Illinois AFP Blog

Diabetes and Behavioral Health

Diabetes and Behavioral Health

Over my 30-year career, I have developed a personal and professional interest in mental health challenges and how they impact health and well-being. Mental health issues affect patients of all ages, races, and socioeconomic groups. When a patient also has a chronic physical condition, mental health issues can even further complicate care. These disorders can negatively impact patients’ ability to manage medications, avoid medication complications, and advocate and care for themselves. I would like to share some simple techniques that can help you address behavioral health issues while improving outcomes for your patients with diabetes.

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Setting the Foundation and Tools to Help

This is the first post in the series “Dialed in on Diabetes.” Here, we’ll take a big-picture look at type 2 diabetes - as it runs throughout our practices, and yours. Who are the patients in your practice with type 2 diabetes? Are they mostly in a certain age group? What barriers or challenges do they face in taking care of their health? 

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AAFP National Conference Delegate Reports

Resident Delegate Report

Audrey Hertenstein Perez, MD
PGY-2 West Suburban Medical Center FMRP
IAFP Resident President Elect 2019

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Update after the AAFP DPC Summit

Direct Primary Care MIG Blog - July 2019

I am happy to report for the Direct Primary Care (DPC) MIG, fresh from the camaraderie of the AAFP’s DPC Summit, which was June 28-30 in Rosemont. It was so energizing, educational and yes, entertaining, to be among “my people,” those who are “DPC docs,” and those who are considering or already planning to build a DPC practice of their own.

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My Journey in Reproductive Care Advocacy

 “With a vote of 34 yeas, 20 nays, and three present, Senate Bill 25 Passes.” Access to safe and legal abortion would remain a protected right in Illinois, even as women’s health care rights continue to crumble all around us in other states. SB 25, specifically House Amendment 1, established the Reproductive Health Act. 

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