Allergy Associates - Primary Care...and Self-Help

George A. Sprecace M.D., J.D., F.A.C.P. and Allergy Associates of New London, P.C.
www.asthma-drsprecace.com

Primary Care...and Self-Help

Offerings by George A. Sprecace M.D., J.D.:

There are many reasons why persons, aka "future patients", should be concerned about and should be invested in their own health and health care.

Good health is fun. Sickness is not.
Good health costs little. Sickness costs a lot.
Whether in good health or in ill health, you are going to be around a long time, thanks to the "miracles of modern Medicine". It's your choice.
Over 50% of sickness in our society is life-style related. You can't blame it on starvation or on incurable infections or on being eaten by a tiger, as is the case in many other parts of the world.
You have had your one chance to pick your parents. Now make the most of it.

You've heard it all before: don't smoke or use illicit drugs; use alcohol in moderation, if at all; maintain a Body Mass Index around 25; consider following a Mediterranean Diet and Life-Style (see www.medidietresources.com); control blood pressure and serum lipids adequately; exercise daily; minimize TV and computer screen time; control stressors; and eliminate resentment.

In addition, seek out and maintain relationships, including one with a personal physician. And remember...a doctor is of no use to you if he or she is not available. Discuss taking daily aspirin, vitamins C and E, and Folic Acid.

In addition, both the public and physicians are urged to pursue "Clinical Performance Measures For Ambulatory Care" (see www.acponline.org). An initial list of these include the following: breast cancer screening; colorectal cancer screening; cervical cancer screening; smoking cessation; influenza and pneumococcal vaccination; controlling blood lipid abnormalities with "statin" medications if necessary; beta-blocker therapy after heart attack; ACE inhibitor/ARB therapy for heart failure; left ventricular assessment in heart failure; adequate blood pressure management (ie. below 135/85); diabetic screening and management, especially in the presence of obesity and/or positive family history, at whatever age; periodic eye exam; recognition and treatment of depression.

Pediatric preventive care, and evaluation and treatment of specific disorders, are beyond the scope of this section.

We will add to this section as new insights develop. Meanwhile, a few truisms:

Don't worry. Be happy.
Two rules. Rule 1: Don't sweat the small stuff. Rule 2: It's all small stuff.
Any experience that you survive is worth-while.
Whatever your line of work, or role in life, or responsibilities, the first rule of service is ...survival!