What is a Family Doctor
Your family physician knows your health history best. He or she can recommend how often you should come in for a physical exam or wellness check, and how frequently you need medical testing or screening done. To get the most out of your appointment, make sure your family physician has up-to-date medical records.
How to Work with Your GP
Tell your doctor about any medications you take, including supplements. Make a list of questions to ask so that you don’t forget anything important, and be totally honest with your family doctor about smoking, alcohol and drug use. Your healthcare provider needs an honest picture of your health to provide you with the best information for your situation.
Researched Options
What is a Fever?
A fever is most commonly caused by an infection, either viral or bacterial.
Other causes of infections are inflammations, like arthritis or destruction of the tissue, like in surgery. Certain cancers can cause fever, like lymphoma, as well as certain auto-immune disorders, like sarcoidosis and lupus. Fever can also be caused by the administration of medication, and, or, blood products.
The primary fever treatment consists of local measures, like adequate hydration with cold fluids, as well as sponge baths with lukewarm water to bring the temperature down. On top of that, we can also administer acetaminophen or ibuprofen appropriate for weight and age, to bring the temperature down further.
If you have questions about fever, contact your local physician.
Presenter: Dr. Egidius Stockenstrom, Family Doctor, Vancouver, BC
Local Practitioners: Family Doctor
Heart failure: Congestive heart failure (CHF) occurs when fluid builds up around the heart, which interferes with the heart muscle’s ability to pump blood throughout the body. Heart failure symptoms depend on the type of heart disease you have. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is commonly associated with heart failure. While chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure are two different conditions, they can both cause breathing problems.
Stroke: A stroke occurs when there is a reduction or interruption of the blood supply to the brain. This deprives the brain of nutrients and oxygen. It’s important to watch for stroke symptoms, as a stroke is a medical emergency that can lead to brain damage or death. Stroke treatment will depend on what type of stroke you’ve had.
