Do you remember the last time you had a physical? If you only visit the doctor when you're sick or injured, you may be neglecting your 
health. Luckily, osteopathic wellcare offered by Drs. Joel and Elizabeth Biggers of Biggers Family Medicine in Brandon, FL, can help you maintain your good health and even prevent common illnesses and conditions.
What is osteopathic wellcare?
Osteopathic wellcare is offered by doctors of osteopathic medicine. If your doctor has attended an osteopathic medical school, he or she will use the initials "D.O." after his name.
Just like medical doctors (M.D.s), D.O. treat a variety of illnesses and injuries, but focus on the whole person, not just a specific body part or symptom. They may also use hands-on osteopathic manipulative treatment to diagnose and treat ailments and promote self-healing.
Wellcare focuses on preventing illnesses and diseases before they can significantly impact your life. Like most things in life, it's often easier and less expensive to prevent a problem than correct or treat it.
During wellcare visits, your Brandon doctor will consider all of the factors that affect your physical and mental health, including family, career, and environment.
How can you benefit from osteopathic wellcare?
Osteopathic wellcare visits can:
- Identify Potential Health Issues: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and other diseases may not produce any symptoms during the early stages. Screenings performed during wellcare visits help your doctor diagnose these diseases and ensure that you receive appropriate treatment.
- Make Managing Chronic Conditions Easier: Wellcare is essential if you have a chronic disease or condition. Although medication may be needed, your D.O. will also consider other approaches to control your disease or symptoms.
- Reduce Stress: Stress can affect your body and plays a role in many health conditions ranging from asthma to heart disease to gastrointestinal problems. Your doctor can offer recommendations that will help you decrease your stress level.
- Help You Develop a Partnership with Your Doctor: You're much more likely to follow recommendations and make changes to your health if you're an active participant in your care.
Would you like to improve your health with osteopathic wellcare? Call Drs. Joel and Elizabeth Biggers of Biggers Family Medicine in Brandon, FL, at (813) 655-4646 to schedule an appointment.