Edmonds Family Medicine physicians are continuously involved in teaching people
about how to improve or maintain their health. We have many educational materials
(pamphlets & videos) on a wide variety of topics. Our physicians are also involved
in the community and will make presentations to groups and classes on a number of
health concerns.
If you wish to learn more about the health education programs at EFMC please talk
to your doctor, or take a look at our
Classes and Workshops for more information.
Below are suggestions about which routine services you may want to schedule on a
regular basis. These guidelines do not indicate insurance coverage, please check
on your specific benefit plan if you have questions, many insurance plans do not
cover routine services.
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Health Maintenance Guidelines
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Healthcare Maintenance Guidelines for Individuals with no Major Illnesses:
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GENERAL PHYSICAL
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male or female younger than 40: complete physical exam every three years.
male or female 40-50 years of age: complete physical exam every two years.
male or female over the age of 50: complete physical exam every year.
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PELVIC EXAM
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every adult woman needs a yearly breast exam, pelvic exam and pap smear
(if cervix present)
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MAMMOGRAM
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X-ray for the early detection of breast cancer in women.
Below are the guidelines for low risk patients.
Age 40-50 every two years
Over the age of 50 every year
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FLEXIBLE SIGMOIDOSCOPY
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Procedure used for the early detection of rectal/sigmoid colon cancer.
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WELL CHILD VISITS
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Bring your children in for visits at the following ages:
2 weeks old
2 months
4 months
6 months
9 months
1 year
15 months MMR vaccine, office visit is optional
18 months
2-6 years of age: yearly visits
7+ years of age: every year through school age
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PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR IMMUNIZATIONS
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Q: Are immunizations safe?
A: It is very rare for a child to have a serious reaction
to a vaccine. There is a much greater risk of disability or death from the diseases
than from the vaccines themselves. If you have questions or concerns talk with your
health care provider.
Q: How can I help my child
prepare for an immunization?
A: Your child may be upset about getting a shot. All
immunizations except the polio vaccine must be given as a shot in order to work.
If your child is old enough, explain why shots are important. Here are some tips
that will help you prepare your child:
- Infants: Just prior to and during the vaccination,
talk to your baby or distract them with a toy. Console them by cuddling and hugging
immediately afterwards.
- Toddlers/Preschoolers: Tell your child what will
happen just before the shot is given. Be honest and matter-of-fact in saying it
will hurt. Try to distract them during the injection and tell them when it is over.
Praise their behavior or console as necessary. Allow your child to act out giving
a shot to a doll or teddy bear or draw a picture of what happened.
- School Age: Prepare you child the day before or the
day of the appointment. Tell them what will happen and what they are expected to
do (holding their arm still, etc...). Allow your child to have some control of the
situation by letting them chose which are the shot is given in, opening the band-aid
package, etc... Distract or relax them (by counting or singing) to help them through
the experience. Praise and console as needed. Allow them to play out and talk about
the experience.
(A tip for parents: If you are afraid of shots, ask a
friend or relative to come with you to be with your child)
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