Happy New Year!!  

I’ve never been big on New Year’s resolutions, but this year is different.  A lot for me has changed, and my life is amazingly quieting down.  My adorable son is getting older, the office is rolling along smoothly, I completed my seven hour long American Board of Family Medicine recertification test (which took two months of studying during every minute I wasn’t doing something else), and finally the H1N1/flu shot ruckus is nearly over.  I actually enjoyed a quiet three day weekend with my family.  Well, semi-quiet, I did deliver a baby, performed two circumcisions and fielded about ten patient calls, but quiet is relative and this feels good.  So good that I am hopeful that this year I will be finally able to take better care of me. 

I have nearly run out of excuses for not taking good care of myself and with the recent loss of our own April’s husband, Jack, who died days before Christmas at age 45, I am reminded that my health is not only important to me but to my family as well.  So it is truly time for a lifestyle change, not just a New Year’s resolution. 

 

I went to Zumba class with my daughters two days in a row.  I restarted my TSFL/Medifast meals.  I cleaned my closet.  I took a nap.  I went to the movies!!!  Ahh, yes.  It is a new day.  And I am excited to encourage you to join me in getting healthier by living a more balanced life.  If losing weight is on your list, consider learning more about the TSFL / Medifast Weight Loss Program (below).

 

I also need to ask each of you to do a little something for me.  Remember, please do not call me on the evenings and weekends if whatever ails you can wait until normal business hours.  Also please, please cancel your appointments with at least 24 hours notice.  I am tired of being the bad guy asking everyone to pay their cancellation fees, and our staff spends quite a bit of time preparing for your arrival.  Those two little things will go a long way in helping me lead a less stressed life.  Thank you.

  

TSFL/MEDIFAST TASTING THIS WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6TH 5:30 to 7:30 PM  

The Take Shape for Life program featuring Medifast meals promotes healthy eating without gimmicks, is affordable and works. It is a complete lifestyle program featuring great tasting meal replacements combined with the education and support of our team.

We are hosting a free tasting of Medifast meals and explaining the TSFL Weight Loss Program on Wednesday, January 6th from 5:30 to 7:00 at our office. Meet Terri, a VFP patient, who has already lost 25+ pounds since our last tasting. 

Please call or click to RSVP. You can bring friends or family members. They do not have to be a patient to benefit from the program. If you can’t make it, join us any Tuesday from 4 to 5 pm or learn more at our website at www.vailsfp.com/weight-loss.

 

 

What else is new? 

 

I am grateful to have been invited to be a guest speaker at the upcoming eWomen Network event on January 28th.  If you would like to join me for this powerful evening of encouragement, empowerment, joy & laughter click here.

New Staff

We want to welcome Rosie and DeAnna, medical assistants, to our team.  I’m confident they will be great additions.  They are looking forward to taking great care of you.
 

New Bumper Stickers 

Please ask for one at check in/out.  They come in red, pink, blue, grey, yellow and green for both boys and girls. 

 

Congratulations to Genevieve, office manager, voted Employee of the Month for December.  Great work!

 

 

Thank you

Finally, thank you to each and every patient that referred a friend or family member to our office this past year.  And a very humble thank you to our Sutter patients who participated in Sutter’s Patient Satisfaction Survey.  Your incredible comments remind us why we come to work each day and will serve to inspire us for this upcoming NEW YEAR!!

 

 

Finally, here’s my little Luca brushing his teeth.

  

At Vails Family Practice, our whole purpose is to take care of you – to provide comprehensive, personal health care to you and your families.  I am grateful to continue to care for you and your families. 

  

Sincerely,

 

Julie Vails, MD 

Vails Family Practice 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A limited number of H1N1 Flu Shots have arrived!!

FLU VACCINE HOURS 

M/T/W/F 9-1 2-6    Th 2-6
No appointment necessary.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC  

ENTER THROUGH THE PEDIATRIC DOOR

Only 100 Doses of H1N1 Vaccine 

The Novel H1N1 flu shot for children aged 6 months old to 3 years old has arrived.  We only received 100 of the 500 we ordered for this age group thus far.  An administration fee will be billed to your insurance if you are a VFP patient and is $15 for the public. You can drop in to get the vaccine – see our flu vaccine hours above.  It is available on a first come, first served basis only.

Inactived, Injectable Influenza Vaccines

This vaccine is an inactived (not live attentuated) shot and is recommended for children UNDER the age of three years old only.  This flu shot is preservative (thimersol) free.  Children with asthma or diabetes may get this shot.  Children should not get it if they have a severe (life-threatening) allergy to eggs.

As a reminder: 

Groups recommended to receive 2009 H1N1 LAIV 

 FIRST are healthy people who are:

 2 through 24 years old or

 25 through 49 years old and

• Live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age – parents, siblings, daycare providers, grandparents
• Are health care or emergency medical personnel
• Live with or care for persons with medical conditions that put them at higher risk for severe complications from flu (asthma, diabetes, heart condition, etc.)

Children through 9 years of age should get two doses of vaccine about a month apart.  Older children and adults need only one dose.  

We expect more H1N1 flu shots for older children and adults and  pregnant women in the next few weeks.  We will send another email when these arrive.

Quick Kuddos

We are proud to have recieved Sacramento Business Journal’s 2009 A+ Employers/ Employee’s Choice Finalist Award.  This award is a symbol that we work hard to take good care of our employees so they are happy to take good care of you.

Website Flu Page

Reminder, if you do get sick with a fever and a cough or other flu-like symptoms this season, you may find helfpful information on our website flu page. 

At Vails Family Practice, our whole purpose is to take care of you – to provide comprehensive, personal health care to you and your families.  I am grateful to continue to care for you and your families. 

Remember we grew from just one patient and your referrals will allow us to thrive during tough economic times.  Please consider forwarding this email to a friend or family member.

Sincerely,

Julie Vails, MD

Vails Family Practice