This week on Medical Mondays, we’re focused on Primary Care. You’ll meet Francine, whose relationship with her primary care physician led to early detection of colon cancer.
Primary care physicians can act as coordinators for your health care needs, helping you to navigate the system, treating basic medical needs, and helping you to find the right specialist if the need arises. They’ll also manage many of your preventive care screenings, like colonoscopies, blood pressure monitoring, mammograms, etc.
Here, you’ll learn:
- The importance of having a PCP
- Health tips for men and women of any age
- How to talk to your doctor
- Tips for making the most of your primary care appointment
- Why checkups and heart screenings are important
To find a UPMC primary care physician near you, call 1-800-533-UPMC, or request an appointment online.
- Immunizations
- Physicals
- Screenings
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Cancer
Finding a Primary Care Physician
It's important to remember that a person's primary care physician can be affiliated with a renowned medical institution, which insures he or she is always learning about the latest medical services and treatments. " ["post_title"]=> string(60) "Video: Your Primary Care Physician Is Your Partner in Health" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(103) "Learn more about how your primary care physician can save you time, money, and may even save your life." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(24) "primary-care-doctor-mm10" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(59) "https://wordpress-healthbeat-dev.azurewebsites.net/?p=81941" ["menu_order"]=> int(512) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> string(243) "The primary care physician is an advocate, partner and listener and probably the first person you call when you get the sniffles. Read more to discover exactly how a primary care physician functions as an essential part of your healthcare team" }Video: Your Primary Care Physician Is Your Partner in Health
The primary care physician is an advocate, partner and listener and probably the first person you call when you get the sniffles. Read more to discover exactly how a primary care physician functions as an essential part of your healthcare teamWatch Now
Infographic: Women’s Health Tips For Any Age
Whether you are in your twenties, thirties, forties or beyond, there are ways to help you get on a better track. From using sunscreen to cutting out added sugar, find out the steps you can take throughout your life to stay healthy for years to come!Read More
- Cut out unnecessary sugars
- Drink alcohol in moderation
- Pay attention to your choices regarding alcohol type because these calories can quickly add up
In Your 60s...
In addition to maintaining some level of physical activity, Dr. Rhody recommends focusing on mental adjustments to the life changes this decade brings. Continue to stay active and busy if and when you have retired from your regular career or job. To keep your mind active, consider the following tips:- Read more
- Join clubs and senior leagues
- Take leadership roles in your organizations
In Your 70s and Beyond...
Men in their 70s should take care to keep the home environment safe. Vision often deteriorates as we age so be sure to remove loose rugs, sharp edges, and other health and safety hazards. Consider adding safety handles in the bathroom and signing up for medical monitoring services. If living alone, consider welcoming a small pet into your household. Dr. Rhody emphasizes the importance of centralizing your medical care with primary care physicians. Keep records of your medications and side effects but remember primary care physicians can be used as your health care hub to help you stay informed about your health care needs.To find a UPMC primary care physician near you, call 1-800-533-UPMC, or request an appointment online.
" ["post_title"]=> string(32) "Men's Health Tips by the Decades" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(145) "In recognition of Men's Health week (June 9-14), check out our infographic to find out how you can stay fit and healthy through your entire life." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(24) "mens-health-tips-decades" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-06-18 16:13:28" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-06-18 20:13:28" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(59) "https://wordpress-healthbeat-dev.azurewebsites.net/?p=18271" ["menu_order"]=> int(1146) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> string(215) "Different ages mark different milestones in your life, especially in terms of healthcare. Find out when you should begin scheduling regular screenings and what you can do today to keep you healthy through the years!" }Men’s Health Tips by the Decades
Different ages mark different milestones in your life, especially in terms of healthcare. Find out when you should begin scheduling regular screenings and what you can do today to keep you healthy through the years!Read More
- The nature of your symptoms
- How long you have had them
- How severe they are
- Anything that makes you feel better or worse.
Prioritize Your Concerns
Having the "I-am-at-the-buffet-and-I-need-to-get-my-money's-worth" mentality does not work well with a standard 15-minute office visit. Patients often show up with a list of up to 10 items they want to discuss in detail during the office visit. When that happens, both the doctor and the patient may end up dissatisfied. With that many issues, nothing is really covered in detail because we are just skimming the surface of your problems. If you need more time, consider making a weekly or monthly appointment and plan to cover just one or two items in detail during each appointment. All of your health concerns warrant time and attention. Therefore, take the time to cover them, but understand it may take several office visits.Bring a Friend (But Only One)
Four ears can be better than two. Bring your spouse, a family member, or a trusted friend to help ask questions, foster conversation, and to listen to what is being said. However, six to eight ears are too many; bringing in "the herd" does not work well and causes confusion and poor communication.Beware of the Internet
If you frequently look up your symptoms online, I have one warning: Knowledge does not equate to wisdom and experience. I do encourage patients to become educated about their disease, and I find it helpful when I ask patients what they are concerned about and what they have read about their conditions. Often I have found patients to be very insightful, and we are able to zero in on a specific disorder quickly. However, coming to a doctor's office is not like going to the store and picking out what you want. The most common disorders that I see patients erroneously diagnose themselves with are Lyme disease, hypothyroidism, brain tumors, herniated discs in the spine, vitamin deficiencies, ovarian cancer, and melanoma. While all of these disorders do occur at varying frequencies, I often have to battle against stacks of printed articles from various websites that have patients convinced they have a certain disease.Politeness Goes a Long Way
My last piece of advice is pretty simple: Be nice. The words "please" and "thank you" are greatly appreciated. The physicians and office staff of the UPMC Hamot Physicians Network are proud of the work we do every day, and we try to do our best every day, with every patient. However, we are human. Sometimes we fall short of patient expectations, so I can understand patients becoming frustrated. However, while we all do our best to remain polite and professional at all times, we also hope that our patients can do the same. A doctor-patient relationship based on mutual respect and courtesy usually produces the best results.To find a UPMC primary care physician near you, call 1-800-533-UPMC, or request an appointment online.
" ["post_title"]=> string(36) "Ask the Doctor with David Hutzel, MD" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(130) "Find some tips from a physician to make sure all of your problems and concerns get addressed before you leave the doctor's office." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(35) "ask-the-doctor-with-david-hutzel-md" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(59) "https://wordpress-healthbeat-dev.azurewebsites.net/?p=59061" ["menu_order"]=> int(826) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> string(300) "Going to the doctor can be nerve-wracking, and you may not be sure what to say or the best way to explain something. We asked David Hutzel, MD, internal medicine physician, UPMC Hamot Physicians Network, for some tips to make sure all of your problems and concerns get addressed before you head home." }Ask the Doctor with David Hutzel, MD
Going to the doctor can be nerve-wracking, and you may not be sure what to say or the best way to explain something. We asked David Hutzel, MD, internal medicine physician, UPMC Hamot Physicians Network, for some tips to make sure all of your problems and concerns get addressed before you head home.Read More
- Make a list of all medications you are taking. Include all prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements that you currently take, how often you take them, and why.
- Update your family history. Your family history can provide important clues about your risk for certain diseases, including diabetes, some cancers, and heart disease.
- Ask about health screenings. Screenings can be important tools in preventing some illnesses and diseases. Get a list of recommended screenings and talk about them with your doctor.
- Make a list of questions or health concerns. Asking questions and sharing your concerns about health issues helps your doctor improve your care. Jot down things you want to discuss so you don’t forget.
To find a UPMC primary care physician near you, call 1-800-533-UPMC, or request an appointment online.
" ["post_title"]=> string(43) "4 Ways to Get the Most Out of Doctor Visits" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(0) "" ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(42) "4-ways-to-get-the-most-out-of-doctor-visit" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2018-08-29 13:50:07" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(58) "https://wordpress-healthbeat-dev.azurewebsites.net/?p=7131" ["menu_order"]=> int(1290) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> string(142) "We all lead busy lives, and sometimes it's hard to squeeze in a visit to your doctor. Here are four tips to make the most of your appointment." }4 Ways to Get the Most Out of Doctor Visits
We all lead busy lives, and sometimes it’s hard to squeeze in a visit to your doctor. Here are four tips to make the most of your appointment.Read More
- Eating a heart-healthy diet
- Getting regular exercise
- Finding ways to cope with stress
- Quitting smoking, or not starting in the first place
- Having a checkup with your doctor each year, and keeping up with health screenings as you age
What Is a Heart Screening?
A screening is a test that gives you basic facts about your health. Heart screenings can take place in your doctor's office, and many communities have free screenings at health fairs and other events.Live in Pittsburgh? Find a Free Heart Screening Near You
What Type of Screening Do I Need?
It's always best to talk to your doctor about which screenings you need. Most men need basic tests to check blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels every few years. You might need checkups more often if you have:- A family history of heart disease
- Medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity
- Habits that raise your risks, like smoking
RELATED: Diabetes and Heart Health: Lowering Your Risks
In your 20s & 30s
Get a checkup each year for your overall health. Talk to your doctor about your family history, your lifestyle, and your risks for heart and vascular disease. Your screenings should include:- Body mass index (BMI): starting at age 20, get checked every year
- Blood pressure: starting at age 20, get checked every two years
- Cholesterol level: starting at age 20, get checked every six years
RELATED: Can You Lower Cholesterol Without Medication
In your 40s and 50s
Even though you're busy with work, family, and community activities, it's important to keep that yearly checkup with your doctor. If you get diagnosed with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or another condition, talk to your doctor about your treatment options. Even if you don't have symptoms or start to feel better, stay on your medicines and stick with the diet and activity guidelines your doctor gives you. Besides BMI, blood pressure, and cholesterol, your screenings should include:- Blood glucose level: starting at age 45, get checked every three years
In your 60s & beyond
As you get older, your risks get higher. At your yearly checkup, talk to your doctor about how to keep your risks low and about the symptoms of heart and vascular disease. Chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, and other symptoms can be signs of problems. Based on your history and risks, you may need checkups more often. You might also need screenings for:- Abdominal aortic aneurysm: especially if you've smoked, get checked starting at age 65
- Carotid artery disease (CAD): to check your risk of blocked or narrowed arteries in your neck, that bring blood to your brain, which can cause stroke
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD): to check your risk of blocked or narrowed arteries in your limbs and pelvis, which can cause symptoms like pain and difficulty walking and can lead to limb loss
To find a UPMC primary care physician near you, call 1-800-533-UPMC, or request an appointment online.
" ["post_title"]=> string(56) "The Importance of Check-Ups and Heart Screenings for Men" ["post_excerpt"]=> string(116) "Learn how having a regular checkup and screening with your doctor can lower your risk of heart and vascular disease." ["post_status"]=> string(7) "publish" ["comment_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["ping_status"]=> string(6) "closed" ["post_password"]=> string(0) "" ["post_name"]=> string(56) "the-importance-of-check-ups-and-heart-screenings-for-men" ["to_ping"]=> string(0) "" ["pinged"]=> string(0) "" ["post_modified"]=> string(19) "2019-04-18 14:42:11" ["post_modified_gmt"]=> string(19) "2019-04-18 18:42:11" ["post_content_filtered"]=> string(0) "" ["post_parent"]=> int(0) ["guid"]=> string(59) "https://wordpress-healthbeat-dev.azurewebsites.net/?p=68231" ["menu_order"]=> int(675) ["post_type"]=> string(4) "post" ["post_mime_type"]=> string(0) "" ["comment_count"]=> string(1) "0" ["filter"]=> string(3) "raw" } ["medical_description"]=> string(401) "Many men overlook the importance of getting regular checkups. No matter how busy you are, it's important to keep up on visits to your primary care physician, and as you get older, you'll want to be screened for other types of health problems even if you don't display any symptoms. Read on to learn more about the importance of regular health screenings and the checks you should get as you get older." }The Importance of Check-Ups and Heart Screenings for Men
Many men overlook the importance of getting regular checkups. No matter how busy you are, it’s important to keep up on visits to your primary care physician, and as you get older, you’ll want to be screened for other types of health problems even if you don’t display any symptoms. Read on to learn more about the importance of regular health screenings and the checks you should get as you get older.Read More
