World Family Doctor Day

Submitted by Drs Miriam

Sheridan and Francesca

Burnham-Onu

The World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) this year will celebrate its fifth year of World Family Doctor Day (WFDD) on Tuesday May 19, 2015, in order to highlight the role and contribution of family physicians in the Health Care System.{{more}} Family, doctors provide continuing and comprehensive health care for the individual and the family. Unlike other physicians who specialize in treating one particular organ or disease, your family doctor is uniquely trained to care for you as a whole person, regardless of age or gender. In SVG, there are many family doctors.

Family doctors encourage patients to take control of their health by observing some basic rules. These include:

• Exercise regularly

• Wear seatbelts when riding in a vehicle

• Drink alcohol in moderation

• Don’t drink and drive

• Do not smoke

• l Be aware of stress and tension in your life.

Persons under 50 years are encouraged to visit their family doctor every other year and those over 50 years, every year.

The Caribbean College of Family Physicians (of which certain family foctors locally are members) is celebrating this day under the theme “UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE.” Family doctors are encouraged on that day to wear purple and to give a reduced charge for services rendered.