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Dr. Mark Allara and FMA are pleased to announce Primary Care Physician Meghan Tramontozzi has joined the Middleton practice

PATRIOTIC EMPLOYER: Gregory A. Bazylewicz, M.D.
The National Committee for employer support of the Guard and Reserve recognized Dr. Bazylewicz recently for his support of the Guard and Reserve while Maureen McCarthy, NP (Family Nurse Practitioner at FMA/Manchester) was in Baghdad. Maureen was in Baghdad from May to October and was the commander of the Medical Support Squadron. Please click here to read the story which was recently published in the Salem Evening News (photo also).

Video on Health Care Reform (AAFP video, roughly 3.5 minutes long)

Swine Flu - Public Health Fact Sheet

Dr. Hugh Taylor - Recipient of Dr. Philip D. Herrick Award

Osteoporosis

New Recall System

For Our Patients on Avandia

Immunizations Schedule

Vaccine Update

Learn about Lyme Disease

ANTIBIOTIC USE - LESS MAY BE MORE

Most infections are caused by either viruses or bacteria. Antibiotics are medications used for treating only bacterial infections like strep throat, sinusitis, urinary tract infections, skin our wound infections. Antibiotics do not work for viral infections like the common cold, most bronchitis episodes and even some ear infections.

The reason we try not to overuse antibiotics, aside from the possible immediate allergic reactions or side effects, is the emergence of bacterial resistance. The more bacteria are exposed to antibiotics, the more their structures become altered, ultimately causing the bacteria to be unaffected by the antibiotics we use. This means we will have a harder time controlling the infections we can now handle, resulting in greater complications and costs (hospitalizations, need for stronger antibiotics and the spread of infections to others). Therefore, it is important that antibiotics are given appropriately and only when needed.

In summary, overuse of antibiotics has significant consequences. Antibiotics can be very effective and can help you get better if your infection is caused by bacteria but they have NO effect if you have a viral infection. Requesting antibiotics when you come to see your health care provider may seem harmless but taking them when not needed can lead to germs that are antibiotic resistant as well as causing possible side effects. Antibiotic resistance has become a serious public health threat.

A few final tips to prevent antibiotic resistance include the following:

Understand when antibiotics should be used.
Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed if your health care provider deems them necessary for you.
Never take antibiotics without a prescription.
Don't pressure your health care provider for antibiotics if you have a viral illness.
Protect yourself from infection in the first place. Wash your hands well and often. Handle and prepare foods safely. Keep your immunizations up to date.

Being responsible about antibiotic use protects the health of your family as well as your immediate and global community.