Call us now! 970.241.7600
info@westmed.org
743 Horizon Court, Suite 100 Grand Junction, CO 81506

& Center for Bone Health

Welcome to

Western Medical Associates

where our physicians and nurse practitioners treat you as

a whole person,

not just a disease or diagnosis.

Learn More About Our Practice

We offer a

full range of services

for your entire family.

This includes:

• Adult and Elder Care

• DOT Physicals

• Vasectomy

• Pediatrics

• Same-Day Urgent Visits

• Allergy Testing

• Bone Density

New Patient Application

Active Lifestyle

Several of our staff specialize in women’s healthcare, and the medical providers in our group like to emphasize the benefits of a healthy lifestyle and regular physical activity in our practice of medicine.

CONTACT US TODAY

PLEASE CALL US FIRST! 970.241.7600

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

COLON TESTING

Colonoscopy is a procedure used to examine the inside of the colon and rectum for abnormalities. Colonoscopy is generally considered the procedure of choice to look for early signs of colorectal cancer. Ask your physician if you should have this important screening exam.

CONTRACEPTION

There are a wide variety of options available to prevent pregnancy. These include traditional pill forms, injections, vaginally inserted rings, intrauterine devices, an implantable device in the arm, and permanent forms of contraception. For information on any of these methods or to schedule an appointment call the office, 970-241-7600.

Adult & Elder Care

DOT Physicals

Vasectomy

Healthy Lifestyle

Pediatrics

Same-Day Urgent Visits

Bone Density

Allergy Testing

A TOTAL FOCUS ON PATIENT CARE

If you would like to become a new patient, register by visiting the link below. If you have already registered, you can download the Health History Form to print out and bring into the office.

REGISTER AS A NEW PATIENT

Download Health History Form

OFFICE HOURS

Monday8:00 - 5:00
Tuesday8:00 - 5:00
Wednesday8:00 - 5:00
Thursday8:00 - 5:00
Friday8:00 - 5:00
SaturdayClosed
SundayClosed

To say that I rarely post anything on social media would be a vast understatement. In an attempt to try to avoid being trite I will attempt to avoid popular euphemisms and rhetoric that we are so frequently barraged with by politicians, the press, and other “talking heads”

CoVid-19 is real. It is insidious. It is nasty, and it is dangerous. Unlike so many other infectious diseases, a carrier does not have to actually be sick to spread the disease. This virus attacks those who are compromised by age or illness with a vengeance. It also seems to have the ability to cause severe illness and even death in the healthiest of us by triggering our immune systems to such an extent that it damages our own bodies. The disease spreads with disturbing pace through densely populated areas. Less populated areas are, however, not safe as has been shown in many cases in which a few index cases caused widespread disease in a small community.

Many areas of the country have started to relax restrictions on our behavior in an attempt to revive our economy and allow us to feel some semblance of normal. We have been asked to employ intelligence and restraint in our new, more open situation. We are asked to wear a mask at all times when we are in public places. We are asked to avoid gatherings of people. We have been asked to maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet apart at all times except for close household contacts. We have been reminded of the importance of handwashing and hand sanitizer use whenever we contact a surface that may have been contacted by another person or their droplets. We do not live in a totalitarian country like China in which these strong suggestions can be strongly enforced for the good of the entire country. We have a civic and social responsibility to behave in such a way to protect each other keeping in mind that the person you may ultimately be protecting may be your mother, father, grandparents, siblings, or children.

Since restrictions have begun to relax I have personally seen most businesses and patrons behaving in an appropriate and safe manner. Many restaurants and other businesses have developed carry-out methods that minimize everyone’s exposure. Businesses have signs up that state that no one without a mask will be admitted and social distancing is required while in the establishment. We have seen on the news and in our communities however that some establishments are not acting in good faith and thus are increasing everyone’s risk. The recent examples of restaurants allowing long lines and filling to capacity were appalling. The state quickly closed these businesses, but how many people were potentially exposed while they were open? I personally walked into a clothing store last week in which none of the employees were wearing masks or practicing social distancing. Remember, that every person who contracts this infection even , if asymptomatic, will pass it along to between 2 and 5 other people and they will each do the same.

My suggestion is simple. It is clear that we cannot count entirely on our various levels of government to control our behavior in our own best interest. I would suggest instead that we act as the citizens of a great democracy should act. We should cherish our freedom while recognizing that our freedom comes with a cost. We inherit the responsibility to do our best to protect our fellow citizens. I would also suggest that we reward the businesses that are doing a great job at conducting business while making every effort to keep us and their employees safe. Enjoy their services and thank them for their efforts. Especially support those local small businesses who are doing their best to survive while protecting us.

I would also suggest that we as a public avoid any business that is not following the current recommendations. If you walk into an establishment and see employees and patrons who are not wearing masks and practicing social distancing, then leave. Let your friends and family knows to avoid that business for their own safety and if you have the time, let the owner know why you left. If social responsibility does not motivate those business owners then they will certainly be motivated by a boycott on their business

If we all work together and intelligently then we can be open for business and safe. If not then this will get really ugly both from a public health standpoint and economically.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and feel free to pass it on.

Mark A. Twardowski D.O.