EnFuse Health & Wellness

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.

(Currently accepting pediatric patients aged 10 and older) 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 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.

(Currently accepting patients aged 10 and older) A well child examination, also known as a routine physical or medical check-up, is recommended for children of all ages. It is an opportunity to ask questions and express concerns about a child‘s development and health. Questions a parent may want to ask the doctor during a well visit may include some of the following: Toilet training methods Eating Sleep patterns Socialization issues Learning problems Family problems Concerns about puberty Behavioral issues By sharing concerns with the pediatrician and working to resolve any problems a parent may have, helps to establish a trusting relationship that will continue for a long time. Preparing for the Visit In order to get the information from the pediatrician, some of the following suggestions may be helpful: Write down questions Read books and pamphlets about issues the child may have Research medical websites Get a list of caregiver‘s concerns During the Visit During a routine physical, the doctor will perform a complete physical examination to monitor growth and development as well as detect any changes or abnormalities. Immunizations may be administered as well. Some of the following may be conducted: An assessment of the child‘s growth and development Physical examination Immunization update Blood test Temperature Blood pressure Pulse Respiration rate A schedule for routine well-care visits will be provided based on the child‘s age and condition.

Many employers require an employment physical to determine the suitability of an individual for a job. A pre-employment physical exam may be requested to ensure new hires are physically capable of performing their work and meet general health standards. Employment examinations may include physical examinations, health inquiries, psychological tests, drug testing, and mental health assessments. These exams compare the health of the potential employee with the expected demands of the job, to ensure that the individual is fit to do the job. The goal of the employment physical is to determine whether or not the prospective employee is capable of performing the physical demands of the job. The physical also intends to enhance safety at the workplace, and minimize the risk of work site-related accidents. If a prospective employee has some physical issues that are not essential to the job, the employment physical also allows the employer to make proper accommodations for the employee. Employment Physicals and Testing Employment physical examinations are often regulatory and compliance examinations for: Department of Transportation (DOT) Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) HazMat (Hazardous materials) These physical examinations are often required by the federal government and employees must pass a medical evaluation conducted by a healthcare professional prior to employment. Additional employment examinations and tests include: Pre-employment physicals Drug and alcohol screening Health risk assessments Executive physicals Fitness for duty examinations are also performed to medically evaluate the ability of a worker to return to duty after a medical leave. This examination can help to determine if the employee is fully able to perform the job or if any restrictions or accommodations may be necessary to protect the employee and employer. The Employment Physical Employment physicals may include exams tailored to the specific needs of a workplace. Prior to the examination, the patient‘s complete medical and occupational histories are reviewed and the physical examination commonly includes the following: Vision testing Hearing test Pulmonary function testing (PFT) Blood pressure check Height and weight check Physical abilities tests (PATs) Cardiovascular evaluation Drug testing Blood and urine tests are also administered. Some tests are tailored specifically to evaluate the physical requirements that are essential for the job. A physical examination benefits both the potential employee and the employer. Employers are assured that the employee is physically fit for the job, and employees can be assured of safe and appropriate assignments in the workplace.

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.

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.

Long-term care involves a comprehensive range of services and support for patients who need assistance caring for themselves. These services can be beneficial for a patient with a chronic illness, or serious injury or disability, who is unable to care for him- or herself for an extended period of time. Although long-term care is most frequently used by older adults, patients of any age may need long-term care, especially following serious injury or debilitating illness. Long-term care may be provided in a facility, such as a nursing home or rehabilitation center, or a patient‘s home. Reasons for Long-Term Care Patients often need long-term care when they have a progressive health condition or disability that leaves them weakened or incapacitated. The need for long-term care may also arise following a major injury or an acute health crisis. Several factors may increase the risk of needing long-term care. They include a person‘s age, with the risk of needing long-term care increasing with age; gender, with women at higher risk because they live an average of 5 to 10 years longer than men; lifestyle, with poor diet and lack of exercise typically increasing the risk; health status, with increased risk for those who have chronic health conditions (diabetes, high blood pressure); and family history, with those with close relatives who have chronic conditions at greater risk. Types of Long-Term Care The duration of long-term care varies, depending on the patient‘s specific needs. Some patients require long-term care for only a few weeks or months as they recover from sudden illness or injury. However, in many cases, long-term care is ongoing, as it is for a patient who has been significantly disabled from an acute event or progressive disease. Home Care Home care is a form of long-term care provided within a patient‘s home by family members, friends, volunteers and/or paid healthcare providers. It includes assistance with both healthcare and the patient‘s personal needs, such as food shopping/preparation, dressing, taking medications and housekeeping. Community Services Programs designed to supplement existing long-term care, community services are often useful for a patient with an illness such as Alzheimer‘s disease or Parkinson‘s disease. A patient using community services usually attends an adult daycare program or participates in various activities, and may take part in a meal program. Assisted-Living Facilities An assisted-living facility provides a patient with 24-hour supervision, assistance and healthcare services in a setting similar to his or her own home. Transportation and laundry services, and help with eating, dressing and bathing, are also provided. Skilled Nursing Facilities Skilled nursing facilities offer more extensive care for a patient who can no longer receive care at home or in an assisted-living facility. Each type of long-term care has its own benefits. Home care enables a patient to receive care in the comfort of her or his own home, without having to pay for a nursing home. In some cases, home healthcare is covered by Medicare. Community services allow patients to remain active in a community, and can give the primary caregiver a respite. Assisted-living facilities provide long-term care assistance, while still enabling the patient to maintain a sense of independence. A patient in an assisted-living residence can also take part in various social and recreational activities. Skilled nursing facilities offer numerous benefits, including the continuous presence of medical personnel; rehabilitation services; meals; activities; and assistance with all daily-care needs.