LANSING, Mich. (WLUC) - During Family Medicine Week in Michigan, all residents are encouraged to have a relationship with a family physician or build one to maintain the health and wellness of themselves and their families.

Governor Rick Snyder has declared this week, February 19-25, 2017, as Family Medicine Week in Michigan in partnership with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Academy of Family Physicians, and Michigan Association of Osteopathic Family Physicians. The week-long observance highlights family physicians dedication to providing high quality, patient-centered primary care to residents across the state. Research shows that adults and children with a family physician as their regular source of care have lower annual costs of care, visit the doctor less, are prescribed fewer medications and report less difficulty accessing care.

A healthcare system based on a foundation of primary care holds the answers to many of the health and wellness challenges that we currently face, said Dr. Eden Wells, chief medical executive with the MDHHS. Having a family doctor is good for the health of individuals, families and communities which is why were encouraging all residents to establish and maintain a relationship with a family physician.

Tuesday, February 21, the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians and Michigan Association of Osteopathic Family Physicians are hosting Michigan Family Medicine Advocacy Day in Lansing to provide an opportunity for family medicine advocates from across the state to discuss policy issues impacting the delivery of and access to healthcare for Michiganders. Together, the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians and Michigan Association of Osteopathic Family Physicians collectively represent more than 5,000 family physicians, family medicine residents and medical students statewide.

Visiting a family physician for regular check-ups can help families stay healthy and prevent illness, said Debra N. McGuire, MBA, IOM, CAE, chief executive officer with the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians. If you do get sick, your family doctor can help you get healthy or provide the best referrals when another specialists care is needed, and they can also be your partner in managing a chronic, long-term illness, such as diabetes, heart disease, or asthma. Plus, family physicians are integrated into their communities, making them a valuable conduit for connecting individuals with local health and social services.

To learn more about the Michigan Academy of Family Physicians, visit http://www.mafp.com. To learn more about the Michigan Association of Osteopathic Family Physicians, visit http://www.maofp.org.

You can view Governor Snyders Family Medicine Week proclamation by clicking here.

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Benefits to having a family physician, promoting family medicine week - UpperMichigansSource.com