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"Please Don't Confuse Your Google Search with My Medical Degree."

Presented by: Richard Baron · TEDxChicago

The idea that individuals now can access information and become “specialist” overnight is good and bad. Dr. Baron is trying to encourage us to make sure to build trust between doctors and patients as we are trying to make the best-personalized decisions for the patients.

Annual Physical Exams

WHY YOU DON’T NEED AN “ANNUAL PHYSICAL EXAM"
The old “Annual Physical” used to be a visit when the doctor could review your paper chart to ensure that all routine tests were up to date. With the computers in our office, there are reminders that tell staff when your tests are overdue. These include colon, cervical, breast and prostate cancer screening tests, as well as bone density tests and immunizations.  Therefore, an "Annual Physical” is no longer required for this purpose. The “Annual Physical” was also a time for a complete ‘head-to-toe’ examination. However, research has shown that this type of exam does not provide any benefit.

INSTEAD OF ASKING TO BOOK A “PHYSICAL” ...
Ask to book a visit for a specific concern(s) that you may have. Ask if you have any blood work, tests, or cancer screens that are overdue or coming up. These can often be booked without seeing the doctor.

HOW TO CHECK YOUR TEST RESULTS
Did you know that you can check most of your test results online?   

Baby and Child Health

Both paediatricians and family doctors provide care for babies, children and teens.  Dr. Wright might refer your child to a paediatrician for a specific health issue, but she will continue to be involved  in immunizations, routine growth and development, and see them when they are sick.

Bone Health

Prevention of bone loss (or osteoporosis) is an important aspect of staying healthy and active.  There are lots of ways we can prevent low bone mass or deterioration of healthy bone tissue through exercise, diet and medical management.

Cancer Screening and Prevention

Cancer screening can find cancer early when there is a better chance of treating it successfully.  Even if you do not have any symptoms, it is important to get screened.  The ages for screening and intervals for testing for many types of cancer can be found at Cancer Care Ontario and My Cancer IQ

Diabetes

Diabetes affects approximately ten percent of all Canadians and is a manageable disease. It takes some time, care and help to manage your diabetes, but the benefits will last you your lifetime. Well-managed diabetes reduces your risk of heart disease, kidney disease and risk of damage to other organs such as your eyes and nerve endings. Along with a healthy diet and regular exercise, there are excellent treatment options to help keep your diabetes in check.

Managing Your Diabetes at Home

There are some important things that need to be monitored regularly if you have diabetes.
Due to the recent pandemic, there are changes to your regular diabetes checkups.  We will be asking you to monitor some of the aspects of your care on a regular basis. These include your blood sugar, blood pressure, weight, eye health, foot health and kidney function. Regular diabetes visits are important to ensure these are being monitored properly.

How to Prepare for Your Diabetes Visit at Home

If you are scheduled for a diabetes visit, there are some things you can do before the visit to ensure that Dr. Wright has the information she needs to assess your diabetes control.

1. Monitoring Your Blood Sugar

Checking your blood sugar regularly will help determine how well your diabetes is controlled. There are three time to consider checking your blood sugar:

  • Before breakfast (fasting state). This helps to determine your body’s baseline blood sugar, before you have a meal. Generally this reading should be between 5 and 7.
  • After a meal (post-prandial state). This measurement, generally taken two hours after eating, helps determine how your body processes sugar. Generally this reading should be between 5 and 10.
  • Sometimes, if your blood sugar is too low or too high, it can make you feel unwell. It is important to check your blood sugar if you feel unwell, as that can provide important information to control your blood sugar more effectively.

2. Keep an Eye on Your Weight

If you have a scale, check your weight a few times in the week leading up to your appointment. This is especially important if your appointment will be over the phone.

3. Check your Blood Pressure

Monitor your blood pressure regularly. This is best measured a few times per week. There are some important steps to follow in order to check your blood pressure properly:

  • Make sure you are relaxed. Checking your blood pressure when you are stressed or worried may lead to an inaccurate reading.
  • Make sure you are rested. Check your blood pressure when you’ve had a chance to sit quietly with legs uncrossed for at least five minutes.
  • Check your blood pressure at least three times, leaving a few minutes in between each reading.
  • Make a note of the readings. Write down your readings in a notebook or chart, along with the date and anything noteworthy.

4. Note Any Changes in Your Diet

Let us know about any important changes to your diet since your last appointment.

5. Have your blood work done

Bloodwork is normally done before diabetes visits. However, if you are strictly isolating at home because of illness, exposure, or travel restrictions, you will not be able to leave the house to get bloodwork done. If this is the case, your doctor may still determine that a diabetes visit is necessary. In this case, please follow the instructions above to prepare for your diabetes visit.If you are leaving the house for essential reasons and practicing physical distancing, getting bloodwork done prior to your diabetes visit may be possible for you. We may request that you get bloodwork done prior to your visit, even if your visit will be conducted over the phone. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Exercise & Weight Management

Together with a healthy diet, regular exercise can help moderate your weight, help you sleep better, improve your mood and make it easier to move. Building activity into your every-day life also sets a great example for children. See some of the links below for resources and tips:

Infectious Diseases

Here are some helpful resources for any questions related to staying healthy during flu season.

Menopause

Every woman experiences menopause differently. The best way to manage your menopause experience is to learn the facts, including the benefits and risks of available therapies, as well as important health concerns to consider during this transition period.

Mental Health

If you are in crisis call 911, present yourself to the nearest Emergency Department or CLICK HERE. Mental health is an important part of YOUR health. Managing stress, addressing anxiety and depression, and recognizing when to seek help can be difficult. If you are experiencing any symptoms or are interested in seeking out some self-help resources please check out some of the resources below.

If you have a new mental health concern, it is best to talk to the doctor so that a treatment plan can be discussed that is right for you

Nutrition

A healthy diet starts at home. It is important to know what you are eating, and how much you are eating. Developing a positive relationship with healthy food is a key foundation to healthy living.

Prenatal Health

Prenatal care is the health care you get while you are pregnant.  Take care of yourself and your baby by getting early and regular prenatal care. This involves a combination of in-person appointments and virtual appointments, along with routine blood tests and ultrasounds.   Schedule a visit with Dr. Wright if you know you are pregnant.

Senior Care & Aging Well

It’s helpful at all stages of our life, but particularly in older age, to reflect on your health and ask yourself whether your living situation gives you the best opportunity to remain safe and independent.

For example:

  •  Are there any areas of your life where you could use some help to live as independently as possible?
  • Are there any risks to your safety or well-being in your home?
  • Has your ability to make sound decisions about your own health and well-being changed?
  • Are you able to manage your own finances and medications?

There are no right or wrong answers. Talk it out with your kids and your friends. The point is to begin thinking about this now, so that when it comes time to make a decision, you’re not rushed.

Sleep

During a good night’s sleep (good sleep hygiene) your body and mind recover from a hard day at work and play!

Smoking Cessation

Quitting smoking is the best choice you can make to improve your overall health and reduce your risk of many diseases, including cancer, heart disease and breathing problems

Sexual Health

Understanding your sexual health is an important part of your well-being. It's about being aware of your body, your mind, and your overall health. It also involves taking a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships.  

Tick Bites in Ontario

Learn how to avoid bites from black legged ticks, which may carry Lyme disease. Learn how to remove tick bites HERE

Lets Connect

Contact Us

For any questions, bookings, or general inquiries please contact us.

To book and Aviation Medical Examination please call 705 792-4800 or email doctorkwright@gmail.com

Monday to Thursday

9:00am - 4:00pm

Friday

9:00am - 12:00pm

Address

211 Ferndale Dr. S. Suite 7
Barrie ON L4N 6B9

Phone

+1 (705) 792-4800

Fax

+1 (705) 792-4009

Email Us

doctorkwright@gmail.com