Internal Medicine

What is Internal Medicine?

Internal Medicine involves the non-surgical medical care of adults and adolescents. It is considered a Primary Care specialty since many patients begin their long term health care with an Internist. It is also a specialty since Internist sees only adults.

Can my Internist take care of all my health needs?

Your Internist is responsible for watching out for your overall health. Though internists have a broad range of skills, he or she will probably refer you to a specialty doctor if the need ever arises.

What is Preventive Medicine?

This is the combination of regular physical exams, screening tests, and lifestyle management aimed at prevention and early detection of disease. The regular and proper application of preventive medicine can greatly reduce the risk or severity of many serious illnesses, including heart disease and cancer.

Who needs a complete physical exam, why, and how often?

The best way for your doctor to start right with your medical care is with a comprehensive physical exam. This usually involves a thorough examination of all the organ systems as well as a broad set of blood work and a urine test. This allows your doctor the best opportunity of diagnosing any problems. A physical exam should be done every two or three years until the age of forty and annually thereafter.

What is the DASH diet?

The DASH diet is best diet for lowering blood pressure (it is 2-3 times more effective than a low salt diet). The DASH diet emphasizes low fat, high potassium, high calcium diet. Some patients with weak kidneys may not be able to tolerate either a low sodium or DASH diet.

What is Lifestyle Management?

This addresses various aspects of a patient’s lifestyle that may have an impact on his or her health. This would include such things as smoking, alcohol consumption, drug abuse, diet, and exercise. Your Internist would try to identify any such issues and then counsel the patient on steps to reduce the health risk. Life style modification can prevent serious illnesses like high blood pressure and diabetes.