What is the second opinion program?
Second opinions - as you already know - are important in medical diagnosis and treatment. Think about what perspective your doctor is coming from when you ask their opinion on any medical issue. Say for instance when you ask 100 physicians what is normal BP and where do I need to be with mine? 80% will use 140/90 or less as there goal to treat BP. The science behind this is quite specific normal BP is 115/75. Anything more gives you a greater chance to have a stroke or heart attack. 80% of the physicians use 140/90 as a goal to get there patients to because this is what we have been taught to do. However if you speak to the other 20% they will tell you get it to 115/75 and many will tell you 110/60 is better. So who do you follow the second opinion or the first opinion?
When is a complete physical important?
People come to me (or any physician for that matter) for two reasons. The first reason is for longevity, wellness and prevention. The second reason is illness or injury. You know when your sick or get injured. However what you don't know you don't know will kill you prematurely. So.... see your physician at any age twice a year.
Robert Bouvier, MD Medical Director Health Co-op of Michigan
What is normal Blood Pressure and why do I want to get there?
GREAT QUESTION!!!! The answer can literally save your life. normal Blood Pressure is 115/75, actually a range 110-130/60-80 will help keep you alive longer than what you might think. Think hard and long about this. - BP of 135/85 gives a 2x the risk for stroke and heart attack compared with the 115/75 - BP of 155/95 gives a 4x the risk for stroke and heart attack compared with the 115/75 - BP of 185/105 gives a 8x the risk for stroke and heart attack compared with the 115/75
So.... "Know Your Numbers"
What insurances do you take?
We actually encourage people to pay cash for their medical services. Many if not most of our services are cheaper to pay cash than use your health insurance.
Most all insurances are covered except BCN and Health Plus of Michigan.
What is the Flu??? How do I prevent it??? How do I treat it if I get it????
Here are the questions 1- What is the flu? 2- How do I treat the flu? 3- How do I get the medication? 4- How do I prevent it? 5- When do I take the medication
Ok... So the flu is a respiratory illness with cough, fever, chills, SOB (shortness of breath) body ache. Try to prevent it with the flu shot. Remember the flu shot helps prevent the spread of the the flu not totally prevent you from getting it and also remember the flu shot is only our best guess as to what the current flu strain will be.
The flu is also treated by taking pills if you think you have it. Relenva or Tamaflu should be on your shelf before you or someone you know get it. I recommend to my patients to keep some handy before you get the symptoms. If you take it early (12 to 48) hours after you feel the first signs or take it when you have had a strong exposure to some one with the flu you will have a better chance of preventing it or at least have an easier course. Also taking zinc 25 to 50mg per day and 2000 vit C is a big help.
Robert Bouvier, MD Medical Director Health CO-op of Michigan