Kecia Howell, DVM

Kecia Howell, DVM is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she provides personalized preventive care plans at her clinic in Lakeland, FL. Your family medicine doctor is your primary partner in lifelong health, crafting personalized preventive care plans, coordinating essential screenings, and managing your overall wellness journey from childhood to senior years. She serves all ages, from newborns to seniors, with a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Kecia DVM is a family medicine specialist in Lakeland, FL, dedicated to preventive care. Her practice emphasizes proactive health management, focusing on the early detection and management of potential health issues. She works to create a collaborative environment where patients are actively involved in their healthcare decisions. Please call (863) 858-2252 to confirm if Dr. Kecia DVM is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Kecia DVM provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Kecia DVM is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Kecia DVM can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Kecia DVM provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Arthropathy Associated With Reiters Disease: Managing infections effectively is key to preventing Reiter's syndrome and its associated joint pain; your family doctor can advise on steps to reduce your risk and improve overall joint health.
• Substance Dependence: Preventing long-term health issues like liver damage or heart disease relies on early identification and management of substance dependence through lifestyle changes and professional support.
• Perioral Dermatitis: Regular skin checks and early intervention for perioral dermatitis can help prevent recurring breakouts and maintain healthy skin around your mouth.
• Viral Infection: Understanding how viral infections spread and implementing preventive measures like handwashing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals are crucial for minimizing your risk.
• Peripheral Autonomic Neuropathy: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you prevent or manage peripheral autonomic neuropathy, a condition that affects the nerves controlling involuntary bodily functions, safeguarding your long-term health.
• Ankle Fracture: Early detection of an ankle fracture is crucial to ensure proper healing and prevent long-term mobility issues, highlighting the importance of seeking medical attention promptly after an injury.
• Separation Anxiety: Addressing separation anxiety early can prevent long-term emotional and behavioral problems in children and adults.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Kecia DVM offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Prostate Cancer Screening Exam (DRE): Regular prostate exams are a vital part of men's preventive care, allowing for early detection of potential problems.
• Laparoscopy: For a thorough assessment of your abdominal health, laparoscopy is a valuable tool that allows doctors to visualize and address potential problems before they become serious.
• Bowel Resection: Bowel resection surgery can help alleviate symptoms caused by conditions such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, allowing for better management of your intestinal health.
• Circumcision: As part of your comprehensive healthcare plan, circumcision offers potential long-term benefits in reducing the risk of some infections.
• Leukemia Diagnostic Evaluations: Early detection is key in fighting leukemia. Leukemia diagnostic evaluations are a vital part of preventive care, allowing for timely intervention and improved outcomes.
• Hepatitis B Virus Screening: Take charge of your liver health: Hepatitis B screening is a proactive step to identify infection and protect yourself from long-term complications.
• Laser Skin Resurfacing: Laser skin resurfacing can help proactively address early signs of skin damage, reducing the risk of future skin cancer and improving your overall skin health.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Family Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Kecia DVM is dedicated to partnering with Family members and caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By proactively managing potential infections and understanding risk factors, a family felt empowered to reduce the chance of joint pain associated with Reiter's syndrome, enjoying a healthier, more active lifestyle.
• By recognizing early warning signs and developing a personalized plan with support, a family successfully reduced their risk of substance dependence, fostering a healthier and more secure future.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Family Medicine care with Dr. Kecia DVM:

What is a Family Physician, and how are they different from other doctors?

A family physician is a primary care doctor who provides comprehensive medical care for people of all ages, from infants to seniors. They focus on the whole person, managing the health of the entire family, and are skilled at preventing illness and coordinating all aspects of patient care.

What should I expect during an annual physical or wellness exam?

Your annual physical with Dr. Kecia DVM is a great opportunity to partner with us. We'll review your health history, perform a physical exam, and discuss personalized preventive screenings and lifestyle goals.

Why is it important to have a primary care physician, even if I'm healthy?

Having a primary care physician, like Dr. Kecia DVM, is a valuable long-term investment in your health. Establishing a relationship when you're well provides a crucial baseline, ensuring someone knows your medical history and can provide faster, more personalized care if needed. This also helps you stay on track with preventive care to maintain your well-being.

Can you treat joint pain or minor sports injuries?

Yes, Dr. DVM and our team can treat joint pain and minor sports injuries. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for musculoskeletal issues like sprains, strains, and arthritis. Treatment may include advice on rest and ice, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes joint injections or referrals to physical therapy.

Do you offer men's health services like prostate cancer screening?

Dr. Kecia DVM's practice provides comprehensive men's health services. She discusses the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening (PSA test) based on current guidelines and manages other men's health concerns like erectile dysfunction and low testosterone.

Do you provide care for children and infants?

Yes, Dr. DVM is fully equipped to care for children and infants, providing well-child check-ups, developmental screenings, and childhood immunizations. Having one doctor for all family members makes care convenient and comprehensive.

Do you perform minor skin procedures in the office?

Yes, Dr. DVM and our team can often handle minor skin procedures like removing suspicious moles, freezing warts, and draining skin abscesses right in the office. This allows for convenient care and follow-up by your primary doctor.

How do you help manage chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure?

Dr. DVM works with patients to create a personalized management plan for chronic conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. This includes regular monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to prevent complications and maintain a good quality of life. We are committed to being a long-term partner in your health journey.

7433 US Highway 98 N
Lakeland FL 33809
Phone: (863) 858-2252

Kecia Howell, DVM is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1811517840

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Family Medicine like Dr. Kecia DVM are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your family medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.