What is family medicine?
Family medicine is a medical specialty that provides primary care for people of all ages. It allows each of your family members to receive the treatment they need at a single location, saving you time and energy.
What services does family medicine provide?
At Charis Medical Center, Dr. Akamangwa offers various family medicine services, including:
Physicals
A physical exam is a preventive checkup that assesses your current health. During a physical, Dr. Akamangwa listens to your heart and respiratory rate, tests your reflexes, and palpates your organs. He then examines your ears, eyes, nose, and throat, updates your immunizations, and orders laboratory testing. Combined, these measures provide an overview of your well-being.
Laboratory testing
Laboratory testing analyzes samples of bodily fluids like saliva, urine, or blood. These tests can detect problems that aren’t visible to the naked eye, such as high cholesterol, nutritional deficiencies, or hormonal imbalances. Some of the most common laboratory tests include urinalysis, complete blood count (CBC), and glycated hemoglobin (A1C).
Immunizations
Immunizations or vaccinations are shots that expose your body to safe amounts of viruses or bacteria. Once the immunization enters your body, it “teaches” your immune system to build an adaptive response. The type of immunizations that will most benefit you depend on your age and health history.
Common immunizations include diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP), measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR), the chickenpox vaccine, and the annual flu shot.
Preventive screenings
Preventive screenings are tests that detect potentially serious health problems in their early stages of development. Some of the most common preventive screenings include Pap smears, colonoscopies, mammograms, and prostate exams.
Diagnostic imaging
Diagnostic imaging like X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans use advanced technology to take detailed photographs of your bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Dr. Akamangwa uses diagnostic imaging to diagnose various health problems, including pneumonia, fractures, and dislocated joints.
How often should I visit my family medicine physician?
It’s important to meet with a family medicine physician at least once a year, even if you feel healthy.
Many chronic ailments, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease present few symptoms early on. Regular checkups can alert you to potentially serious problems when they’re most responsive to treatment.
Protect your health with a family medicine consultation at Charis Medical Center. Book an appointment online, or call the office to speak with a member of the administrative staff today.
