Uncategorized

August is close, and if your child has not had a checkup this year, now is the time to book one. A wellness exam in Lithonia covers far more than most parents expect, and getting it done early means you go into the school year knowing your child is ready, not hoping they are. What the Visit Actually Covers A wellness exam is a full checkup, not a quick once-over. During the visit your child’s doctor will: Check growth and physical health. Height, weight, and blood pressure are tracked and compared to previous visits to make sure your child is developing on track. Screen for vision and hearing problems. These are two of the most commonly missed issues in school-age children. A child who cannot see the board clearly or hear the teacher properly often gets labeled inattentive before anyone realizes there is a physical reason behind it. Review mental and emotional health. Anxiety, mood changes, sleep issues, and social stress have become more common in children and teens. The wellness visit is a good time to bring up anything you have noticed at home. Complete school forms. If your child’s school requires paperwork signed by a doctor, bring it to the visit, and it gets handled in the same appointment. Georgia School Requirements to Know Georgia law requires every child from daycare through 12th grade to have a Certificate of Immunization, Form 3231, on file before attending school. Beyond that, there are grade-specific requirements: One appointment takes care of all of it. Why Booking Early Matters Scheduling two to three weeks before the first day gives you time to follow up on anything that comes up, whether that is a missing vaccination or a referral for a specialist. Waiting until the week before school means competing with every other family who also waited. Book your child’s wellness exam at First Lithonia Medical Center before the August rush. firstlithonia.com/book-same-day/

As the weather gets warmer, many people spend more time enjoying fresh fruits, vegetables, and outdoor gatherings. While these are all part of a healthy lifestyle, summer is also a time when certain foodborne illnesses become more common. One of them is the Cyclospora infection, a parasitic illness that can cause prolonged digestive symptoms if left untreated. Knowing how this infection spreads and what to look out for can help you protect yourself and your family. What Is the Cyclospora Infection? Cyclospora infection is caused by a microscopic parasite called Cyclospora cayetanensis. People usually become infected after eating fresh produce or drinking water contaminated with the parasite. Unlike many foodborne illnesses, it does not spread directly from one person to another because the parasite needs time in the environment before it becomes infectious. Outbreaks have been linked to fresh herbs, leafy greens, berries, and other fresh produce, particularly during the warmer months. Common Symptoms to Watch For Symptoms typically appear about one week after exposure and can last for several days or even weeks without treatment. Common symptoms include: Because these symptoms can resemble other stomach illnesses, it is important to seek medical evaluation if they persist or become severe. How to Reduce Your Risk Although it is not always possible to prevent foodborne illness completely, a few simple habits can lower your risk. Wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them, even if they appear clean. Store produce properly, practice good hand hygiene before preparing meals, and drink safe, clean water when traveling. Being mindful of food safety is especially important during the summer, when fresh produce is widely consumed and outdoor dining is more common. When to See Your Healthcare Provider Most people recover well with appropriate treatment, but ongoing diarrhea can lead to dehydration and make daily activities difficult. If digestive symptoms last more than a few days, become severe, or return after briefly improving, don’t ignore them. Your healthcare provider can determine whether Cyclospora infection or another condition may be responsible and recommend the right treatment. To book an appointment to check whether this is the case, click on this link: firstlithonia.com/book Protect Your Health This Season Summer should be a time to enjoy family gatherings, vacations, and fresh seasonal foods without unnecessary health concerns. Understanding the Cyclospora infection and practicing safe food habits can help reduce your risk. If you have persistent digestive symptoms or concerns about your health, the team at First Lithonia Medical Center is here to help. Early evaluation can provide answers, appropriate treatment, and peace of mind so you can get back to feeling your best.

Preventive care is the backbone of long term health, especially for adults and seniors in Lithonia and Austell. Yet many people still wait until symptoms appear before visiting a doctor. Unfortunately, conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, anemia, and thyroid dysfunction often develop quietly for months or years before showing noticeable signs. Annual physicals allow your physician to detect these issues early, track vital changes, and create a personalized health plan that prevents complications. In this comprehensive guide, we break down why yearly checkups matter and what to expect during your visit to our primary care clinics. The Hidden Conditions an Annual Physical Can Detect Many of the most serious chronic illnesses begin silently. During a routine exam, we screen for the following. High Blood Pressure Hypertension affects millions of adults, and most don’t feel symptoms until it’s dangerously high. A quick blood pressure reading may reveal early changes you may not notice at home. Prediabetes and Diabetes A simple fasting glucose or A1C test can detect metabolic issues early. Early detection prevents kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision loss. High Cholesterol High LDL cholesterol damages arteries quietly over years. Annual labs help track your cardiovascular risk and guide lifestyle or medication decisions. Thyroid Dysfunction Fatigue, weight changes, and mood shifts can be caused by thyroid abnormalities. Without lab testing, these issues often go undiagnosed. Anemia and Nutritional Deficiencies Vitamin D deficiency, iron deficiency anemia, and B12 deficiency are common in Georgia. They cause fatigue, weakness, and cognitive difficulty but are easily treatable once identified. What Happens During an Annual Physical Your physical exam is tailored to your age, health history, and risk factors. A complete annual visit may include the following. Vital signs including blood pressure, temperature, pulse, and oxygen levelWeight, height, and BMI assessmentVision or hearing screening when neededComprehensive physical examLab work including cholesterol, glucose, blood count, liver and kidney functionMedication reviewMental health screeningLifestyle and preventive counseling For adults over 40, we may recommend additional screenings such as cancer screening, cardiac evaluation, or hormone assessment. Why Annual Physicals Matter for Long Term Health They allow early intervention Catching problems early means easier treatment and better outcomes. They help track long term changes We compare your results year to year to identify trends in blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, and lab values. They strengthen your doctor patient relationship Regular visits help us understand your habits, preferences, and family history, allowing more personalized and accurate care. Annual Physicals for Adults vs Seniors Older adults often need additional preventive care, including the following. Bone density examsFall risk evaluationsMemory screeningMedication safety checksVaccinations for pneumonia and shingles Our clinic provides age appropriate care with a compassionate and educational approach. How Our Lithonia and Austell Clinics Make It Easy We understand our patients are busy professionals, parents, and caregivers. That’s why we offer fast scheduling, short wait times, affordable visits for the uninsured, same week appointments, and comprehensive labs onsite. When Should You Book Your Next Annual Physical If it has been 12 months or more since your last comprehensive checkup, now is the time. Call to Action Book your annual physical today at our Lithonia or Austell location and stay one step ahead of hidden health problems