With so many new medical doctors choosing to pursue a specialty in gastroenterology, neurology, or general surgery, a shortage of family practice physicians has developed. That makes a clinic with several doctors in a Family Practice in Andover Kansas invaluable to the community.
Medical Doctors and Doctors of Osteopathy
This type of clinic may include medical doctors and doctors of osteopathy, who complete nearly identical training but may have somewhat different philosophies of health care. This complementary team can be especially helpful for treating patients of diverse cultures and beliefs.
Treating Patients of All Ages
Doctors who choose to pursue a career in family practice medicine know they will make a significant positive difference in their communities. They treat patients of all ages, providing pediatric as well as geriatric services. People who start coming to the clinic for Family Practice in Andover Kansas as children may still be going there as young adults and on into their later years.
Targeting Obesity
These physicians are likely to be concerned about preventive and wellness care, understanding the needs of their local populations. Childhood and adult obesity are reaching epidemic numbers, for example. Some health experts predict that 75 percent of U.S. residents will be overweight by the year 2030.
A report from the Kansas Health Institute in 2016 found that one-third of Kansas adult residents could be classified as obese. There are no significant gender differences in this regard, but black and Latino residents tend to have higher obesity rates. That extra weight is a significant risk factor for many diseases, including heart disease and diabetes. Visit here for more information.
Vaccinations
Another preventive measure strongly encouraged by doctors is for children and adults both to have their recommended vaccinations. Statistically, Kansas parents do pretty well at getting their children vaccinated on schedule, ranking in the top 10 of all states. However, compliance rates for vaccinating children under age three for communicable diseases still languishes at about 77 percent, which creates health risks for the entire community. Nationwide, less than half the population gets an annual flu shot. Vaccines are provided at medical clinics such as Wichita Family Medicine Specialists. Click here for details on this particular organization.
