Primary Care - St. Joseph and Texas A&M Health Network (Victoria Ave)- College Station, TX

A body composition scan uses an x-ray technique called Dual X-Ray Absorptiometry (or DXA) to assess fat tissue, muscle mass, and bone density. It can be used to identify potential health risks and preventative measures to avoid them.

A biometric evaluation is a clinical screening conducted to assess your health based on a series of variables including your height, weight, and waist measurements, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and cholesterol levels. These evaluations can and give you valuable insights into your overall health and possible risks.

A blood pressure screening measures the pressure in your arteries as your heart pumps blood throughout the body. Blood pressure screenings can identify possible health risks including heart disease and stroke.

A bone density screening is a type of test using an x-ray technique called a DEXA scan to assess the strength of your bones. The screening measures the levels of calcium and other minerals in your bones and is often used to identify signs of osteoporosis.

A cardiovascular stress test is a way to measure, in a controlled environment, how well the heart can handle increasingly intense workloads. The test is generally performed by walking on a treadmill (adjusted for speed, resistance, and incline throughout) while monitoring heart rate, blood pressure, fatigue, breathing, and the heart’s electrical rhythms.

Cholesterol screenings are blood tests that measure the amount of cholesterol and triglycerides in your blood.

Ear, throat, and respiratory infections affect the middle ear, throat, lungs, and/or airways. Frequently, viral upper-respiratory infections (such as the cold or flu) cause ear infections, as the prevent fluid from properly draining through the eustachian tube, which connects and balances pressure between the ear and throat.

A healthy eating plan is an essential aspect of overall health and wellness, and should be customized for each individual in accordance to their health needs/goals and medical history. Healthy eating is critical for disease management and prevention, and having a set plan increases the likelihood of success.

Immunizations are shots that you receive to help protect you against viral and bacterial illnesses. In the U.S. and other developed countries, there are immunization schedules for children to ensure they are protected. Immunizations are also given to people before they travel to countries in which infectious disease is an issue.

A kinetic activity monitor (KAM) is an activity-monitoring device that measures and records the quality of movement — defined by duration, speed and intensity — in “KAM points.” KAM points offer one, simplified metric to represent oxygen use, energy output, duration, speed, and intensity.

Medication counseling is provided by a pharmacist, and it includes information about the medication and prescribed dosage, advice about how and when to take it (or not), and any precautions or contraindications.

Nutrition counseling is performed by a nutrition consultant or registered dietician, who work with individuals to set health and nutrition goals and create a diet plan that will help them prevent and treat disease and maintain a good level of health.

Personalized wellness plans are an important piece of preventative care and overall health and wellbeing. Typically, a personalized wellness plan begins with a comprehensive assessment and discussion with a medical professional, and will include achievable changes in areas such as nutrition, exercise, and sleep.

After the completion of a comprehensive wellness assessment, a physician will analyze and explain the assessment’s findings, particularly focusing on any urgent or emerging concerns. From this review, a personalized wellness plan can be developed.

Sports physicals (preparticipation physical examinations, or PPE) are required in most states for children and teens to participate in sports, and evaluate their physical readiness to safely play. School physicals also include social, behavioral, and cognitive screening.

A strength assessment is used by physical therapists to measure (or grade) muscular strength — the muscle’s ability to contract and produce force. A strength assessment is generally completed at the beginning and at regular intervals throughout treatment to determine needs and progress. Illness, musculoskeletal and neuromuscular disorders, arthritis, surgery, and injury can all affect strength.

Travel vaccines are often necessary to protect the traveler from diseases that may not be common in their home country. In addition to being up-to-date on routine vaccines, there are vaccines required by the destination country (e.g., yellow fever) and vaccines recommended by the CDC for protection (e.g., typhoid fever). Typically, one must go to a travel vaccine specialist to receive them.

Well-child exams should be performed regularly from birth to 18 years, at intervals relative to the pace of development, meaning more frequently at younger ages. Well-child visits include physical exams, vaccinations and immunizations, general health and well-being (behaviorally and developmentally), an illness prevention.

Wellness exams for adults and children are an essential part of preventative care and allow for early detection and treatment. The visits include a general physical, evaluation of skin, ear, heart, lung, and lymph function, and other screenings and evaluations as dictated by age, sex, and other risk factors.