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 telemetry pack?
-
A telemetry pack is a portable heart monitor that you wear around your neck or waist or in the pocket of a hospital gown. The telemetry pack is connected to a few electrodes placed on the skin of your chest area and sends your electrocardiogram... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What is home oximetry?
-
Home oximetry uses a small device to monitor the oxygen level in your blood while you sleep. If your blood oxygen level repeatedly dips below a certain level, you might be experiencing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Based on your results, your... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q How do I take care of thermometers?
-
Wash digital and glass thermometers with lukewarm water and soap. If you have rubbing alcohol available, you may also want to clean the thermometer with it and a soft cloth. Place the thermometer back into its case. Store it in a safe place, away... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What are the types of thermometers?
-
There are two basic types of thermometers, and they both work equally well. There are two types of digital probe thermometers. The first can be used orally (in the mouth), rectally, and in the armpit. The second is ear thermometers. Be sure you... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What is New York's Palliative Care Information Act (PCIA)?
-
The Palliative Care Information Act (PCIA) instructs New York doctors and nurse practitioners to offer terminally ill patients information on hospice, palliative care and appropriate end-of-life options. Patients may accept or decline the offer,... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What do I ask if someone wants me for a healthcare proxy?
-
Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyIf you are someone's designated health care proxy, it can be emotionally wrenching because you're dealing with our own grief, sadness, and fear while trying to be strong and responsible. But you may also feel fortunate that you're there to help. I can... Full Answer
3 Answers
A
- Q What should I know about do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders?
-
Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyYou can opt for a do-not-resuscitate (or DNR) order even if you don't (yet) have a living will or health care power of attorney. Straightforwardly, this means that if your heart stops or you stop breathing, the medical staff won't try to revive you. You... Full Answer
3 Answers
A
- Q What qualities should I look for in a healthcare proxy?
-
Dr. Mehmet Oz, CardiologyThe person you designate to call the shots for you in a medical emergency or when you can't speak for yourself--either for a finite one-time treatment period or in perpetuity, might be called your agent, attorney-in-fact, proxy, or surrogate. The person... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q What does FSCAI mean?
-
FSCAI stands for Fellow of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, and it is a mark of excellence among interventional cardiologists. The Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions, or SCAI, is the primary professional... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q Why does a dental hygienist clean my teeth and not a dentist?
-
Dr. Jonathan B. Levine, DentistryCleaning is the dental hygienist's area of expertise. He went to school for this; he’s been trained for this. Him doing his job allows your dentist to concentrate on his areas of expertise. This arrangement makes for a better, more... Full Answer
3 Answers
A
