As we wrap up 2007 and look forward to the new year, do yourself a favor and take some time to focus on your health. An annual check-up provides an opportunity for patients to connect with their doctor and bring up any health concerns. It also gives the physician time to counsel the patient about healthy lifestyle behaviors. Studies have found that patients who received regular examinations were more likely to get recommended screenings and have improved health. In addition, those who received periodic health exams were less likely to be worried about their health. Practicing preventive healthcare is the most effective tool in tackling illnesses and diseases that have the potential of becoming more serious.
• KHEIR is now offering special packages that make getting your physical more convenient and affordable.
• The women’s care package, $170, includes an office visit, a mammogram, a pap-smear and blood work (see details below).
• The men’s care package, $150, includes an office visit, a prosthetic gland exam, a prostate function test and blood work (see details below).
• Blood work includes a cholesterol level test, liver and kidney function assessments, a blood sugar level test, an anemia test, a thyroid function assessment, a urine test and calcium and iron level assessments.
The KHEIR – S. Mark Taper Foundation Community Clinic offers programs for the entire family. The Healthy Child Program by Kaiser Permanente provides well-child exams, health and developmental screenings, treatment of chronic and acute conditions and immunizations for children. Family planning services are also available including contraceptives and birth control, pregnancy testing, sexually transmitted disease testing and HIV/Aids testing.
Get
Ready
For Flu
Season
December, January and February are typically the worst months for the flu. The flu, more scientifically known as influenza, is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. The influenza virus usually enters the body through mucous membranes in the mouth, nose or eyes. When a person with the flu coughs or sneezes, the virus then becomes airborne and can be inhaled by anyone nearby.
The flu can be a lot more serious than most of us realize. Some people, such as older adults, young children and people with specific health conditions, are at a high risk for serious flu complications. In extreme cases, complications can lead to death. On average in the United States each year 5 to 20 percent of the population gets the flu, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications and about 36,000 people die from the flu.
The common symptoms of the flu include: fever (usually high), headache, muscle aches, chills, extreme tiredness and dry cough. In children, other common symptoms include runny nose and stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
The best way to prevent or lessen the severity of the flu is to get a flu shot. Children under 5 and adults over 65 should be especially protected from the flu. Don’t wait to get your flu shot. The sooner you are vaccinated, the less chance you have of contracting it.
