risks: Irregular bleeding Heart attack Skin or vaginal irritation Blood clots Headache Weight gain Stroke Women who are older than 35 or who smoke have a much higher risk of heart attack or stroke when using hormonal birth control methods. Hormonal methods of birth control do not provide any protection against the HIV virus or sexually transmitted diseases. It is important to consider all risks inherent in a particular method of birth control before choosing it. Considerations of Contraception Choosing a method of birth control is a personal decision. It is important for a woman to consider the following before deciding which method of birth control is right for her: Age Personal health issues Risks Hormone levels Frequency Effectiveness Permanence No contraception method is 100 percent effective. Women should consult with their doctors about the different types of oral contraception available, and to get answers to any questions they may have about contraception and family planning.

The annual gynecological exam, also known as a gynecological well-visit, is a yearly preventative and diagnostic examination which serves to maintain the wellness of female patients, as well as monitor any ongoing physical and hormonal conditions. This annual visit is an opportunity for doctors to counsel patients about maintaining a healthy lifestyle and minimizing health risks. The annual gynecological exam includes a routine breast and pelvic exam, and may include a screening for sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. A Pap test may also be performed depending on the age and sexual history of the patient. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that women begin annual pelvic exams at the age of 21. During the annual well-visit, a physical examination will be performed to assess the patient's overall health. The examination may vary based on the patient's age and sexual history, but most annual gynecological examinations may include the following: Pelvic exam Breast exam Pap smear HPV screening Blood pressure check Height and weight measurement Urine screening Cholesterol screening every 3 to 5 years Complete blood count Thyroid screening Screening for blood in stool In addition, there are several other tests that may be recommended for patients. These may include monthly self examination of the breasts, mammograms, bone density screenings, skin and mole examinations, blood sugar tests and others, based on age, individual medical history, family history, and lifestyle habits.

A Pap test, or Pap smear, is part of a woman's annual wellness exam. The Pap test involves extracting a small sample of cells from the cervix. These cells are examined, in a lab, for abnormal cell changes. The Pap test is used in diagnosing cervical cancer and human papilloma virus, or HPV. An abnormal Pap smear doesn't necessarily indicate a condition like HPV or cervical cancer. Pap smears detect any changes within the cervical cells, not just cervical cancer. Abnormal Pap smear results may indicate other conditions such as inflammation or infection. False positives are also possible from Pap smears, however further testing is recommended to protect your health whenever the Pap smear is abnormal. Types of Pap Smear Results There are three categories of results: normal, unclear and abnormal. Negative Result A negative, or normal, result occurs when no changes to the cells of the cervix have been detected. This is a healthy diagnosis, however, the patient should continue to receive regular Pap smear tests. Unclear Result Unclear results are not uncommon, and they simply refer to an inconclusive finding that the cervical cells may or may not be abnormal. This may mean that too few cells were collected during the test. It can also indicate a disease or infection as well as changes caused by hormones or inflammation. The results may be influenced by other factors too, such as having had sexual intercourse, using a douche or applying vaginal cream in the two days prior to the Pap smear testing. Abnormal Result Abnormal, or positive, results typically indicate changes to the cervical cells, which may be caused by a number of conditions. They range from mild changes, which may be the result of an infection, to moderate or severe changes, which are a sign of potentially serious pre-cancerous or cancerous tissues. Follow-Up for Abnormal Pap Smears The doctor will make recommendations for additional testing or treatment based upon the patient's age and type of dysplasia, or abnormal cells which are found in the cervix. Repeated Pap Smear Some patients may require a repeat Pap smear every three months for follow-up,until the Pap smear results return to normal. This is a standard approach when the changes that were detected in the cervical cells are considered minor, and they will often resolve with no treatment. However, these follow-up appointments are essential to ensure that the initial results were an anomaly. Colposcopy The doctor may recommend a colposcopy test if the Pap smear is abnormal. During the colposcopy, a microscope is used to examine the cervix more closely and a biopsy is taken from the cervix. The exam itself is similar to a Pap smear in that a speculum is inserted into the vagina so that the cervix is visible. After the biopsy results are received, the doctor will recommend any treatment indicated to prevent cervical cancer. Loop Electrosurgical Excision Procedure Some patients will need a mini-surgery called loop electrosurgical excision procedure, also known as LEEP, to remove precancerous cells from the cervix. During the procedure, the abnormal cells are removed to prevent the development of cervical cancer. Wire loops attached to an electrosurgical generator cut away the affected tissue, causing the cells to heat and burst. The tissue removed is sent to a lab for further evaluation and to ensure that the abnormal area has been fully removed. False positive results of Pap smears may sometimes occur. Recent research and new technology has led to more accurate tests, however these are more costly and are not always covered by insurance. If a false positive result occurs, the doctor may recommend the use of a different test to confirm the results. The possibility for false negative results also exists. It is recommended to regularly receive a Pap smear as a part of a woman's annual wellness exam. The patient should discuss all testing results and treatment options with the doctor.

Healthy bones are a necessity for a full and active lifestyle. Although we depend on our bones everyday for physical support and consider them strong and rigid structures, bones are actually living tissue, growing and changing on a regular basis. Along with the calcium that gives them their strength, bones are also made up of a collagen protein that gives them flexibility but also makes them susceptible to weakening and injury. Bone health is directly affected by lifestyle choices. Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle helps to maintain healthy bones and prevent osteoporosis. While some factors that increase the risk of bone loss cannot be altered, such as gender, age, body build, and the ingestion of life-sustaining medications, others can be managed to help protect bone integrity. In order to maintain bone health, the following steps are recommended: Regular exercise Proper nutrition Adequate calcium and vitamin D consumption Avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol use Avoidance, where possible,of certain medications Treat eating disorders promptly Anything that keeps the body from absorbing proper nutrition, like some types of bariatric surgery, anorexia or bulimia, or various gastrointestinal diseases, may result in weak bones because of lack of adequate calcium intake. Prolonged use of some corticosteroid medications, antidepressants, anticonvulsants medications and proton pump inhibitors may also be damaging to bone health. Low hormone levels in postmenopausal women, or in men with low testosterone can also result in diminished bone density. While some bone loss may be unavoidable during aging, taking appropriate steps to maintain bone health can keep such loss to a minimum.

A routine physical exam is recommended at least once each year for patients of all ages. This complete medical examination allows the doctor to evaluate the patient's overall health and detect any illnesses or medical conditions in the early stages. Early detection of a disease may result in more effective treatment. An annual physical examination helps individuals to address any health issues and allows the doctor to give recommendations for healthy living and preventative care. The Physical Examination Prior to a physical examination, patients are encouraged to make a list of any questions or concerns that they may have regarding their health. Patients should discuss these concerns with the doctor during their appointment. The doctor performs a physical examination and takes routine measurements of weight, height and blood pressure. Various health screenings are also performed, depending on the age, health and family history of the patient. Additional tests may include: Blood tests Vision tests Hearing tests Osteoporosis screening Cardiovascular evaluation Breast exam Prostate screening Rectal exam Blood tests are commonly used to check cholesterol levels as well as to measure kidney, liver, thyroid, and heart function. The doctor will review the patient's immunization records and may administer any necessary vaccinations. An electrocardiogram or chest X-ray may be performed on patients with existing or suspected heart or lung problems. Physical Examination Results After a routine physical examination the doctor may recommend lifestyle modifications or prescribe medication, for any conditions that may have been diagnosed. Additional diagnostic tests may be recommended to further evaluate suspected conditions and create an appropriate treatment plan. By undergoing a routine physical examination and preventative screening tests, patients may increase their chances for living a longer, healthier life.

Pregnancy testing is performed to determine whether or not a woman has a fertilized embryo in her uterus. A pregnancy test detects the presence of the hormone human chorionic gonadoptropin (hCG) in the body. This hormone is usually only produced when an egg has successfully been fertilized and attaches to the uterine wall. Levels of hCG rise quickly and within a matter of days after a woman becomes pregnant. There are two types of pregnancy tests that are commonly performed; one uses a sample of urine, and the other, a sample of blood. Both tests measure the levels of hCG in a woman‘s body. Urine Tests A home pregnancy test allows a woman to find out, in the privacy of her home, if she is pregnant. For the most accurate results, a woman is advised to wait 1 week after a missed period before taking a home pregnancy test. The test usually contains a stick that the woman holds under her urine stream. The stick is then inserted into a plastic container and, after a few minutes, an indicator gives a positive or negative result for pregnancy. Although most often used at home, a urine test is also used at a doctor‘s office. If the results of a home pregnancy test are positive, a woman should see her doctor for further testing to confirm the pregnancy. In some cases, a urine test produces a false negative if it is taken too early. Therefore, a woman whose result is negative but who is experiencing typical signs of pregnancy, such as fatigue, nausea and breast tenderness, should schedule an appointment with her doctor. Blood Tests Pregnancy testing through a blood test is performed only by a doctor. A blood test is considered the most accurate form of pregnancy test because it can measure even a very small quantity of hCG. A quantitative blood test, also known as a beta hCG test, measures the exact amount of hCG in the blood. These tests are very effective, and provide an accurate pregnancy result approximately 6 to 8 days after ovulation.