Frequently Asked Questions for Pat Cole
- How can I take care of myself and my family more holistically?
Living holistically, first means paying attention to what is and is not working for your family. Next it is setting realistic goals to learn new more health-full habits. Teaching children to make healthy choices is a fundamental obligation of good parenting. The best way to teach your children is to model healthy behavior. Diet, activity, sleep, hours of TV, eating together as a family, re-cycling, coping with stress and difficult emotions as well as healthy values and respectful citizenship are parts of w/holism. We can help with the sore spots in your life.
- Do you take insurance?
Yes, all types including Medicare. We have a billing service which will submit your insurance for you. Co-pays are collected at the time of service. If you have a high deductible, we request payment at the time of service. We will re-imburse you, when your insurance covers your visit.
- I need prescriptions renewed. Will you refill them for me?
Yes. As a family physician I am well acquainted with prescription medications and am willing to refill those your truly need. My preference is for you to be healthy on as few prescription medications as possible.
- Do you do well-woman exams? Do you do well-man exams? Do you see children?
Yes, yes and yes. I offer routine examinations, including pap, pelvic and commercial driver licensing exams as well as well-child checkups.
- Do you provide vaccinations and flu shots?
No. Many of our patients chose not to be vaccinated. We refer children and adults requiring vaccines to the county health department.
- How long has the Bridge been in Whitefish?
12 years. We are located in the former radio station K-B…
- Do you work with all pharmacies and heath food stores in the valley?
Yes. We have a small pharmacy of natural products at the Bridge that are not carried by local health food stores. We refer people to local pharmacies for prescription medications and to health food stores for routine supplements. We work closely with compounding pharmacies.
- Can you help me with my chronic pain troubles?
Yes. Our collaborative relationships within the Bridge include a variety of pain relieving modalities. These are acupuncture, homeopathy, neural therapy (trigger point and joint injections), chiropractic care (including Graston soft tissue work as well as manipulation, sports injury care), massage therapy (including cranio-sacral and deep tissue), relaxation techniques, EMDR (rapid eye movement treatment for life traumas) and therapeutic touch.
- I am depressed and tired. Are there natural ways I can feel better?
Yes. Diet and stress play huge roles in depression and fatigue. Excess caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes, lack of activity and exercise, allergies, sleep apnea as well as traumatic emotional events or life situations can all be addressed naturally.
- My relatives have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes? How can I prevent this?
Attention to diet, exercise and sunshine (Vitamin D) are effective in preventing these common conditions. Decreasing “white” food (carbohydrates such as sugar, soda, potatoes, bread, noodles, pancakes, rice, tortillas) and eating “clean” Montana meat, vegetables, and water is the goal. Learning to shift to more organic fruits and vegetables pays off in better health and energy.
- I am worried about my husband (wife). S/he gets really angry when he drinks too much. Can you help me?
Yes. I work closely with community therapists skilled in assessing chemical dependency (CD) issues. I make frequent referrals to AA and Al-anon, and when indicated refer to physicians/counselors with special expertise in CD issues. There are many resources available. There is no need to fear discussing your concerns with me.
- I think my child is autistic. Is there anything you can do to help with his behavior?
Yes. We have seen remarkable improvement in some children with diet changes, treatment of chronic yeast, identification of allergies, and appropriate supplementation. We regularly attend DAN (down with autism) conferences and collaborate with autism experts locally and across the country. There is a great deal that can be done medically/holistically to improve behavior in children with ADD, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder.
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