My Doctor Online The Permanente Medical Group
Are you having back pain with any of the following?
- Severe pain, weakness or tingling in your leg(s).
- Difficulty stopping urination or loss of control of bladder or bowels.
- Unexplained fever, nausea or vomiting.
- A history of cancer or unexplained weight loss.
We understand that you are experiencing one or more of the health issues that might be impacting your back pain.
We recommend that you discuss these health issues with your doctor before proceeding with this program.
Once you are cleared by your doctor to do this program, we hope it helps you find relief from your back pain.
Jennifer Slovis, MD
Internal Medicine
Welcome to my practice in Adult Primary Care and the Young Adult Clinic. I hope that you will find this website helpful in understanding how a personal care physician can provide you with comprehensive and complete heathcare, whether sick or well. I place a strong emphasis on preventive healthcare and evidence-based medical recommendations.
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General References
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How to use your Peak Flow Meter
A peak flow meter is a tool that measures whether your breathing tubes are open enough for normal breathing. Your peak flow readings let you know when a flare-up is starting and can help you figure out how bad the flare-up is.
We can give you a prescription for a peak flow meter if you don't already have one. Different peak flow meters may give different readings, so always use the same peak flow meter. Bring your peak flow meter with you when you come in for your asthma appointment or if you go to the Urgent Care Clinic or the Emergency Department.
When you come in for an office visit, we can also check how well you use your peak flow meter.
Instructions for using your peak flow meter
- Stand up straight.
- Put the indicator at the bottom of the scale.
- Breathe in as much air as your lungs will hold.
- Place the mouthpiece of the flow meter in your mouth and close your lips around the mouthpiece. Be sure no holes are covered by your hands or fingers.
- Blow into the meter as hard and fast as you can.
- Write down the peak flow reading.
- Repeat these steps 3 times.
The highest of the 3 readings is your peak flow reading. Do not average out the readings.
Calculating your "personal best" peak flow
Your personal best is your highest peak flow reading when your asthma is in good control. Find your personal best by checking your peak flow twice a day for 2 to 3 weeks when you are not having asthma symptoms. Take 3 peak flow readings each time you use your peak flow meter. The highest number you achieve is your personal best.
When to measure your peak flow
After you have figured out your "personal best" peak flow, it is a good idea to check your peak flow every morning before taking your asthma medicine. Even when you are feeling well, check your peak flow at least twice a week. If you are having asthma symptoms (or have a cold or the flu), it is important to check your peak flow at least twice a day.
When your peak flow reading is close to your personal best, your asthma is in good control.
When your peak flow reading is below your personal best, your breathing tubes are more closed than they should be. Even if you feel okay, a lower peak flow reading can be a sign that a flare-up is starting. Pay special attention to your symptoms, use your peak flow meter more frequently, and be prepared to take action.
Related Health Tools:
Interactive Programs
- Quit smoking with Breathe™ Quit smoking with Breathe™
Videos
- Asma (Spanish) Asma (Spanish)
- Understanding Your Child's Asthma Understanding Your Child's Asthma
- El asma y el cuidado de su niño (Spanish) El asma y el cuidado de su niño (Spanish)
If you have an emergency medical condition, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital. An emergency medical condition is any of the following: (1) a medical condition that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity (including severe pain) such that you could reasonably expect the absence of immediate medical attention to result in serious jeopardy to your health or body functions or organs; (2) active labor when there isn't enough time for safe transfer to a Plan hospital (or designated hospital) before delivery, or if transfer poses a threat to your (or your unborn child's) health and safety, or (3) a mental disorder that manifests itself by acute symptoms of sufficient severity such that either you are an immediate danger to yourself or others, or you are not immediately able to provide for, or use, food, shelter, or clothing, due to the mental disorder.
This information is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of specific medical advice or care you receive from your physician or other health care professional. If you have persistent health problems, or if you have additional questions, please consult with your doctor. If you have questions or need more information about your medication, please speak to your pharmacist. Kaiser Permanente does not endorse the medications or products mentioned. Any trade names listed are for easy identification only.