General Reminders: Flu Shot Clinic, Colorectal Cancer Screening & “Call Us First” Guidance

As the seasons shift and life routines fill up, it’s easy to put preventive healthcare on the back burner. But staying on top of key reminders—like getting your flu shot, screening for colorectal cancer, or knowing when and how to contact your primary care team—can make a meaningful difference in your health. At Silver Pine Medical Group, we believe these aren’t optional add-ons—they’re essential parts of keeping you well and ahead of serious issues.

1. Flu Shot Clinic: Why It Matters

Each year, the influenza virus presents a risk to individuals of all ages, but especially to older adults, people with chronic conditions, and those caring for vulnerable family members. Getting your flu vaccine is one of the most impactful ways to protect you, your family, and your community.

Why it’s important:

• Influenza can lead to serious complications—like pneumonia, hospitalization, or worsening of chronic illnesses such as heart disease or diabetes.
• The vaccine not only reduces your chance of catching the flu but also limits the severity of illness if you do get it.
• Silver Pine Medical Group emphasizes vaccination among its many services—“vaccinate, prevent, screen” is even part of our mission.
• By getting vaccinated early and annually, you’re helping reduce the strain on healthcare systems during a flu season, and you’re maintaining good continuity of your care.
  
  

Tips for making the most of flu shot season:

• Schedule your vaccine early in the season—in many communities, that means autumn.
• Be sure to mention to your doctor or nurse if you have a weakened immune system, are pregnant, or are caring for someone at high risk.
• Stay current with any booster or high-dose options if recommended for your age or health status.
• Maintain good habits beyond the shot: wash your hands regularly, stay home if you’re sick, and keep up good sleep and nutrition to support your immune system.

2. Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Preventive Priority

Colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon and rectum) is one of the most preventable and treatable cancers when caught early, yet many adults delay screening out of discomfort or procrastination.

Why screening matters:

• Screening can detect precancerous polyps (which can be removed before they turn into cancer) or find cancer at an early, more treatable stage.
• The recommended starting age for screening has shifted to around age 45 for many people—earlier if you have a family history or certain risk factors.
• Silver Pine’s adult and seniors services include “yearly visits to review health maintenance … including … cancer screening” — showing that screening is a key part of our preventive care philosophy.
• Early action improves outcomes, lowers treatment burden, and can give you and your family peace of mind.
  
  

What you should do:

• Ask your provider: “Am I due for colorectal cancer screening?” Even if you feel fine, screening is about prevention.
• Know your options: screening isn’t only a colonoscopy—other options like stool tests, flexible sigmoidoscopy, or CT colonography may be available based on your level of risk.
• Understand your risk: factors such as family history, personal history of inflammatory bowel disease, or certain lifestyle factors may mean screening should start earlier or occur more often.
• Follow through: Once the screening is scheduled and completed, make sure you get and understand the results—and commit to repeat screening as recommended.

3. Call Us First: When to Use Your Primary Care Team

Choosing where and how to seek medical care can feel confusing: Should you call your doctor? Go to urgent care? Head to the emergency room? Silver Pine Medical Group emphasizes a “Call Us First” approach to simplify this decision.

Why this matters:

• Your primary care provider knows your health history, medications, and conditions—making them best equipped to guide you.
• “Call Us First” helps you avoid unnecessary emergency room visits, which can be costly, time-consuming, and stressful for non-emergency issues.
• Our practice offers same-day appointments, telehealth visits, and after-hours access—so you’re not stuck waiting when you need help.
• Getting the right care in the right setting often means faster relief, better follow-up, and fewer surprises.
  
  

Key guidelines on when to call us first:

• If you notice new symptoms (fever, unexplained pain, sudden changes), and you’re unsure how serious they are.
• If you need a medication refill, have a chronic condition you manage (diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma), or your usual symptoms are acting oddly.
• If you’re considering urgent care or the ER but aren’t sure one is needed, call, and we’ll help triage and advise you.
• Reserve the emergency room for obvious emergencies: chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, suspected stroke, or major trauma.
  
  

By using your doctor’s office as your first call, you get personalized, proactive care—and can avoid jumping straight to higher-cost or more disruptive options.

Bringing It All Together

These three reminders—flu shots, colorectal cancer screening, and “Call Us First” care—may seem separate, but together they reflect a unified approach to staying healthy: preventive, proactive, and connected.

• Vaccination protects you from avoidable illness.
• Screening detects hidden risks before they become big problems.
• Smart care-seeking ensures you use your health system effectively—keeping you well, reducing stress, and often avoiding bigger issues down the road.
  
  

At Silver Pine Medical Group, our mission is to provide comprehensive, family-centered primary care. We screen, vaccinate, monitor, and manage your health needs year-round. Our team is here for you—whether you’re scheduling your flu shot, talking about cancer screening, or wondering what to do when you wake up with something unusual.

Final Thoughts

Health doesn’t just happen—it’s maintained. By staying on track with key preventive steps and using your primary care provider as your first stop for medical questions, you set yourself up for better outcomes, fewer crises, and greater peace of mind.

If you’ve been putting off your flu vaccine, if you’re approaching or past the age for colorectal cancer screening, or if you’re not sure what to do with a new symptom or health concern—contact Silver Pine Medical Group today. Let us help you stay ahead of your health, protect your well-being, and partner with you in care that’s thoughtful, effective, and convenient.