Welcome to the first edition of the New Milford Medical Group Newsletter!
We want our patients to be up to date about important health issues and aware of services provided at New Milford Medical Group.

We especially want you to be aware that we are now offering appointments on Saturday mornings, in addition to our convenient weekday hours. We also are pleased to introduce you to Dr Donald Katz, who has joined us to provide Cardiology care along with Dr Michael Levine.

We hope that this monthly newsletter will not only be informative but will serve to improve communications between us. We welcome suggestions regarding its topics. Visit the NMMG Website.

Time for school physicals
Did you know that New Milford Medical Group offers high school, college and sports physicals for those age 16 and up?

September is quickly approaching. A physical and review of school health forms may be required, or it may simply be a good time to transition your adolescent to an Adult Medicine practice. A complete physical exam includes a comprehensive health and family history, physical exam, blood work or additional testing and immunization as needed, all of which may be performed in our office.

Early identification of health problems, disease prevention and risk assessment are important to young people. Schedule your complete physical today by calling for a convenient appointment.

Understanding the flu situation
Since the World Health Organization's declaration of a pandemic in June 2009, the new H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus has continued to spread. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) anticipates that there will be more cases. The Swine Flu virus, in conjunction with regular seasonal influenza viruses, poses the potential to cause significant illness with associated hospitalizations and deaths during the remainder of this year and into early 2010.

Vaccines are the best tool we have to prevent influenza. This year there will be two vaccines for influenza, one being the ordinary seasonal flu vaccine, which will be available early September, and the other being the new H1N1 ("Swine Flu") vaccine which is currently in production and may be ready in the fall.

It is important to understand that these two vaccines target different groups of people. The ordinary flu vaccine will continue to be provided to all people, particularly older individuals and those with chronic health problems like heart or lung disease, or diabetes. The H1N1 vaccine are most important for younger people, those between 6 months through 24 years of age, as well as persons aged 25-64 who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

Your Doctors at New Milford Medical Group will keep you abreast of the developments regarding Flu prevention, treatment and vaccination. Look for updates in future NMMG Newsletters.

Secure Online Communication
Connect with your doctor with NextMD
Have you enrolled in our online communication and information system, NextMD? It's quick and easy to enroll. Once you are enrolled, you can send and receive secure communications with your physician, receive test results, request prescription refills, request appointments, review your current list of active medications, and more. Ask the front desk or your health care provider about enrolling today! Visit the NMMG Website.