Preventative Healthcare
Dear Valued Patient,
Influenza can cause serious illness — to the point that you may require medical care. Don't risk your health nor the health of those around you: get your family flu shots right away.
And remember, should you need care after hours or on weekends, save the wait and expense of the ER. Visit an Urgent Care clinic in your neighborhood. Walk-ins are welcome.
Robby Riddle, MD
Medical Director,
VMC Primary Care
Winter Health Watch
As the cold months set in, the risk of catching a "bug" increases. Be on the alert and take preventive measures.
The Flu
Contrary to popular belief, the flu is not a stomach bug. It's a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. (See side box)
Staph Infection
Staphylococcus aureus, also called "staph ", is a type of bacteria commonly found on human skin and in the nose of healthy people. It's normally harmless, but can cause food poisoning, infections and sometimes be life-threatening to people with weakened immune systems.
MRSA ("mer-sa ")
Methicillin-resistant staph infections made the news this fall when outbreaks occurred at several schools in our area. This "super bug "is resistant to a number of common antibiotics. If you notice small red bumps on the skin or have a wound that is red and swollen, consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
In this age of jet travel, infectious diseases have the ability to quickly spread through our community. Valley Medical Center is prepared for such worst-case scenarios. Read more at http://www.valleymed.org/images/pdf/MRSA_sm.pdf.
- The flu is highly contagious and spreads in the respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes, or by touching your mouth or nose after handling a door knob or other object that has the flu virus on it .Stay alert and wash your hands!!
- Most healthy adults can infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick.
- People at HIGH RISK for complications from the flu include:
- Children age 6 months until the 5th birthday.
- Pregnant women
- People 50 years of age and older
- People with chronic medical conditions
- The flu season begins as early as October and can last as late as May. The single best way to protect yourself is to get vaccinated each year. It's not too late.
| OPENING MARCH 10,2008  Covington Urgent Care 16850 SE 272nd Street Open Saturdays Walk-ins welcome Call 253.395.2006 | Living with Diabetes? The Diabetes Center and the VMC Clinic Network are developing teaching aids for a planned series of diabetes education seminars this year. Please take a moment to fill out our Diabetes needs assessment survey at www.valleymed.org (click on the diabetes survey link). We'd like to learn how to help you improve control over your health and life. |
Keeping you safe and healthy
Whenever you visit a VMC clinic, our healthcare team follows a set of standard procedures to assure your safety:
- We verify your current medications, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbals. You 'll receive a copy to review during your visit. Request one if you don't receive ours.
- While you watch, make sure staff members label specimens with your name and date of birth, and then ask you to verify that the label is correct.
Caregivers wash their hands or use an antiseptic foam and wash before and after seeing you. Feel free to ask if they remembered to wash up if you don't see them do it.
We encourage you and your loved ones to be active, involved, and informed partners with our healthcare team. Knowing about your care is not only right, it is reassuring.- Before you come in for your appointment, write down any questions to jog your memory when you talk with your doctor.
- Make sure you understand your diagnosis, care plan and home care before you leave the clinic. It's okay to ask questions. We want you to understand your treatment and the plan.
- If you have any concerns about your care, please let us know.
Waist Watchers
Fast-food and sedentary lifestyles have contributed to a rise in childhood obesity. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CCDC) estimates that 18.8% —— nearly three times more —— kids age 6-11 years are overweight today than were in 1980 (2004 data). The increase is similar for teenagers and those age 2-5 years: 17.44% and 13.99%, respectively.
Why is this important?
The extra weight puts children at risk for health problems during their youth and as adults. And, they are more likely to develop high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and asthma.
Consult the preventive health guidelines on www.valleymed.org for tips on keeping your kids healthy.
Your Online Self-help Guide to Health
Now it's easier than ever to learn how to immproove your health and reduce your family's overall healthcare costs. Valley Medical Center is pleased to bring you the Healthwise Knowledgebase® online medical library.
Visit www.valleymed.org to search over 7,000 topics, ranging from health conditions and diseases, to medical tests, prescription drugs, nutritional supplements, self-help and support group information.
VMC's medical library also includes interactive tools. Assess your risk of a heart attack or view "From Embryo to Baby in Nine Months" to learn about the amazing changes that occur during pregnancy.
A nonprofit organization accredited by URAC, Healthwise® develops content that helps people make better healthcare decisions. Managed by an independent board of more than 300 medical experts (doctors and researchers who have been published in peer-reviewed journals), every article is carefully reviewed to verify accuracy.
