October Is "Family Health Month"

October has been designated Family Health Month, by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), the national organization of family physicians.

Family Health Month is a month-long campaign in which the AAFP and family physicians urge Americans to take a closer look at their health by conducting a personal health inventory. The following inventory is designed to help people take a closer look at their family's overall health, including eating habits, physical fitness, mental health, and use of tobacco or alcohol.

Nutrition:

Do you eat a balanced diet? Your family physician has up-to-date nutrition advice.

Fitness:

Does your body feel in tune? Your family physician has exercise and weight control tips. Family physicians have tips to help you deal with stress.

Hazards:

Is your home safe for young and old? Ask your family physician for a safety checklist.

Disease:

Are immunizations up to date in your household? Call your family physician.

Tobacco:

Do you use tobacco? Your family physician can help you quit the tobacco habit.

Alcohol:

Do you drink too much? Your family physician can recommend treatment.

Partnership:

Do you have a regular doctor? Family physicians are experts in helping you set up the personal health program that not only gets you healthy but keeps you healthy.

Family physicians are primary care specialists who are trained to provide patients of all ages total health care, including counseling on nutrition, exercise habits and stress management. According to AAFP President Douglas E. Henley, M.D., "Family Health Month is intended to make more Americans aware of the benefits of establishing a partnership for better health with a physician who is trained to treat the entire family for most medical problems, in other words, a family physician."

The American Academy of Family Physicians, which represents more than 82,000 family physicians, family practice residents and medical students, promotes health education and disease prevention to the public, as well as continuing medical education for family physicians and other health care professionals. For more information, contact:
The American Academy of Family Physicians,
8880 Ward Parkway,
Kansas City,
Missouri 64114-2797
USA,
(800) 274-2237, ext. 4218, or (816) 333-9700;
FAX: (816) 333-3344;
e-mail: 74144.1573@compuserve.com