Doctor's Notes

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A family doctor giving a vaccine to an older patient.
How to get your fall respiratory vaccines
Every fall, respiratory illness becomes a topic of discussion in my exam room. Patients want to know if their vaccine recommendations have changed, what shots they’re due for, and where they should...
How physicians make vaccine recommendations and why you can trust them
How physicians make vaccine recommendations and why you can trust them
“How do you know your vaccine guidance is still valid? How do I know who to trust?” As the Chief Medical Officer of the American Academy of Family Physicians and a board-certified family doctor, I ...
A doctor points to a teeth mold while explaining the importance of oral health.
How Oral Health Affects Your Overall Health
When people think about steps we can take to live healthier lives, most of us think about a healthy diet, exercise, and sleep. But did you know that brushing and flossing can also have a significan...
Why women need to focus on heart health
Why women need to focus on heart health
Women experience unique life events, such as pregnancy and menopause, which can impact their risk of cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, through regular off...
Preventive care protects your health before you feel sick
Preventive care protects your health before you feel sick
Seeing your doctor for preventive care, especially when you already feel healthy, is the best way to take control of your health. It lets you and your doctor work together to stay ahead of illness ...
An idling car polluting the air.
Air pollution, chronic disease and what you can do about it
Chronic disease remains on the rise for United States citizens. Many people know that poor eating habits, lack of exercise, drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes are primary causes of chronic dis...
A physician meeting with a family.
What I tell my patients about measles
Measles is no small deal. Before vaccines were widespread, measles was a common childhood illness. But unlike other common infections like the flu or a cold, measles isn’t mild. Long-term consequen...
Why it’s important to vaccinate your infant for hepatitis B
Why it’s important to vaccinate your infant for hepatitis B
As a family physician who owns her own private practice, I have the privilege of treating patients of all ages and life stages. I particularly enjoy delivering babies and caring for them as they gr...
The best self-care tips for caregivers
The best self-care tips for caregivers
Caring for family or friends can be rewarding, but it can also be hard. Sometimes it makes you tired, stressed and sad. Many people who help others feel worried, lonely or burned out. If you spend ...
How to find the food resources you need
How to find the food resources you need
I’m a family physician who works in a community health center and in a larger community health center network. One of the things that’s important to me and to a lot of other family physicians...