SVG joins in celebration of World Family Doctor Day

The World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) celebrated the sixth anniversary of World Family Doctor Day on Thursday, May 19, 2016. This was to highlight the role and contribution of family doctors in the health care system. Family doctors provide continuing and comprehensive health care for the entire family, as opposed to treating one organ, disease or age group. The family doctor is uniquely trained to cater for you as a whole person, regardless of age or gender.{{more}} In SVG, there are many family doctors. We encourage patients to take control of their health by observing some basic rules. These include:

– exercise regularly,

– wear seatbelts when riding in vehicles,

– don’t drink and drive,

– don’t smoke,

– Find ways to relieve stress and tension in your life.

The Theme for this year is “Smoking Cessation – Get ready for Plain Packaging”. Smokers most often realize that they should stop, but are not sure how to do so. They need to create a specific “Quit-Smoking Plan” to help cope with issues such as nicotine withdrawal.

If you are a smoker, firmly resolved to quit, there are certain steps you should take. These include:

Pick a specific day like your birthday or perhaps “World No Tobacco Day” – 31st May!

Mark the day on your calendar.

Talk to your doctor or health care provider about quitting.

Tell people, e.g. friends, family and co-workers, about your quit day. Make them your allies.

Clean out the house or car or office of your past smoking supplies.

Stock up on items to substitute for the cigarette that you’re used to having in your mouth, e.g. sugarless gum, cinnamon sticks.

Join local Quit Smoking Support Group.

Reflect. If you have tried quitting before, reflect on what worked or didn’t work before. For example, make a list of your triggers and how you will deal with them.

In an effort to celebrate the day with our patients, family doctors are encouraged to wear purple on that day. It is also suggested we reduce our charges for the remainder of the month of May.

(Submitted by Drs Miriam Sheridan and Francesca Onu)