March is Kidney Cancer Awareness Month

The incidence of kidney cancer is increasing. Many kidney cancers are
detected during procedures for other diseases or conditions.
Kidney cancer rarely causes signs or symptoms in its early stages. In
the later stages, kidney cancer signs and symptoms may include:
  * Blood in your urine, which may appear pink, red or cola colored
  * Back pain just below the ribs that doesn't go away
  * Weight loss
  * Fatigue
  * Intermittent fever
Risk Factors:
  * Older age Your risk of kidney cancer increases as you age.
  * Being male Men are more likely to develop kidney cancer.
  * Smoking Smokers have a greater risk of kidney cancer than
    nonsmokers do. The risk decreases after you quit.
  * Obesity People who are obese have a higher risk of kidney cancer
    than do people who are considered average weight.
  * High blood pressure (hypertension) High blood pressure increases
    your risk of kidney cancer.
  * Chemicals in your workplace Workers who are exposed to certain
    chemicals on the job may have a higher risk of kidney cancer.
    People who work with chemicals such as asbestos and cadmium may
    have an increased risk of kidney cancer.
  * Treatment for kidney failure People who receive long-term dialysis
    to treat chronic kidney failure have a greater risk of developing
    kidney cancer.
  * Von Hippel-Lindau disease People with this inherited disorder are
    likely to develop several kinds of tumors, including, in some
    cases, kidney cancer.
   *Hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma Having this inherited
    condition makes it more likely you'll develop one or more kidney
    cancers.
 This is another very important reason to see your Family Physician for
yearly screenings!

Why it is Important for You to Answer an Insurance Questionnaire or Request!

 Insurance companies send out a questionnaire or request to their patients to verify that you and/or your children are not covered by another insurance carrier.

If you do not respond to this questionnaire/request your insurance will deny making payments until they receive this information via mail or phone.   This will make you responsible for any outstanding balances if the situation is not taken care of.  If you get a bill from our office and you feel that the insurance should pay; please call your insurance carrier or call our business office at 724-662-1930 and we will try to assist you.

Saturday Hours for Pediatrics and Adults for FHP Patients

We now have Saturday hours for all patients of Family Healthcare Partners. Our Saturday offices are at  420 Hillcrest Ave, Grove City.  The office hours are 8:30 a.m. until 12:00p.m. for sick and acute visits only.  To make appointment call 724-458-4950 on Saturday after 8:30am. We will not have hours on Saturday December 24, 2011 and Saturday December 31, 2011.

This is the Season for the Common Cold and Viruses

Symptoms of cold and viral infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract are relatively mild.  They include sneezing, fatigue, sore throat, and stuffy or runny nose - but not fever.  Symptoms of cold and viral infections usually last only a few days. About 200 different strains of virus can produce colds, they are spread by direct or indirect contact. The cold is the most common of all illnesses, the average person gets several colds every year.  Treatment involves rest, adequate fluid intake, and over-the-counter remedies for the symptoms. Antibiotics do not combat a virus but may be given if secondary infections develop.

Treatment

There are no medicines that will cure the common cold. Given time, the body's immune system makes antibodies to fight the infection, and the cold is resolved without any intervention. Antibiotics are useless against a cold. However, there are many products that have been developed by pharmaceutical companies in the United States to relieve cold symptoms. These products usually contain antihistamines, decongestants, and/or pain relievers. Prevention focuses on strengthening the immune system by eating a healthy diet low in sugars and high in fresh fruits and vegetables, practicing meditation or using other means to reduce stress, and getting regular moderate exercise.

Prevention

It is not possible to prevent colds because the viruses that cause colds are common and highly infectious. However, there are some steps individuals can take to reduce the spread of the common cold.  These include:

• washing hands well and frequently, especially after touching the nose or before handling food
• using instant hand sanitizers, which are antiseptics and not antibiotics
• covering the mouth and nose when sneezing
• disposing of used tissues properly
• avoiding close contact with someone who has a cold during the first two to four days of their infection
• not sharing food, eating utensils, or cups
• using paper towels rather than shared cloth towels
• avoiding crowded places where cold germs can spread
• eating a healthy diet and getting adequate sleep

Family Healthcare Partners Pediatric and Adult 2011 Flu Clinics Scheduled

Family Healthcare Partners Pediatric Flu Clinic is scheduled for Dr. Hefner
and Dr. Gerlach’s patients that are between the ages of 6 months to 18 years
old.

Saturday October 15, 2011  8:30 am to 11:30 am. 

Family Healthcare Partners Grove City Pediatric Office-Pine Medical Center-Suite 5

Appointments for the pediatric flu clinic are not needed!
If you can not make it to our scheduled pediatric clinic please call
and schedule an appointment with our receptionist at 724-458-5872.

Thank You!        David Hefner, DO - Kevin Gerlach, DO - Kelly Barton, PAC

_________________________________________________________________________________

Grove City Adult Flu Clinic for patients of 
Dr. Edward Smith, Dr. Christopher Sprando and
Tera Frydrych, PAC is scheduled for:
Saturday October 8, 2011  8:00 am to 11:00 am.

Family Healthcare Partners Office - 420 Hillcrest Avenue - Grove City

Appointments for the Grove City office patients flu clinic are not needed!
Please bring your insurance card with you to the flu clinic.

Thank You!   Edward G. Smith, MD - Christopher Sprando, MD - Tera Frydrych, PAC
________________________________________________________________________________ 

Influenza is a serious and contagious respiratory illness that's caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms can range from mild to severe, sometimes leading to pneumonia, bronchitis, and ear infections. Some groups are at a higher risk than others, including the elderly, young children, and people with certain health conditions.

 Every year in the United States, on average:

• 5 to 20 percent of the population get the flu
• Approximately 4 million children get the flu

Watch for flu symptoms, which can include:

• High fever
• Headache
• Tiredness/weakness
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Body or muscle aches
• Diarrhea and vomiting (more common for children)