Healthcare Basics
Your birthday can act as a reminder for your annual physical, vision exam and dental checkup. A fasting blood-sugar test at least once every three years can alert you early to diabetes and high-cholesterol issues. Stepping on the scale helps point out a slower metabolism through weight gain, and checking blood pressure helps identify hypertension. An annual check of any moles or unusual skin spots can detect skin cancer early. Women need pelvic exams and Pap tests every one to three years, especially if sexually active, to guard against cancer and disease. Over age 50, they also need a mammogram to detect for breast cancer and a thyroid hormone test every five years. Both sexes at that age also need annual rectal exams to screen for colon cancer and, for men, prostate cancer. Its also a good idea to get an annual flu shot, and a tetanus booster shot every 10 years.
Recently Answered
- Q What is a speech-language pathologist?
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Speech-language pathologists assess, diagnose, treat and help prevent speech, language and communication disorders. Speech-language pathologists work with people who cannot make speech sounds or cannot make them clearly; have speech rhythm and fluency... Full Answer
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- Q What is a licensed mental health counselor?
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Mental health counselors—often social workers or marriage and family therapists—provide counseling services for individuals, couples, families, teens, and children. Mental health counselors must earn a master's degree in counseling or a... Full Answer
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- Q What is an endocrinologist?
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An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in treating people with disorders of the endocrine gland, such as diabetes, and other problems like thyroid diseases and hormonal disorders. In many cases, your endocrinologist may become your primary doctor... Full Answer
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- Q What is basal body temperature?
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Basal body temperature is the temperature of the body under conditions of absolute rest. It is the lowest temperature attained by the body when at complete rest, which is usually during sleep. Full Answer
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- Q What is a spinal cord injury specialist?
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Spinal cord injury specialists are rehabilitation doctors (physiatrists) who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of people who have spinal cord injuries. A person is referred to a spinal cord injury specialist because of spinal cord disease or a... Full Answer
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- Q What is a reproductive endocrinologist?
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Reproductive endocrinologists are medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing and treating infertility and other reproductive or hormonal disorders. For example, they can help men and women find out why a woman can't get pregnant. These specialists can... Full Answer
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- Q What is a radiation oncologist?
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A radiation oncologist has the specialized training and expertise needed to prescribe and deliver radiation therapy treatments. He or she will review your medical records, develop the best course of treatment, oversee your radiation therapy and... Full Answer
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- Q What is a board-certified family physician?
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A board-certified family physician is a doctor who has gone to medical school, completed a residency in family medicine and received certification by the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM). To receive ABFM certification, family doctors need to pass... Full Answer
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- Q Why should I keep seeing a family doctor if I see a specialist?
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Doctors who practice family medicine, or "family physicians," can work together with other medical specialists to optimize your healthcare. Family doctors typically have a broad knowledge of medicine as well as a more comprehensive knowledge of a... Full Answer
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- Q What is the difference between family medical care and urgent care?
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Typically you should seek urgent care when you need to be seen quickly for a health problem that requires immediate attention. Family medical care is much broader and usually not as urgent. Family medical care offices typically provide services including... Full Answer
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