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 the "Medical Home?"
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A medical home is not a "home" per se, or even a specific location, but rather a coordinated approach to providing health care. The concept originated in primary care in 1967, but has recently been embraced by mental health advocates. A medical... Full Answer
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- Q Why is it important to know my family health history?
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Knowing your family history from a health perspective means you and your relatives are now health aware. This may motivate you to schedule screenings at appropriate times and to engage in lifestyle changes that target and reduce specific disease risks.... Full Answer
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- Q Why is it a good idea for a diabetes patient to see a dietitian?
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It is recommended that you see a dietitian whenever you are having problems reaching your blood glucose targets. It is a good idea to see a dietitian once a year even if you aren’t having problems with diabetes care. A registered dietitian is a... Full Answer
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- Q What should I consider when choosing a specialist?
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Patients with skin cancer need a team of doctors to help determine the most appropriate course of treatment. In this video, Philip Friedlander, MD, an oncologist at The Mount Sinai Medical Center, explains why. Full Answer
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- Q What is a Foley catheter?
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A Foley catheter drains urine from the bladder. The catheter is inserted through the urethra. Full Answer
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- Q Does homeopathy help treat chronic illness?
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The use of homeopathy to treat long-term illness lacks evidence. More studies are needed. You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice,... Full Answer
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- Q Are podiatrists doctors?
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Dr. John Connolly, Healthcare Insurance & PolicyPodiatrists are Doctors of Podiatric Medicine (DPM). They devote their practice to the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of feet and ankles. They are not medical doctors, but many have hospital privileges and, in fact, perform foot surgery... Full Answer
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- Q What is a podiatrist?
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A podiatrist is a doctor certified and trained to prevent, diagnose and treat conditions associated with the foot and ankle. Over time, people with diabetes tend to develop nerve damage in their feet and lower legs and need treatment from a podiatrist. Full Answer
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- Q How can I calm my nerves about an upcoming hospital stay?
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Call the hospital to arrange a mini tour. If you’re visiting someone, spend a little bit of time looking at the particular unit and watching the doctors and nurses, getting a sense, as a visitor, of what the routine is. Watch this video to learn... Full Answer
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- Q Why should I make sure all my doctors know about all my medications?
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Patients should bring an updated list of medications to every medical appointment. This enables primary care doctors and specialists to review current dosages before adding new drugs to the mix. The goal is to avoid harmful duplications of similar... Full Answer
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