We recommend the MEDLINEplus.gov Web site as an excellent source of information about your health.
To find out what immunizations you need for travel, visit the Center for Disease Control's traveler's health Web site.
To get immunizations for travel, we recommend the University of Georgia travel clinic. The phone number is (706) 542-5575.
Osteoporosis is a disease of slow bone loss. It is often called a silent disease because people don't know they have it until it's far advanced. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, osteoporosis is a major public health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans, mostly (but not exclusively) women. It can lead to hip, spine, wrist, and other fractures. Osteoporosis is the most common cause of disability in women over 60 years old.
Fortunately, osteoporosis is preventable and, generally, treatable. We can determine if you have osteoporosis with a simple, quick, and painless test called a Bone Density study. We recommend a Bone Density study for women over the age of 50 and others with risk factors. Ask your physician if a Bone Density Test is a good idea for you.
HEALTH SURVEILLANCE/DISEASE PREVENTION
We believe in preventive medicine to keep you healthy. We recommend annual physicals and screening bloodwork to help diagnose problems early. We try to keep track of the last time you had a mammogram, pap smear, prostate check and stool cards. We mail you reminder letters to help you keep up with these important tests.
These are the screening tests we recommend:
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To find out more about cancer risks and prevention, visit the American Cancer Society Web site. |
Ways to Reduce your Chance of Having a Heart Attack
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Intervention |
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Estimated Degree of Reduction |
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SMOKING CESSATION | |
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50-70% reduction within 5 years of stopping smoking |
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CHOLESTEROL REDUCTION | |
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2-3% reduction in risk for each 1% reduction in cholesterol |
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HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE REDUCTION | |
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2-3% reduction in risk for each 1mm/Hg drop in diastolic blood pressure |
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EXERCISE | |
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45% lower risk for active people when compared to sedentary people |
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WEIGHT REDUCTION | |
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40-50% lower risk for those who maintain ideal body weight |
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ASPIRIN USE | |
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33% lower risk in users compared to non-users |
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ALCOHOL USE | |
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25-45% lower risk for those who consume small amounts of alcohol |
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Source: Manson, et al. "The Primary Prevention of Myocardial Infarction." New England Journal of Medicine. May 21, 1992 |
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To find out more about cardiovascular disease and heart attack prevention, visit the Web site for the American Heart Association. |
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To find out more about diabetes visit the Web site for the American Diabetes Association. |