The next time you're in for a routine physical, take note of who is taking care of you. There are many caring and qualified healthcare providers offering excellent healthcare that some you may have encountered without realizing!

Most of us are familiar with visiting the physician for our healthcare concerns. We usually think of physicians having the initials M.D. after their name. Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), like their counterparts (M.D.s), complete medical school, a residency program and must pass a national or state medical board examination in order to obtain a license to practice medicine.

Osteopathic medicine was founded on the philosophy that all body systems are interrelated and dependent upon one another for good health.

D.O.s, as well as M.D.s, use all of the tools available through modern medicine including prescription medicine and surgery, but also incorporate osteopathic manipulative treatment (a set of manual medical techniques that may be used to relieve pain, restore range of motion and enhance the body's capacity to heal).

There are about 37,000 D.O.s practicing in the United States.

If a physician is not treating you, a midlevel practitioner may be handling your care.

Midlevel practitioners, for the most part, consist of physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and nurse midwives.

A physician assistant is a clinician trained to conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive care, assist in surgery and, in most states, write prescriptions.

In 1965, the first class of physician assistants came together at Duke University. They were primarily made of Navy corpsmen who received considerable training during their military service, but who had no comparable civilian employment.

A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse who has advanced education and clinical training in a healthcare specialty area. Nurse practitioners have been giving quality care since the late 1960s, and currently there are close to 50,000 practicing nurse practitioners.

Nurse midwives are also registered nurses who have had advanced training in gynecology and obstetrics. All midlevel practitioners have certification and/or licensure that credentials them as health care providers.

In today's world of medicine, one does not need to see a M.D. exclusively.

The range of practitioners that effectively handle your healthcare concerns is wide.

The next time you're in for a checkup, take a few seconds to see who is handling your care. You may be pleasantly surprised.

Proper nail care can boost self assurance

Question: My annual gynecological exam is coming up soon. Should I mention that I am bisexual?

Answer: Your health care provider wants to provide you with the best medical care possible. But that can only happen if you are honest and complete with the information that you provide.

Many patients are uncomfortable disclosing a variety of issues; but rest assured, you are not the first peron to tell that individual something personal!

Honesty helps your health care provider identify the health issues relevant to you. This may include your need, or lack of need, for contraception and how to effectively protect you and your partner(s) from sexually transmitted infections.

You may also want to discuss whether there are any other concerns such as emotional, physical or sexual abuse related to your same — or opposite sex — relationships.

Question: I have a really bad habit of biting my nails. It is a very nervous habit, and obviously, made worse by stress. I’m starting to interview for summer internships and am very self-conscious about shaking hands. Any ideas?

Answer: You may want to give your nails some “TLC” and start with a good manicure. Positively focusing on their care may help you develop more self-confidence in your appearance.

The manicurist may be able to offer some suggestions for good nail care between manicures.

Meanwhile, try some stress management techniques to keep those hands busy and out of your mouth!