|  Give the Gift of Health
Do you have someone on your holiday list who is impossible to shop for? With only a few shopping days left, we've got a solution. The Gift of Health from GreenField will keep them in touch with their personal physician whenever they have a question or health concern. Our personal care and connectivity have been lauded by our patients and recognized as a national model for medical practice redesign. We like to think of it as just plain old common sense. If you'd like to give the gift of personal care this year, we would be delighted to help you make it happen. Let us know if you'd like a gift certificate to put under the tree, or an e-gift message that we can send on your behalf. Give us a call at 503-292-9560 or drop us an email at info@greenfieldhealth.com.
Prevention and Screening - USPSTF Recommendations on Breast Cancer Screening
GreenField's Health Matters will begin to provide patients with updates from the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF). The USPSTF is an independent panel of experts that is sponsored by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). For additional information, please go to: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstfix.htm The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends screening mammography,  with or without clinical breast examination, every 1-2 years for women ages 40 and older. The USPSTF found fair evidence that mammography screening every 12-33 months significantly reduces mortality from breast cancer. Evidence is strongest for women ages 50-69, the age group generally included in screening trials. The absolute probability of benefits of regular mammography increases along a continuum with age, whereas the likelihood of harms from screening (false-positive results and unnecessary anxiety, biopsies, and cost) diminishes from ages 40-70. The balance of benefits and potential harms, therefore, grows more favorable as women age. For a discussion of risk factors and optimal screening interval please go to:
http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/3rduspstf/breastcancer/brcanrr.htm For more information on the breast cancer screening recommendation, visit the AHRQ Web site at: http://www.ahrq.gov/clinic/uspstf/uspsbrca2.htm. Common Conditions: Upper Respiratory Infections
During these winter months, upper respiratory infections (URIs) are very common. Many viruses can cause a URI which consists of stuffy nose and other nasal symptoms, post-nasal drip, a scratchy, sore throat, cough, etc. Most viruses cannot be easily identify or treated, and they go away on their own. We all experience them; they can be a real nuisance for days or sometime weeks. The best treatment is what we call "symptomatic" treatment. Tylenol or Aleve for the aches and pains, decongestants for the stuffy nose if necessary (do not take decongestants such as pseudoephidrine if you have high blood pressure), and an expectorant for the cough. In addition, don't stop exercising. Even if you do not feel great, exercise is still one of the best things that you can do....some of us believe that exercise helps resolve these infections more rapidly (in addition to helping prevent them in the first place). URIs do not generally need to be treated with antibiotics, as antibiotics are not effective against viruses. So when should you seek medical attention for an upper respiratory infection? Antibiotics may be indicated in the treatment of acute bacterial sinusitis, which can sometimes occur in the setting of a URI. However, the diagnosis of bacterial sinusitis is not a simple matter. Some patients and physicians believe that the appearance of a thick or colored nasal discharge indicates a progression to bacterial sinusitis and warrants treatment with antibiotics. This is not the case. Discolored nasal discharge is a normal, self-limited phase of the common cold, and does not necessarily indicate the presence of bacterial infection. Cough is a common symptom seen in a viral URI, in acute bronchitis, or in pneumonia. However, fever is a relatively unusual sign in acute bronchitis and, when accompanying cough, suggests either influenza or pneumonia. Patients with cough, fever, sputum production, and constitutional symptoms may have pneumonia and they may benefit from examination and antibiotic treatment. This is particularly the case if the individual has a chronic lung condition such as asthma or emphysema. In these cases, please give us a call to schedule a visit. Fun Findings! - Green Tea Fights Allergies
A recent study revealed that a compound in green tea might help inhibit certain aspects of the immune system response that produces allergy symptoms. Whether it's grass, pollen, pet dander, mold, or dust that makes you miserable, regularly drinking green tea may help. Green tea contains a compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This compound may block the production of histamine and immunoglobin E, two substances involved in the development of allergy symptoms. Although EGCG also is found in black and oolong teas, it is found in much higher concentrations in green tea. GreenField Announcements - Your Flexible Spending Account (Section 125 Plans)
As the year-end approaches, we continue to receive requests for receipts for flexible spending accounts. While our  annual fee has not gained 100% acceptance by plan administrators, we are finding that if it is submitted retrospectively, the chances of reimbursement are high. This brings our annual fee down to the $200 range in post tax dollars, depending upon your tax bracket. Please let us know if you would like a receipt - we'd be happy to mail one to you. Requests can be made directly to : Jill.Arena@GreenFieldHealth.com. The GreenField Team wishes each of you a wonderful holiday season and a health-filled 2003. As always, we are here for you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can be of assistance.
Sincerely, Your GreenField Health Team: Chuck Kilo, MD
Cynthia Ferrier, MD
Elizabeth Hays, MD
Eric Murray, MD
Jamie Sharp, CMA, your Health Coordinator
Jill Arena, your Clinic Administrator
Stephanie Gorsch, CMA, your Health Coordinator
Steve Gordon, MD 
GreenField Health System
9427 SW Barnes Road, Suite 590
Portland, OR 97225
Phone: 503-292-9560
Fax: 503-292-9510
Web: www.greenfieldhealth.com questions, concerns, comments appreciated:
questions@greenfieldhealth.com | | |