IMMUNIZATIONS
Dr. Trang Nguyen, a Conroe family physician, recommends that all patients get immunizations. This is important not only for children but for adults, as well. Immunizations protect the patient from a wide variety of preventable infectious diseases. Vaccines also protect people the patient interacts with. As a family doctor, the public’s health is important to Dr. Nguyen.
Why Get Vaccinated?
In some cases, immunizations protect against infectious diseases for which there are no effective treatments. Without an adequate level of defense, children and adults are at risk for serious illnesses and potentially even death. Also, individuals with compromised immune systems may not be able to receive immunizations. They rely on those around them being adequately vaccinated to ensure they are protected from infectious diseases. Physicians who encourage appropriate immunization plans also lower the risks of epidemics within a community. Preventing disease through vaccination is also more cost effective as they are lower in cost than the treatment of a disease. These practical reasons for immunization protect the health of the whole community.
Reduction of Infectious Disease
Immunizations prevent a variety of diseases such measles, mumps, whooping cough, and rubella. The reduction of chronic diseases, such as polio, is the result of the implementation of active childhood immunization programs. A series of booster shots ensures that the vaccination coverage remains effective. International travelers need to discuss their plans with their physician as additional immunizations may be needed for travel to countries where certain diseases still exist.
How Do Immunizations Protect?
The body’s immune system actively works to prevent disease. After exposure, materials are naturally created to fight germs that caused the illness. When these germs are encountered again, the immune system is prepared to eradicate or lessen their effect.Immunizations stimulate the immune system to naturally perform this function. They contain dead or weak cells to increase an individual’s immunity to the disease.
Immunizations protect children and adults from a wide variety of serious illnesses. Dr. Nguyen in Conroe, TX shares their importance with all patients.
Geriatric care is a healthcare specialty that focuses on the health and wellbeing of our elderly and aging population. At Conroe Family Doctor, we specialize in treating and preventing diseases and disabilities commonly found in older populations, all with the compassion and care that you’d expect from your physician.
Why do I need a specialist?
While your physician is likely well-qualified to treat you right now, a geriatric healthcare specialist should be a part of your care plan as you age. As you get older, your body changes and the way diseases and illnesses manifest is different than how they do when you’re younger.
The physiological changes you experience as you age increases the difficulty that comes with diagnosing and treating diseases. A geriatric care specialist will know what to look for, questions to ask when treating you, and the best plans for treating your unique symptoms and circumstances. We also understand how various medications interact with each other and can ensure you don’t experience any adverse medicinal interactions.
What’s the average age someone starts to receive geriatric care?
While there’s no set age at which someone should start seeing a physician that specializes in elderly healthcare, the generally accepted age is about 65 years old. If, however, you have a family history of geriatric healthcare issues that tend to show up earlier than 65, you might want to start seeing a specialist earlier.
What else can these specialists help with?
As you age, your geriatric care physician can help guide you and your family through important and often hard decisions we all have to make. Our goal is to educate patients and their families on end of life issues, quality of life, independence, and how and when to progress through skilled nursing and other treatment facilities.
With your permission, we can also work with your spouse and children, so they understand your healthcare needs, our plans for your treatment, and how they can best support you.
Recommending Specialists
Here at Conroe Family Doctor, we have extensive relationships with other geriatric healthcare specialists, including geriatric oncologists, geriatric nephrologist, and geriatric dentistry. Our established relationships with these providers will ensure you get the best care possible, so you can enjoy retirement and a happy, healthy life. And, you can rest confident that you’ll be in great hands with specialists who understand your health issues and how your life stage might impact them.
Contact our team to schedule your appointment or get answers to any questions you have. We would love to be a part of your healthcare planning and helping you live the best life possible.
