[RodFarva]

I want to join my local volunteer fire department. At my physical I had an issue with my blood pressure which IS a bit high, but not as high as it was that day (stress / nerves). They want me to see a Dr. and get a note saying I'm ok to participate in strenuous activities.

I haven't had a regular doctor in a few years because I don't have health insurance to pay for one and I've always been healthy. I spoke with a doctor (my moms doctor), who without even looking at my EKG and blood test results wanted to send me off for a stress test among other things that I can't afford. They told me to apply for financial assistance at social services to pay for it... I left there feeling like she didn't really listen to me. My bp is a little high because I'm over weight -- I'm working to correct that and working with the FD will only help to keep me that much more active and getting healthier.

Obviously I'm looking for a second opinion, specifically one that talks to me instead of tossing up impossible financial hurdles to block me from volunteer service.

Can anyone here recommend a doctor that will actually talk to me, maybe who works with or is a firefighter and appreciates what I want to do and why.

[sw728]

If you need a Great doctor - Call Dr. Peter Gelfand (516) 432-0203. Dr. Gelfand has been my physicial for over 10 years. He is available and very interested in his patients.

[X120620]

or...........depending where you are....east meadow family practice and ask for heidi..the nurse practicioner...you wont be dissapointed......

[kye994]

I know an excellent family practitioner in Valley Stream His clients are mainly cops and firefighters. He is also a close personal friend. If interested, PM me.

[MFD594]

Just to add a note, even if you find your own Doctor, you're more than likely still gonna have to pass your Deparment's Doctors physical, note or not.

Its not meant to hurt or discourage anyone, just to cover butt a little bit.

[Bruce]

You shouldnt need a doctors note to join only have to pass a dept physical no?

[Goin2work]

300 has Dr.Love...

[LIFIYAFYTA]

To RodFarva... bottom line, is that they are right, I believe all depts now require an OSHA physical in order to be eligible for membership. if you feel you may NOT pass the physical, then go ahead, get to one of the recommended doctors above and get your condition in check. (If for no other reason then help yourself!!).

Get to the doc... some medication, a modification of diet and a bit of exercise and you will have the BP in check in no time.

The last thing you want to do is fail the physical and then be behind the 8-ball for trying to get into the prospective dept. You dont want to send a bad message and start off on the wrong foot in the application process.

The old days of just giving a doctors note to become a firefighter are over.

[exnewhydeparkcap]

drop the bp lose some pounds and try again if you want to a volly that bad you will do it.

[engineman54]

once you drop the bp you should be fine I mean I am overweight and trying to get rid of it but the weight shouldn't be that huge of a problem (no pun intended) just make the effort to loose it