Last updated 1 year ago
Whether it’s between friends, family members, or coworkers, good communication is essential to any successful relationship. This also includes the relationship between you and your doctor. Here are three important conversations to have with your primary physician to build health and trust.
- Talk about your medical history: The more your primary physician knows about your medical history, including past ailments and medications, the more he or she can do to help you stay healthy. Sharing your medical history is especially important if you are meeting your doctor for the first time. Remember to be thorough and honest with your doctor, and don’t leave out any history of family illness. To help you remember what to cover, it may be helpful to write down everything you want to discuss and share with your doctor.
- Talk about your fears: If doctors’ offices make you nervous or uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to let your primary care physician know. Feeling unsettled at your doctor’s office can make effective diagnosis and treatment more difficult for both you and your doctor. You might find that you feel better after admitting your anxiety, and your doctor may have some reassuring words to share with you, making you and the rest of the appointment more comfortable.
- Talk about the growing pains: Although it may be embarrassing to admit, as we get older, our bodies aren’t always able to do the same things they once could. Nothing you say to your primary physician or senior doctor will be shocking or distasteful, no matter how embarrassed you may be by the subject matter. It is the doctor’s job to keep you healthy and happy; help him or her do that by being honest and upfront about what is bothering you.
No matter what you talk to your doctor about, remember to keep the lines of communication open. The more honest you are with a primary care physician, the better and more effective care he or she can provide. For a team of primary care physicians you can depend on, contact Memorial Clinical Associates. Our Houston team includes a qualified, caring doctor to care for every member of your family. Visit us online, or call us today at (713) 407-3067 to schedule an appointment.
Last updated 1 year ago
Visiting your primary doctor when you feel yourself coming down with something is a good first step in helping you find relief. When you visit your primary physician, he or she will try to determine what type of illness you have in order to prescribe the proper treatment. The differences between an acute or chronic ailment can dictate the kind of medical attention the illness requires.
Acute Illnesses:
An acute illness is one with a quick and unexpected onset, and for the most part, endures for only a short time. Acute illnesses include seasonal sicknesses, such as flu viruses and colds.
Treatment of an acute illness will usually only require a trip to your primary physician. Antibiotics or other medications may be prescribed to help you battle the bugs that are upsetting your system. Acute illnesses caused by viruses may go away on their own or with good home care.
At Memorial Clinical Associates, our Houston office is open by appointment on Saturdays and Sundays, providing our patients with the care they need when they need it.
Chronic Illnesses:
A chronic illness is one that develops slowly and that will usually affect a patient for an extended period of time. Some of these ailments, like diabetes and arthritis, can be avoided through healthy lifestyle habits.
Your primary physician can still provide treatment for a chronic illness, but in some cases, you may also be required to see a specialist. Unlike acute illnesses, which can be treated with a round of antibiotics, a chronic illness may require a strict, ongoing medicinal regimen as a part of treatment.
Whether you are suffering from an acute or chronic illness, the doctors at Memorial Clinical Associates are here to help you. Our Houston team includes a qualified, caring doctor to care for every member of your family. Visit us online, or call us today at (713) 407-3067 to schedule an appointment.
Last updated 2 years ago
Medical service is vital for any community, whether it be a local hospital or a program such as Medicare. Both Medicare and Medicaid receive a lot of press on a daily basis. But what exactly is Medicare? Many people who have no reached their later years are not familiar with this program, and do not know what it means for them and their primary doctors?
To get to know Medicare, we’ll give you a little insight into its history, as well as its important role in our country today. The next time you visit your primary care physician, it would be wise to think about what Medicare is and how it may help you in the future.
- A little history: After World War II, the people wanted the government’s involvement in health insurance. After a few bills were passed and a few unorganized programs were initiated, Congress eventually passed Medicare and Medicaid as part of the Social Security Act of 1965.
- What it means now: Today, Medicare is health insurance for individuals who are 65 years or older, or under 65 with a disability. The four parts of Medicare are as follows: part A is hospital insurance, part B is medical insurance, part C is “Medicare Advantage Plans” and part D is Prescription Drug Coverage. For more information about these parts, consult your primary doctor.
- Services offered: Some of the services which fall under part B may help you with your medical needs, such as access to durable medical equipment, certain vaccinations, chemotherapy, prosthetic devices and eyeglasses.
Your primary care physician or senior doctor will be able to tell you about additional services offered under your Medicare plan.
If you think that Medicare can benefit you, or would like to learn more information about Medicare, contact Memorial Clinical Associates. Located in Houston, we are glad to find you a senior doctor for whatever health needs you may have. Make an appointment today!
Last updated 2 years ago
With the sunshine and springtime weather in full effect, many of you may already be poolside or enjoying the outdoors. As the Texas heat intensifies over the coming months, protect yourself from heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses. Here are some tips to keep you cool and comfortable in the hot summer sun.
Heat Exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after excessive exposure to high temperatures and in-proper hydration. 75% of the human body's weight is due to H20. Since we routinely lose water from a simple breath to a heavy sweat or bathroom break we must replenish that liquid on a regular basis during the hot season.
Tip #1: This summer plan ahead and take extra water to all outdoor events where increased sweating, activity, and heat stress will increase fluid loss. Encourage athletes and people who work outside to replace fluids at a rate that equals the loss.
Tip #2: Check weather forecasts for high heat index days. Avoid excessive exercise and outdoor exposure on those days. If outdoor events are planned be sure to schedule activities when temperatures are lower.
Tip #3: The young and elderly, people with high blood pressure, and individuals working or exercising in hot environments are more likely to experience heat exhaustion. Take extra care, and be sure to take breaks from heat exposure. Look for shaded areas outside.
Tip #4: Avoid alcohol consumption when in a hot environment, as alcohol increases water loss and impairs your ability to recognize early signs of dehydration.
Tip #5: Wear light-colored and loose-fitting clothes while outdoors, and drink plenty of water.
Symptoms:
- Heavy sweating
- Muscle cramps
- Weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea or vomiting
- fainting
- dry mouth
- cessation of sweating and tear production by the eyes
Treatment:
- Frequent small amounts of cool liquids
- Rest in a cool area, or get to air-conditioning
- Cool shower or bath
- Lightweight clothing
The victim's pulse rate will be fast and weak, breathing will be fast and shallow. If the heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to a severe case of "Heat Stroke", which is a medical emergency. Seek immediate medical attention if the individual has heart problems or high blood pressure.
For more information about preventing and treating heat exhaustion, please contact MCA or call us today at (713) 407-3067 to schedule a consultation.
