Health expo designed to be family-oriented activity
Christina Plantier, a physician assistant, listens to the lungs of a patient.
Posted: 2 October 2009
SOUTHINGTON — Sarah Fontaine has had asthma for as long as she can remember, so regular trips to the doctor are nothing new for her. As a child, visiting the doctor’s office was a scary experience, but by now, at 33, it’s routine.
Fontaine, a Plainville resident, recently found herself in an examination room of MidState Medical Group Primary Care Specialists, where for the past two years she’s been seeing Christina Plantier, a physician assistant. The complaint was a week’s worth of sinus-related symptoms, including coughing, sneezing, sinus headache and congestion. She figured it was brought on by allergies.
Examination determined that Fontaine’s condition was likely not viral, so Plantier gave her a prescription for antibiotics.
The visit lasted about 15 minutes, typical for a regular patient on a regular visit, and ended with Plantier asking Fontaine if she needed a note excusing her from work.
Unlike Fontaine, most patients are nervous about doctor’s visits, Plantier said.
“They’re afraid you’re going to tell them something scary,” she said.
To help alleviate the apprehension, Plantier has prepared advice on how to get the most out of a visit to the physician. Her presentation is part of the upcoming Greater Meriden Chamber of Commerce’s 2009 Health and Wellness Council Expo, a daylong event at Westfield Meriden on Oct. 9.
The exposition, free of charge, is scheduled on a day when most youngsters will be off from school, and is designed as a family-oriented activity, said David D. Lowell, chairman of the chamber’s Health and Wellness Council. Lowell is also director of operations for Hunter’s Ambulance Service, the main sponsor.
“This is going to be our largest public event for both business and the community at large,” Lowell said.
The expo starts at 9:30 a.m., with a panel discussion on H1N1 pandemic flu preparedness, followed by a demonstration of healthy food preparation by chef Kashia Cave and the students of My City Kitchen.
The flu preparedness discussion will include advice on what to do with your child when the school sees a number of students becoming ill, Lowell said.
Fire, police and ambulance crews will enact the response to a cardiac emergency at the mall’s center court, which will be narrated every step of the way, Lowell said.
Other presentations include one on assisted living and dementia care, audiology and advice on how to get a good night’s sleep.
Among the tips Plantier plans to discuss about getting the most out of your visit to the doctor is preparing ahead of time. That means writing down medications and herbal supplements, allergies, surgeries and family history, and a written list of questions you want to ask.
“Don’t be afraid to tell us things that are private,” advised Plantier. Those could include questions about erectile dysfunction or incontinence, for example.
“Bring up any concerns you have,” she said. “Just because your grandfather suffered in silence doesn’t mean you have to.”
If the visit is to a new physician, it’s a good idea to arrange for the transfer of medical records ahead of time, she said. Those with higher-risk conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels, should see their doctor as often as every three months so the condition can be monitored. Others should plan annual visits.
“If your insurance pays for you to have a physical every year you should do it,” she said.
“All providers really want to make their patients comfortable,” she said. “We don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”
The expo will also include about 30 exhibitors. There’s fun planned to go along with the serious topics; a Nintendo Wii gaming competition is designed for youngsters.
The event is co-sponsored by the Universal Health Care Foundation, Gaylord Hospital, Masonicare, MidState Medical Center and the Rushford prevention department.
Lowell said the hope is to make the expo an annual event.
More information is available online, at www.meridenchamber.com.
Submitted by Jeff Kurz on Fri, 10/02/2009 - 16:47
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