A part of your scheduled appointment includes discussion of any sudden or acute care issues. Expedient care can prevent emergency room visits and hospitalizations, which helps reduce out-of-pocket expenses.

I use your acute issues as a planning tool. I will teach you to recognize and take action on the signals your body gives you. You can prevent small problems from escalating into full-blown emergencies. I find patients like a sense of control, once the opportunity is open to them. We all must face ill health. Whether young or old, injuries happen or your body fails you. There is little mystery about these events. You will be happily amazed as I teach you how to make good decisions regarding your health.

I believe wholeheartedly in preventive medicine. I try to incorporate a look into long-term prevention into every visit: we review your diet and exercise plan. With this tool, we are in a position to reduce medications while striving for optimum health. Honestly, most preventive health is up to the patient.

Eating well, habitually exercising and finding a calm spot in the stress of the day are equal parts of the prescription. However, it helps to have a guide, coach, or cheerleader. I want to fill that role.

This triad, of listening, acute care and prevention, is the backbone of an office visit. It enables my health care approach to be like "one-stop shopping." I will examine a diet history, and offer tips to help you eat better. Remember a "diet" is for a lifetime, and does not need to be built or made over in a day. Small changes, over time, will add up. Some patients who want or should lose weight will learn how to make bigger changes, sooner. Most patients, however, can take a calmer approach, learning new shopping habits, how to fill their pantry, and how to snack healthier.

Similarly, almost everyone hopes to be more physically active. I have tips to help you start on your way.

I will be YOUR guide on the path to independence…being in control of your own life, health, and well-being.