Telluride Med Center: Wellness Exam, What Happens?

17 Apr Telluride Med Center: Wellness Exam, What Happens?

Dr. Sharon Grundy and the Primary Care Team at the Telluride Regional Medical Center like to see locals in April, May, October and November for what they call “Preventive Health Season.” Learn more about preventative care and the Med Center’s discounted services here. And be sure to call 970-728-3848 to make your appointment.

Dr. Sharon Grundy

Why visit the Telluride Medical Center for a preventive health exam?

The CDC’s statistics demonstrate the majority of the top 10 causes of death in the US are preventable through lifestyle and dietary changes, following immunization schedules and screening guidelines.

What happens in a wellness exam?

A wellness exam offers screens for risk factors, arrangements for preventive tests and allows your provider to coordinate referrals for counseling.

You will likely discuss the following with your provider:

Diet. It’s the main contributor to heat disease, cerebrovascular disease and diabetes. Your provider may recommend a Mediterranean diet that is high in vegetables (especial dark green leafy vegetables), dark berries, nuts and seeds, whole grains. It’s especially important to moderate inflammatory saturated fats (those found in animal products such as whole fat dairy and red meat). We also recommend limiting processed food high in sodium and preservatives.

Regular activity can lower your risk for cancer, heart disease, and stroke. We’ll want to make sure you’re getting enough! Adults should get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity (equal to a brisk walk) or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity (something that gets your heartbeat and breathing faster, and makes you sweat) each week, preferably spread throughout the week.

Tobacco use. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer. Tobacco use also contributes to heart disease by aging the blood vessels. Lung cancer is the leading cause of death due to cancers reported by NCI with 154,000 deaths a year. Through counseling and interventions such as motivational interviewing, acupuncture or medications we can help a person quit smoking. Smoking prevention is, of course, one of the most important interventions the Med Center can provide.

Cancer screenings can detect cancer in an early stage or in a pre-cancerous state. Current screening tests for cancer include: cervical cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, skin cancer and prostate cancer. During your exam your provider reviews the recommendations for screening and orders appropriate tests.

Accident prevention is affected by wearing seat belts, using motorcycle helmets, and avoiding misuse of prescription and illegal drugs to cut down on the risk of unintentional injury.

Immunizations. Schedules exist for adults and can help impact the rates of bacterial pneumonia and complications of influenza. Influenza-associated deaths in the United States ranged from a low of 12,000 (during 2011-2012) to a high of 56,000. More info here.

Weight management impacts rates of heart disease, diabetes and cancer. More than one-third (36.5%) of U.S. adults have obesity, defined as a body mass index of 30 or greater. Maintaining a body mass index of 18-24 can decrease rates of overall mortality. Compared with normal-weight adults, obese adults had at least 20% significantly higher rate of dying of all-cause or cardiovascular disease. More info here.

Mental Health Screenings are part of the Med Center’s wellness exam. Doctors and their team have developed an Integrative Behavioral Health Program to address the growing mental health demand. Clinicians feel comfortable in addressing depression, anxiety, substance abuse and assist with motivating change.

The Telluride Regional Medical Center provides the highest quality, comprehensive Primary Care and exceptional Emergency/Trauma Services. Since 1978 – that’s 40 years folks – the institution has evolved, however possible, right along with complex healthcare technologies and population growth – while remaining within the very same 10,000-square-foot remodeled building originally built in the 1960s. Currently the Telluride Hospital District is working to secure a site for a new facility to serve the needs of the region today, tomorrow, and 50 years into the future.