Patient Education

Baker Family Practice would like to be your partner in health care. Feel free to ask your questions and share your concerns with us. We will work with you to develop a wellness program for the care and treatment you need.

We welcome you to our practice and look forward to caring for you.

Baker Family Practice provides a full range of medical services including the following:

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is a common eye condition that affects millions of Americans, causing eye irritation and chronic discomfort. The condition is triggered by airborne allergens, such as pollen, mold, dust or pet dander. In patients with allergies, contact with such airborne substances results in inflammation of the conjunctiva, the clear layer of tissue lining the eyelids and covering the white of the eye. While extremely uncomfortable, allergic conjunctivitis does result in any serious visual impairment. ...

Arthritis

Arthritis is a condition that causes pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. Osteoarthritis is a common form of arthritis caused by the wearing down of the cartilage that protects the bones of a joint. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition caused by an inflammation in the lining of the joints. Both forms of arthritis cause pain, tenderness, and swelling, and may result in loss of movement in the affected joints. Over time, joints affected by arthritis may become severely damaged. Arthritis occurs more frequently in older individuals, however it sometimes develops in athletes from overuse of a joint or after an injury. It can however, affect people of any age, including children. ...

Asthma

Asthma is a condition in which the lungs and air passages become inflamed and constricted, interfering with normal breathing. During the first stage of an asthmatic response, inhaled allergens or other irritants cause the airways to constrict. During the second stage, an inflammatory response causes the airways to swell, and fill with thickened, sticky mucus. During an attack, patients have increasing difficulty in breathing, and usually make the wheezing sound typically associated with asthma. Although life-threatening, asthma can usually be well-controlled with medication. ...

Diabetes

Diabetes is the inability of the body to create or use insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas that enables sugar or glucose to enter cells. Diabetes is a serious, chronic metabolic disorder in which the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not respond to the insulin being produced. ...

Complete Blood Count

A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test used to evaluate a patient's state of health by measuring the number of blood cells in the body and the ratio of one type of blood cell to another in the bloodstream. This information is valuable in helping to diagnose or rule out a number of medical problems, including anemia, various infections. and many serious disorders. A CBC is frequently the first test taken during a comprehensive medical examination both because it is simple to administer and because it provides a great deal of data concerning the patient's health. ...

Ear Wax Removal

Ear wax, also known as cerumen, is a natural substance produced to protect the ear from damage and infections. It is produced in the ear canal and normally accumulates and then dries up and falls out of the canal. It rids the ear of dust particles and repels water, which can cause infections. Without ear wax, the ears would be dry, itchy and unprotected. ...

Family Medicine

Family medicine, also known as family practice, is the medical specialty in which physicians provide comprehensive, patient-centered primary health care to patients and their families. Physicians who practice family medicine can provide routine wellness care, such as physical exams or preventative care, to patients, regardless of age, gender, health or social status. They are also trained to know about many areas of medicine so that they are equipped to treat a wide variety of conditions. ...

Flu Vaccination

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious virus that appears seasonally. It spreads from person to person and can cause mild to severe illness. Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. For some people, the flu can lead to serious complications, and possibly even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 20 percent of Americans get the flu each year, and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized annually from flu-related complications. Flu season may start as early as October and usually subsides by May. ...

Immunizations

While infants are protected from certain diseases at birth because of antibodies passed on to them from the mother, this maternal protection is only temporary. Continuing immunity against many diseases can be achieved through vaccinations, most often administered as injections, but sometimes administered orally or nasally. Vaccinations use small amounts of killed or weakened microorganisms that cause the targeted diseases. Introducing these altered pathogens into the body assists the immune system in developing antibodies as if it were fighting off the actual disease. These antibodies provide the patient with long-term protection. ...

Ingrown Toenails

Ingrown toenails are toenails that have grown into the skin of the toe, causing pain, swelling and, frequently, infection. Usually, it is the corner of the big toe that is affected by this condition, although the smaller toes can also develop this problem. Ingrown toenails may occur as a result of tight-fitting shoes, a curved growth pattern of the nail itself, an injury, or improper toenail cutting. If left untreated, an ingrown toenail is likely to develop an infection and may even require surgery to remove the nail. ...

Laboratory Testing

Laboratories are a vital part of the world of medicine since modern medical laboratories do important diagnostic work for specialists in every medical field. While many medical laboratories do a variety of tests, some laboratories specialize in particular types of testing.

Cytopathology

Cytopathology laboratory testing involves the examination of cell smears from various parts of the body to check for malignancy, inflammation or other problems. Examples of cytopathological tests are Pap smears for cervical examination or microscopic examination of skin cells to detect skin cancer. Cytopathology may also be used to test for allergies through, for example, the examination of nasal smears. ...

Physical Exam

A routine physical exam is recommended at least once each year for patients of all ages. This complete medical examination allows the doctor to evaluate the patient's overall health and detect any illnesses or medical conditions in the early stages. Early detection of a disease may result in more effective treatment. An annual physical examination helps individuals to address any health issues and allows the doctor to give recommendations for healthy living and preventative care. ...

Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. The urinary tract refers to just the bladder and the urethra, and an infection can develop in either of these areas. These infections occur much more frequently in women than in men and may cause intense pain and discomfort. ...

Well Child Visit

A well child visit, also known as a routine physical or medical checkup, is recommended for children of all ages. Regular well visit examinations are important for keeping children healthy and up-to-date on their immunizations. A well visit is also an opportunity to communicate with the doctor about growth and developmental issues and any concerns about a child's overall health. While they may be scheduled more frequently when they are younger, when a child reaches the age of 3, a well care visit should be scheduled annually with a pediatrician. Preventative care is an important part of a healthy lifestyle for a child. ...