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 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
- Q Is weight genetically determined?
-
Dr. Alice Domar, PsychologyYou were born with a genetically programmed weight range. Some nifty research has demonstrated this fact for us. In her book Rethinking Thin, the New York Times science writer Gina Kolata describes two studies performed by Ethan Sims, a... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q What healthcare professionals can help me manage my cardiovascular disease?
-
Both in the hospital and out, many different healthcare providers may be involved in your cardiovascular disease treatment and care. This might seem overwhelming at first, but each person plays a different role. Your primary care provider: This is... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What is a lactation consultant?
-
A lactation consultant or specialist is often a nurse who has been trained to teach and advise women about breast-feeding. Lactation consultants may be associated with birth units in hospitals.Lactation consultants are often most helpful for women... Full Answer
2 Answers
A
- Q What should I do with leftover medication from my baby's birth?
-
Leftover pain medication can be extremely dangerous if taken when it was not prescribed. It should not be used for sleep, headaches, hemorrhoids or any other condition not related to this delivery or surgery. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
- Q What is medical therapy?
-
Medical therapy describes taking medications for treatment of a condition like heart disease. Medical therapy is almost always recommended - in combination with a nutritious diet, exercise and no smoking - to improve your heart health and quality... Full Answer
1 Answer
A
