The PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test is a swab test that looks for the presence of the virus that causes COVID-19. The test is performed by taking a sample from the nose or throat and then sending it to a laboratory for analysis. A COVID-19 PCR test is one of the most accurate ways to…
A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that supplies blood directly to your brain is either blocked by a blood clot or ruptures. This results in the affected part of the brain becoming suddenly deprived of oxygen and nutrients, so the brain cells begin to die. If you’ve had a stroke, you have likely received…
A family physician is a general practitioner (GP) who can help everyone in your entire family improve their health by preventing, diagnosing, and treating illnesses, and by connecting you with medical specialists if needed. Family physicians possess distinct abilities and expertise that qualify them to provide medical treatment to each member of your family. Contrast…
A family medicine doctor is there for all of your healthcare needs at the different stages of your life. This physician understands the biological, psychological, and social factors of each stage, including any vaccinations or screenings that are necessary for each member of your family at various age-appropriate times. Let’s talk about how a family…
With COVID-19 still prominent around the world, testing remains a key component in the effort to prevent the spread and mitigate the far-reaching impact of the dreaded disease. Here are questions about COVID-19 testing that you will want to ask your family physician along with the possible answers to give you a basic idea before…
Studies show that vaccination decreases the risk of COVID-19 and its severe complications. With the continuing rollout of vaccines, many have begun to feel safer from the consequences of the COVID-19. As such, the vaccinated population is becoming more relaxed with their safety practices. However, vaccines will not provide you 100% protection against COVID-19. You…
Less than 100 years ago, you visited the local family doctor when you needed an illness treated. Medicine was almost always reactive and generalized rather than proactive and specialized as it often is now. Today, because there are so many specialties and subspecialties in medicine, you have a multitude of choices regarding who to see…
Asthma can make it hard to get air into the lungs due to inflammation or narrowing of the tubes where air passes. Asthma can affect adults and children, but children may have an even more difficult time with symptoms. It can even interfere with sleep, which is critical to growth and development. Asthma in children…
If you have been diagnosed with a chronic illness, such as diabetes or hypertension, your best course of action to stay on top of your condition is to have a close partnership with a family medicine doctor. Your family medicine doctor, who will be your primary care physician, plays an indispensable role in helping you…
If you are looking for a physician who will take care of all aspects of your family’s health, then you’ll want to look for a doctor who specializes in family medicine. A family doctor is comprehensively trained to provide healthcare to patients of all ages. Their practice covers a wide array of illnesses, from common…
Losing weight is only half the journey – the other half is actually maintaining your new weight. Many people lose weight but then slip back into their old habits, and regain all the weight that they lost. The best way to avoid this weight-loss merry-go-round is to follow a medically supervised weight loss program. Imagine…
