New Family Physician Office in Bonita Springs NOW OPEN!

Richichi Family Health is expanding its primary care physician services with its first office, Pelican Primary Care, in Bonita Springs, FL. Joseph Richichi, M.D., and Erik Huffman, PA-C will provide care to all new patients.

The office is conveniently located less than one mile from Coconut Point. Now people who live or work in Estero and Bonita Springs have a convenient option for health care.

Services include:

• Men's Health: Complete exams (including prostate health) 
• Women's Health: (Gynecology, Pap, Breast Care, & complete exams) 
• Pediatric well visits and immunizations 
• Preventive screenings 
• Routine physicals for sports, school, and employment 
• Diet & Weight loss 
• Chronic disease management 
• Dermatology (biopsy, wart, and mole removal) 
• Acute illness management 
• Cardiac Services (EKG & Holter Monitoring)
• Injections & Vaccinations (including Botox®) 

Pelican Primary Care
23421 Walden Center Dr Ste 100 Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Phone: (239) 514-2008
Fax: (239) 593-0067
Email:info@pelicanprimarycare.com

Hours of Operation:
Monday: 8:30AM-5:00PM
Tuesday: 8:30AM-5:00PM
Wednesday: 8:30AM-5:00PM
Thursday: 8:30AM-5:00PM
Friday: 8:30AM-5:00PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

For Appointments Call:(239) 514-2008

Vitamins & Supplements FAQ's

Q: Why do I need vitamins and minerals?

A: What you eat affects your health and well-being. Vitamins are necessary to keep your body healthy. Dietary supplements are intended to supplement the diet where there may be low nutrient levels. Vitamins and minerals work together to keep the body growing and functioning normally. They help convert food into energy, keep cells healthy, and support the immune system.

Q: Is it safe to take vitamins and supplements with over-the-counter medicines?

A: As with prescription drugs, it is always a good idea to share your list of medicines, vitamins, and supplements with your doctor at Richichi Family Health to make sure you receive personalized advice and recommendations. It is also important to follow dosage instructions on product labels. Look for warning statements such as those that discuss combining vitamins and supplements with specific prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

 Q: Why is there a variety of strengths for certain nutrients like vitamin D and vitamin B12?

A: In some cases, higher doses may be recommended to restore levels of that nutrient. In other cases, a lower does may be recommended to maintain nutrient levels. It is always best to talk to your family doctor at Richichi Family Health when determining what types of vitamins and in what dose to take.

Q: Do I need to tell my doctor what dietary supplements I am taking?

A: Yes, it is important to keep your doctor informed about your supplement choices. Ask about potential interactions between your prescription drugs and nutritional supplements. Certain prescriptions can deplete or impair absorbtion of essential nutrients in your body. Ask your family doctor at Richichi Family Health how to get the nutrients you need.

Q: How do I select a quality dietary supplement?

A: It is important to look for brands that meet the highest standards of purity and potency. Brands that follow rigorous quality testing and verification programs ensure what's on the label is in the bottle. Manufacturers that participate in third-party verification programs such as that of the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), and which make products that pass the stringent criteria set forth by the USP, are allowed to use the USP Verified Mark on their labels. Your family physician at Richichi Family Health is also a good source of recommendations.

CLICK HERE TO SEE HOW TO READ A VITAMIN LABEL

FIGHTING THE FLU (2012-2013)

The 2012-2013 flu season started early and activity remains high in the United States. This may continue for awhile. With that in mind, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your family from getting the flu. CDC recommends a 3-step approach to fighting influenza.

1. Get a flu vaccine. We offer flu shots at our office. Visit www.RichichiHealth.com for more information.
2. Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs.
3. Take flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.

What should I do during flu season?

As always, get a flu vaccine shot every year. Getting vaccinated is the first and most important step in protecting against this serious disease and illness. Vaccination efforts should continue as long as influenza viruses are circulating around your area.

Also, you can help stop the spread of influenza and other diseases by doing the following important things:

• If you get sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
• Practice proper cough and sneeze etiquette to prevent the spread of germs.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.

While not a substitute for vaccination, these steps can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like influenza and other illnesses.

And remember, there are antiviral drugs prescribed by your doctor that can treat flu illness. They can make your illness more  mild and help you feel better faster. They also can prevent serious flu-related complications, like pneumonia.

Find out if you are at high risk of developing influenza-related complications if you get the flu by visiting your Primary Care physician.

Take Everyday Preventive Actions to Stop the Spread of Germs

Everyday preventive actions are steps that people can take to help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory illness, like flu and other illnesses. They are not a substitute for flu vaccination. Please note the following personal and community actions:

• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with a respiratory illness, like flu, limit contact with others as possible. Stay home (or keep your child home) for at least 24 hours after fever is gone except to seek medical care or for other necessities. Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.
• If an outbreak of flu or another illness occurs, follow public health advice. This may include information about how to increase distance between people and other measures.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. This will block the spread of droplets from your mouth or nose that could contain germs.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

The Flu and Seniors

As of mid-Jan. 2013, flu-related hospitalization and death rates among people 65 and older increased sharply. Seasonal influenza always has the greatest impact on seniors, and this seems to be particularly true during seasons when the H3N2 strain is predominant, which is the case for this flu season. CDC estimates that 90% of flu-related deaths and as many as 60% of flu-related hospitalizations occur among people 65+.

As people get older, their bodies may lose some ability to fight off flu infection. This is why it’s especially important for people 65 and older to get a flu shot, take preventive steps, and seek treatment as soon as possible if they develop flu like symptoms.

 Please contact our office to schedule an appointment for your flu vaccination or if you develop flu like symptoms: www.RichichiHealth.com, info@richichihealth.com, (239) 514-2005.

Welcome to the "LIVE HEALTHY" blog by Richichi Family Health, Naples, FL

We have created this blog as an informative medical care and wellness resource for our patients, friends, and families alike.  We will periodically make new posts that help to promote happiness and a healthy way of life.

At Richichi Family Health our mission is simple: to provide preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic health services with attention to individual need. We are dedicated to giving family-centered care from birth to later years in an affordable, high quality manner.

Richichi Family Health is a family practice medical office located in Naples, FL.  The office address is 1217 Piper Blvd, Suite 101, Naples, FL 34110.  Please contact our office at (239) 514-2005 to schedule an appointment or email us at info@richichihealth.com.

Please visit our website at www.RichichiHealth.com