Family Medicine
Vivian Seal, FNP-BC
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Family Medicine
Family Medicine provides comprehensive and continuing health care for families and individuals of all ages. It is based on knowledge of the patient in the context of family and the community, emphasizing health promotion and prevention of disease.
Family Medicine physicians must successfully complete an accredited 3 year residency in the US in addition to their medical degree. They then must pass an examination in order to become board certified. The American Board of Family Medicine requires maintenance certification via continuing education, chart audits and retaking of the board exam every 7-10 years. Nearly 1 in 4 of all office visits are made to Family Physicians. They provide more care for underserved and rural populations than any other medical specialty.
An Ounce of Prevention
The purpose of preventive medicine is to avoid the development of disease. It is the proactive approach to medical care. Examinations, treatments and advice are performed/given in order to prevent illness or discover it before it becomes more serious. Examples include screening mammograms, pap smears, vaccinations, PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) testing, blood pressure checks, cholesterol screening, colonoscopy and other types of screenings.
Many cancers may be cured if detected early. Many complications from certain diseases may be avoided if the problems are identified early and treated. Come in today for a complete physical and health maintenance recommendations based on your age and gender.
Did you know?
- Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women.
- Other top causes include: cancer, stroke, chronic lower respiratory diseases, diabetes, influenza and pneumonia, all of which can be prevented.
- You can prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus through a healthy lifestyle.
- Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Symptoms develop slowly so people may be unaware until they are very sick.
- There is an immunization that prevents the most common form of bacterial pneumonia.
For most people making a few healthy lifestyle decisions will greatly reduce or eliminate preventable risk factors for disease.
- Avoid all tobacco usage in any form.
- Avoid or use alcohol in moderation.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Exercise regularly.
- Eat a healthy diet.
All of our physicians and mid-level providers, whether Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine or Cardiology, will be glad to assess your risks and make recommendations to help you modify your lifestyle to reduce disease risk factors.
