Whitfield Family Practice

💚 World Mental Health Day

Mental health matters, and no one
should have to face their struggles alone. Today, let’s work together to end the stigma, replace judgment with understanding, and remind one another that asking for help is a sign of strength.
At Whitfield Family Practice, we believe in treating you like family — and that means caring about the whole person, including mental and emotional well-being.

💚 Check on your loved ones. Listen without judgment. Remind someone they’re not alone.

📞 Call (256) 686-3456 💬 Text securely at (256) 686-9399
🌐 whitfieldfp.com

What's your favorite fall comfort food? Chili, soup, something off the grill before it gets too cold to stand outside? Tell us below, we love hearing what's actually on North Alabama's table once the weather finally turns.

Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone preparing for Hurricane Isaias, especially families along the Gulf Coast and those who may be affected as the storm moves north.

Here in the Tennessee Valley, we could see heavy rain, gusty winds and localized flooding Saturday. Make sure your family has medications, basic supplies and a way to receive weather alerts if the power goes out.

Stay weather aware and take care of one another. 🙏

Decatur, we're right here on Highway 31 and currently accepting new patients of every age. Whether it's a routine physical or ongoing care for a chronic condition, we'd love to be your family's primary care home for years to come.

👋 Meet Lorie, our experienced front desk receptionist!

With over 8 years in the medical field, Lorie brings valuable experience to patient services. She handles appointment scheduling, patient check-ins, and insurance coordination with expertise and care.

Lorie's experience in healthcare means she understands patient needs and can efficiently help with everything from booking appointments to answering questions about your visit. Her warm approach makes every interaction pleasant and professional.

Experience Lorie's expert patient services!
📞 (256) 686-3456

Checking your own skin regularly matters — the ABCDE rule helps:

The ABCDE Guide
A — Asymmetry: One half of the spot does not match the other half.
B — Border: The edges are uneven, ragged, notched, or blurred.
C — Color: The spot has multiple colors or uneven shades of brown, black, tan, red, white, or blue.
D — Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), though some can be smaller.
E — Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, or color, or develops new symptoms like itching or bleeding.

If a mole checks any of these boxes, it's worth having us take a closer look rather than waiting it out.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it's a good reminder to talk with us about your screening schedule. Regular mammograms and self-exams are two of the most effective tools for catching something early, when it's most treatable and options are broadest.

♿ Alabama Disability Parking Placard Update

There’s been some confusion about the dates and changes to Alabama’s disability parking placard law. Here’s what you need to know.

First, your current placard does NOT automatically become invalid on January 1, 2027.

A current disability parking placard remains valid until it expires, or until one week after the placard holder’s death.

📅 What changes?

October 1, 2026
The new law took effect. A long-term or temporary windshield placard expires one week after the holder’s death. The executor must notify the appropriate local licensing official at probate or within 90 days of the death, whichever comes first.

January 1, 2027
This is the Alabama Department of Revenue’s deadline to begin the new barcode/QR code scan system.

The barcode or QR code will be placed on the disability placard by the Department of Revenue. You do NOT apply for a barcode separately.

When scanned, the system will show the holder’s name and whether the placard is active or expired. Access is limited to the Department and law enforcement — the information is not available for the general public to look up.

At this time, the Department has not published details explaining whether current placard holders will receive a new placard, a sticker, or simply receive the new code when their placard is renewed.

So, there is nothing you need to request right now just to get a barcode.

🪪 How do you get a disability parking placard?

To apply for the placard itself:

• Complete Form MVR 32-6-230, Application for Disability Access Parking Credentials.
• Have the disability certified by a physician, certified registered nurse practitioner, or certified nurse midwife.
• Submit the application to the license plate issuing official in your county.
• In Morgan County, that’s the county licensing office.
• There is no fee for a windshield placard.
• A long-term placard can be valid for up to five years.
• A temporary placard can be valid for up to six months.
• A second placard is available at no charge if the person does not have a disability access plate.

⚠️ What about October 1, 2028?

This is another point of confusion.

October 1, 2028 is NOT when the death-related placard rules begin. That date applies to a separate change involving unauthorized parking.

So if you have a valid disability parking placard today, keep using it. It remains valid until its expiration date or until the law’s one-week-after-death provision applies.

As always, if you have questions about your specific placard, check with your local licensing office or the Alabama Department of Revenue.

At Whitfield Family Practice, we’re here to help you find the right information.

Treating You Like Family. 🩺

📞 Call: (256) 686-3456
💬 Securely text: (256) 686-9399
🌐

Family Medicine in Decatur, AL | Whitfield Family Practice Whitfield Family Practice offers trusted family medicine in Decatur, AL, including physicals, immunizations & lab testing. Accepting new patients today.

We accept Medicare and most major insurance plans, and we're currently welcoming new patients of every age — from 9 months to 90 years. If you've been searching for a primary care home in Decatur or the surrounding area, we'd love to meet you.

Could something as simple as oatmeal, whole-grain bread and brown rice help support your heart? ❤️

A large review of 87 randomized trials involving more than 6,500 people found that eating about 60–100 grams of whole grains a day was associated with improvements in several heart-health measures, including cholesterol, blood pressure, blood sugar and body weight.
That’s roughly the amount you might get from a bowl of oatmeal, two slices of whole-grain bread and a serving of brown rice.

It’s not about finding one “magic” food. Healthy eating is about the choices you make consistently over time.
Have a favorite whole-grain food? Tell us what’s on your plate! 😊

Need help making healthier food choices that fit your life? Whitfield Family Practice offers nutritional counseling as part of our primary care services.

📞 Call (256) 686-3456
📱 Text us securely at (256) 686-9399
🌐 whitfieldfp.com