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 Why is it important to take notes during my doctor's visit?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyOften you go to the doctor because you are worried about a symptom or waiting to hear the results of a test. Anxiety can cause you to zone out, so you may need to bring a backup. Bring a recording device or a second set of ears (a friend orrelative) with... Full Answer
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- Q What should I ask my doctor about palliative care?
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If you are living with serious illness or are simply planning ahead for your own or a loved one's future, having a frank discussion with your doctor is a good idea. Putting things into words, getting more information, and asking questions can... Full Answer
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- Q What kind of training does a psychotherapist have?
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Dr. John Norcross, PsychologyHere’s a surprising fact: The term psychotherapist is not legally protected or regulated in the United States. That means you can legally call yourself a psychotherapist or therapist, put it on a business card, and hang out a shingle. The... Full Answer
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- Q What kind of training does a psychologist have?
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Dr. John Norcross, PsychologyOf all mental health professionals, psychologists receive the most training in psychotherapy. They possess doctoral degrees in psychology (Ph.D., Psy.D.), and spend one or two additional years as clinical interns. They alone provide psychological... Full Answer
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- Q What do psychiatrists do?
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Dr. John Norcross, PsychologyPsychiatrists possess doctoral degrees in medicine (M.D., D.O.) and most have completed a formal residency in psychiatry. They prescribe medication and, compared with the other mental health professions, specialize in biological treatments. Tips:... Full Answer
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- Q What kind of training does a clinical social worker have?
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Dr. John Norcross, PsychologyClinical social workers possess a master’s degree in social work or social sciences (M.S.W., M.A.) followed by supervised experience leading to state licensure and eligibility in the Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW). Clinical... Full Answer
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- Q What kind of training does a counselor have?
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Dr. John Norcross, PsychologyCounselors possess a master’s degree in counseling or an associated field (M.A., M.S.) and are licensed after several years of experience and completion of a national examination. Counselors offer services in many treatment settings. Tip:... Full Answer
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- Q What kind of training does a psychiatric nurse have?
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Dr. John Norcross, PsychologyPsychiatric nurses are registered nurses (R.N., B.S.N.) who earned a master’s of science degree in nursing (M.S.N.). Some go on to earn the Nurse Practitioner (NP) designation and then can, in collaboration with a physician, prescribe... Full Answer
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- Q What kind of training does a marriage and family therapist have?
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Dr. John Norcross, PsychologyMarriage and family therapists possess a master’s degree in, naturally enough, marital and family therapy (M.F.T., M.A.) and tend to specialize in conducting couple and family work. A couple of jurisdictions call them by slightly different... Full Answer
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- Q What are the different types of psychotherapist?
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Dr. John Norcross, PsychologyThe term psychotherapist is not legally protected or regulated in the United States. That means you can legally call yourself a psychotherapist or therapist, put it on a business card, and hang out a shingle. The lesson should be obvious: avoid... Full Answer
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