As our children head back to school, fall sports begin, and more businesses open up, your health is more important than ever. We have put together a few reminders and tips for staying healthy this season and maintaining an optimum quality of life.
Vaccinations
If you haven’t already had your seasonal flu shot, now is the time to do so! Taking the proper precautions reduces your chance of getting ill or making others sick, especially amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The flu virus can evolve quickly, and last year’s vaccine may not protect you against this year’s virus. The vaccine is designed to protect against three or four strains of the virus that research indicates will be most prevalent during the year’s season.
In addition to protecting yourself, getting vaccinated also protects those around you. Everyone over the age of 6 should get a flu shot annually. It is especially important for those at higher risk of more severe reactions to the virus to get vaccinated such as pregnant women, young children, adults over the age of 65, and people with chronic conditions.
Infants and school-age children should continue to stay up-to-date on all of their vaccinations in addition to having their annual flu shot. Vaccinating your children helps to protect them from serious, even life-threatening illnesses that can be easily prevented through vaccination. Though many diseases for which we vaccinate may seem less prevalent in the United States, they are still threats to public health as they are common in many other countries and can be brought to the U.S. as people travel.
The American Academy of Pediatrics, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the American Academy of Family Physicians all strongly encourage parents to vaccinate their children. Vaccination is safe, and every vaccine is required to undergo thorough testing and review by scientists, doctors, and the federal government. If you have additional questions about vaccinating your child or wish to consult with your doctor before making a decision, we encourage you to contact us at (812)339-6744.
School Physicals
In addition to making sure your children’s vaccinations are up to date, you may also need to schedule an appointment for a school and/or sports physical. Generally, all physicals begin with a discussion of medical and family history to establish your child’s health background. Common tests conducted during the physical include:
- Checking heart and lung function
- Evaluating reflexes and flexibility
- Examining the ears, nose, and throat
- Vision screening
We will also check other aspects of your child’s health as needed. If your child participates in sports, we will give recommendations for sport safety practices to prevent injury.
It is important to note that a physical does not replace a well-child exam. The goal of a physical is to evaluate your child’s mental and physical health to make sure your child is healthy enough to participate in programs safely. A well-child exam is more comprehensive and includes a more extensive examination of your child’s health.
We recommend that parents bring any assistive devices such as corrective lenses, contacts, or oral appliances to your child’s physical. Any forms your school requires us to complete including pre-participation forms should also be brought to the physical. A physical is good for exactly one year. It is important to schedule your child’s physical before the old one expires to ensure that your child’s participation is not interrupted.
Hormone Replacement
Older patients, we haven’t forgotten about you! Your physical and mental health is equally important, and we have a variety of services to best address your individual needs. One of our most effective and popular options is hormone replacement therapy.
Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is commonly used when a patient has an imbalance or decrease in the production of hormones that are essential to helping the body and brain function at its best. This hormone replacement therapy uses hormones that are biologically identical to those that are naturally produced by the body with little to no risk. Benefits to women include relief of menopause symptoms, better sleep, more comfortable sex, relief of vaginal dryness and/or itching, and can even reduce the risk of dementia, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Benefits to men include relief from symptoms of androgen and reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, and even death.
Because we are restoring your hormones to the levels they were at when you were younger, these treatments are also known to reverse the signs of aging. Your anti-aging replacement therapy plan can actually help you look as good as you feel!
Whatever your age and whatever your medical needs maybe this season, we want to remind you that we are here for you. For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, contact Southern Indiana Family Practice Center and Rejuv Aesthetics today.