How to Pick the Best Physician for Your Needs

Choosing the correct physician can help you get the highest level of care. Here are some tips for making this critical decision.

When looking for a primary care doctor, choose someone you feel comfortable talking to who understands your needs. Also, select a doctor who is in-network with your health plan.

Choosing a Primary Care Physician

Your primary care physician (PCP) is your first point of contact when you have a medical need. They can also help you get a routine physical, screening tests, and immunizations. They can diagnose and treat many common health conditions and provide referrals for specialists when you need them.

You may have a PCP for years or be ready to look for a new one. Regardless, choosing the correct physician, like Meritage Medical Network, is an important and challenging decision.

List your top needs and what you expect from a doctor. Consider the doctor’s location, office hours, and whether you prefer a male or female provider. You’ll also want to check if the doctor accepts your health insurance plan and whether they have experience with the conditions you need treatment for.

Choosing a Specialist

Choosing the correct physician for your needs can be one of the most important decisions you make about your health. Whether you’re looking for a primary care doctor or a specialist, you must find a healthcare provider you can trust with whom you can communicate well and establish a long-term relationship.

Once you’ve created a list of physicians, check their qualifications, credentials, and reputation. Look for board certifications in the medical specialty that treats your condition and verify their clean track record of no malpractice claims or disciplinary actions.

Gender, age, and years of practice are also factors to consider. Some patients prefer to see a doctor of the same

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Preventing Swine Flu – 5 Key Steps to Protect Your Business & Employees From a Pandemic

Preventing Swine Flu – 5 Key Steps to Protect Your Business & Employees From a Pandemic

By June 19, 2009, all 50 states in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands had reported H1N1 infection. H1N1 outbreaks are ongoing in parts of the United States, in some cases with intense activity. Every business must understand and plan for an outbreak of H1N1 (Swine) Flu and prepare ahead of time.

High rates of worker absenteeism can also interrupt other essential services, such as law enforcement, transportation, banks, restaurants, government offices, telephone and cellular phone companies, post offices, stores, and your business practices.

Plan for the possibility that usual services your employees and your business need may be disrupted. You need to consider how business will continue during a pandemic. Consider staggered shifts, telecommuting possibilities and needs, accessing remote networks, and using portable computers. Consider flexibility in leave policies as well.

Knowing the 5 steps to preparing for the H1N1 (Swine) Flu are essential for protecting your business and employees.

Step 1 Know the Facts

Step 2 Prepare Ahead of Time

Step 3 Educate Your Employees

Step 4 Loosen Your Leave Policies

Step 5 Allow Telecommuting

Pandemics touch every aspect of society, so every part of society must prepare. All have roles in the event of a pandemic. Federal, state, tribal, and local governments are developing, improving, and testing their plans for an influenza pandemic. Businesses, schools, universities, and other faith-based and community organizations are also preparing plans. As a business leader, you are an essential part of our nation’s defense against natural and man-made threats. Preparedness is the best method to defend against the impacts of all threats and hazards, including public health threats.

Every business, large or small should have a written plan …

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Worried About the Swine Flu (H1N1)?

Worried About the Swine Flu (H1N1)?

Are you worried about the swine flu or H1N1 as it is now referred to in the media? It can be pretty scary to think about contracting this virus given all of the attention it is attracting worldwide. Hopefully, after reading this article, it will ease some of your concerns and anxieties about the swine flu (H1N1).

Swine flu is a contagious respiratory disease that affects pigs. It is caused by a type-A influenza virus with the most common version being H1N1. The current strain is a new variation of the H1N1 virus, which is a mix of human and swine influenza versions. In the past, people had only contracted swine flu from handling or coming in contact with infected pigs. Scientists become concerned whenever a new virus is able to jump from an animal, in this case a pig, to a person and then spread from person to person. As with any virus, as it spreads, it can continue to mutate, making it harder to treat.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has categorized the outbreak of H1N1 as a pandemic and has urged governments around the world to take necessary precautions to prevent the spread. As a result, there has been an urgency to create a vaccine to help contain and limit the spread of the H1N1 virus. However, is this really a good idea?

The vaccine contains dangerous additives such as mercury and squalene. Squalene is an adjuvant which reduces the amount of vaccine needed. There was a study done in 2000 that demonstrated that injections of squalene in rats triggered rheumatoid arthritis. In humans, squalene has been linked to auto-immune disorders. Several studies have found squalene to be safe in humans; however, the studies were done by pharmaceutical companies who stand …

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Diagnoses and Treatment of Haemophilus Influenza Symptoms

Diagnoses and Treatment of Haemophilus Influenza Symptoms

Haemophilus influenza symptoms are not new in our planet. Some time ago, the disease was well thought-out to be incurable. But as time evolved, a number of therapies are given to treat it and inhibit it from happening. Knowing about these symptoms is essential for the accurate treatment of the disease. If you are equipped with knowledge about the disease, you will be guided appropriately in the treatment progression.

What Are The Common Haemophilus Influenza Symptoms?

There are numerous symptoms, and these consist of a stiff neck, vomiting, cough, chills and fever, breathing difficulties, green phlegm expectoration and, in some cases, chest pains. There can also be sore throat and dry mouth, headaches and body fatigue. If you happen to experience any of these, it would be best to request aid from your doctor.

How quickly does Haemophilus Influenza Symptoms Appear?

The haemophilus influenza symptoms more often than not have an incubation period of two to four days. This means that if you get infected with it, the disease will appear symptomatically after two to four days from exposure. Initially, the indicators presented will come in the early and late stage of influenza. The early period usually lasts a small period of time at the same time as the late phase has longer peiriods of duration. Whichever stage an individual is in, treatment from a health professional is very necessary.

How Are Haemophilus Influenza Symptoms Diagnosed?

Symptoms are detected and diagnosed by your physicians in three different ways. First, a physician can name influenza as a diagnosis by means of symptoms. If you exhibit specific symptoms of influenza than you will be diagnosed accordingly. Second, the doctor can ask for blood tests to determine the type of viral strain that you have. Lastly …

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Ways You Can Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally

Ways You Can Lower Your Blood Pressure Naturally

Everyone knows that high blood pressure is unhealthy. It also affects nearly one third of adults in the United States. Most people that have it are not even aware that they do have high blood pressure. If it has been a while since you have had it checked, make it a point to do it now.

It could save your life.

If you do have hypertension, there are some things that you can do to lower it. There are medications available that your doctor may subscribe that will help with this. The majority of medical treatments that are prescribed to help hypertension do have potential side-effects. However,in most cases, these side-effects are likely to be relatively mild and temporary but this fact is never a guaranteed given.

High blood pressure is also known by the medical profession as hypertension. It is also possible to suffer from a less serious form of the condition known as pre-hypertension as well.

For now, we are going to look at some natural ways to reduce your hypertension.

1. Exercise. Proper exercise is one way you can reduce your blood pressure. By exercising you keep your heart rate up and also keep your weight in check. Being overweight can cause high blood pressure. Even if you don’t like to exercise, at least do some walking. Swimming is also a great way to get your exercise.

2. Balanced Nutrition. By eating a balanced diet, you will help your hypertension. Look out for the amount of salt in canned and frozen foods as well as in processed foods. You can be adding more salt than you should.

3. Lower your stress levels with slow breathing exercises,Yoga, and meditation and even some classical music. Anything that will relax you will …

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What Vaccines Are and How They Work

What Vaccines Are and How They Work

With more and more Australians becoming aware of the importance of receiving the influenza vaccine in order to avoid contracting the flu, it is interesting to note that many people don’t really know or understand what vaccines are, how the work – or what different types are available. Although the science behind vaccines can be quite confusing, it is possible to gain a basic understanding of flu vaccinations and other products in order to more clearly realize how they work and why they are so incredibly important.

How Vaccines Work –

In simple terms, vaccines are a weakened disease that is introduced into your body’s immune system. While the organisms found in any given vaccine are not strong enough to actually make you ill, they still contain the antigens that stimulate your immune system to respond. These antigens produce an important phenomenon known as a primary response; this basically refers to the process by which your body’s B lymphocytes detect the antigens and form special cells. These cells evolve into plasma cells which immediately produce antibodies that fight off the organisms you are being vaccinated against.

Over time, antibodies fade from your body’s system; however, memory B cells stick around for many additional years – and this is where your immunity comes from. Vaccines work in very specific and proven ways to use your body’s natural defence mechanisms to protect you from specific diseases and illnesses. The popular flu vaccines are no exception to this, and they help protect you against the most common – and troublesome – flu strains. However, the flu does mutate over time, making yearly vaccinations necessary and highly recommended.

The Different Types Of Vaccines –

There are four basic different types of vaccines available today. Some of them …

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The WHO Hears a Flu & What You Should Do

The WHO Hears a Flu & What You Should Do

Much has been written about the 2009 H1N1 influenza outbreak.  The World Health Organization’s doyenne of viral awareness, Margaret Chan, has amped up global concern.  Although we share in the wisdom of CDC’s preventive actions we resist Macbeth’s “horrible imaginings” and extend their advice to what consumers can do to better protect themselves and their families.

First get vaccinated.  All flu viruses are best transmitted by aerosol or droplet sprays during coughing and sneezing, not so much via physical contact.  Therefore, once exposed to sick persons the emphasis on hand sanitization and hand washing are good practice but short of the mark.  Flu viruses do not survive for long on hard surfaces.  Thus the best practice is to avoid exposure to the sick and once sick to isolate yourself.  Also you should try to suppress coughing and sneezing, and wear masks sufficient to reduce transmission in close quarters.  Installing UV germicidal units in sick rooms may also help.

The current medical evidence from the spring and summer 2009 case reports, gathered from both hemispheres, suggests that the severity and transmission [6-8%] of this 2009 pandemic virus is no more rapid than other flu viruses; the symptoms are mild.  The eruption of this virus is most similar to the reemergence of a new H1N1 virus in 1977 (mild).  In that year H1N1 reemerged after many years of “disappearance” hitting college students in 1977 and downshifting demographics further in 1978, but producing average excess mortality.  Media comparisons to the pandemic of 1957 (H2N2, severe) and 1968 (H3N2, moderate) are overwrought.  Typically new emergent flu viruses “replace” seasonal ones in their first years and become milder over the first four years.  The mildness, drug sensitivity (Tamiflu) and replacement effect of this 2009 H1N1 …

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Blood Pressure – Finding Natural Ways to Alleviate High Blood Pressure

Blood Pressure – Finding Natural Ways to Alleviate High Blood Pressure

My grandfather who lived 101 years old had often said “Your health is more important than your wealth”. He always reminded us to take care of your body particularly as you age. His perspective was if you invest into your health with daily exercise, a good healthy diet, you should stay fit and healthy for a long time. He was certainly an example of the advice he dispensed. He was a firm believer if you neglected your body and ate poorly, you could end up with major health issues at a young age. He saw many of his friends experience health afflictions and one of the prominent ones with high blood pressure. Fortunately you can lower your blood pressure using natural means and keep it down to improve your health.

While there are numerous medications which can lower your blood pressure, there are just as many natural ways to lower your blood pressure. Unfortunately not all physicians educate their patients about the natural ways. In defense of the physicians, they do encourage eating a healthy diet and removing the stresses in your life. You can certainly lower your blood pressure if you eat well and are relatively stress-free. Realistically stress is one of the major factors that leads to high blood pressure. It would seem obvious to remove stress from your life by clearing your mind, relaxing and not worrying so much. Yoga is a great stress reliever as is many of the medications. Both work, however I prefer the natural way. To me, medications just mask the problem.

Hypertension essentially means that blood is traveling throughout your veins at a unhealthy level of pressure. As the blood hits your vein walls hard, the effects on your body are …

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Avoid the Flu Vaccine If You Are in One of These 5 Categories

Avoid the Flu Vaccine If You Are in One of These 5 Categories

Influenza, or flu as it is most commonly referred to, is respiratory condition that is extremely contagious. Being able to take the flu shot gives many people a greater chance of staying healthy during cold and flu season.

Even though the shot does not guarantee escaping it completely, the vaccine is relatively painless and increases the chance that even if you get the flu, it will be a milder case.

But there are many who should avoid it because of an immune system, which for whatever reason is not strong enough to handle it. If you find yourself in one of the following categories should find options other than the flu shot this year.

Infants Under 6 months — Your baby’s immune system is not yet fully developed, and as such is placed at risk if given the shot. One of the biggest differences between a cold and the flu is fever. If your child develops a fever, consult your pediatrician immediately to determine if it is in fact the flu and get help with ways to deal with it.

Cancer Patient Receiving Chemotherapy or Radiation — Both of these methods of treating cancer involve killing cancer cells and good cells too. It is these good cells that, under normal circumstances, are able to fight off germs and infection. Because the number of cells is greatly decreased with treatments, your body may not be unable to respond normally to the flu shot.

If You Are Allergic to Eggs — Since the viruses that are given in the shot are cultivated in the eggs of hens, they can cause a sever threat to those who are allergic to eggs. If you have had a severe reaction previously from …

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Influenza – Treatment and Precautions

Influenza – Treatment and Precautions

Influenza pandemics can wreck havoc among humans, as seen during the 2004 bird flu and the 2009 swine flu outbreaks. Mainly the type A virus is responsible for the large scale outbreaks of flu. While yearly flu vaccinations can help build immunity against the common viral strains, it is the novel types of the flu virus that are difficult to deal with. This article gives you a list of precautions you can take during influenza pandemics.

Basic precautions

Most people often forget to take care of the basics of a healthy and hygienic living during massive flu outbreaks. Do not let the panic overwhelm you. Given below are some of the simplest remedies to prevent transmission of the H1N1 virus:

The flu virus can be spread through coughs and sneezes – 2 very common symptoms of the condition. So always cover your nose and mouth with a tissue paper while coughing or sneezing. Do not reuse the tissue; throw it away immediately. Also encourage others to do the same.

Wash your hands with water and soap, particularly after you touch your nose, mouth or eyes. Do the same after touching anyone else who is sneezing and coughing.

Wear a mask and gloves to avoid catching and/or spreading the virus, particularly when you visit public places.

Influenza is a highly contagious health condition. So avoid coming in touch with individuals who have the virus. Avoid using clothes, utensils or any other personal belongings of any person.

If you have the symptoms of flu, stay at home to prevent transmission of the virus. Take leave from school or work till you recover fully. Keep reporting to your doctor about your condition and take as much rest as possible.

Always follow instructions that are issued by appropriate authorities. …

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