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 are the advantages of an electronic health record?
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Today, your doctor likely keeps a paper record (sometimes called a "chart") of your information in his or her office. If you're hospitalized, your hospital also keeps a chart. An electronic health record (EHR) is, at its simplest, a digital version of... Full Answer
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- Q What are electronic health records?
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We're living in a digital world. Dr. Maria Lopez Howell explains why electronic health records can make dental visits easier for patients. Full Answer
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- Q What is health information technology?
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The term "health information technology" (health IT) is a broad concept that encompasses an array of technologies to store, share and analyze health information. More and more, health care providers are using health IT to improve patient care. But health... Full Answer
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- Q How do chest tubes help my baby breathe in the NICU?
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Your baby may need one or more chest tubes in the NICU, especially if he had chest surgery, has a pneumothorax (air or gas in the membranes surrounding the lungs), or has fluid accumulation in the membranes surrounding the lungs. A chest tube is... Full Answer
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- Q When can I use generic drugs instead of brand names?
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Shelley Peterman Schwarz, NeurologyAsk your doctor if generic drugs may be used to fill your prescription. Generics are less expensive than brand-name drugs. Ask if the generic drug differs from the brand-name drug in terms of efficacy. Full Answer
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- Q What is a radiologic technologist?
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Radiologic technologists perform imaging tests such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). They are also called radiographers. They work under the direction of a radiologist, who interprets the images to diagnose... Full Answer
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- Q What does a therapeutic recreational therapist do?
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A therapeutic recreational therapist is not always found in rehabilitation settings, but many hospitals have at least one therapeutic recreational therapist on staff. This specialist helps people to embrace leisure and educational activities that... Full Answer
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- Q What is a hyperbaric physician?
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Hyperbaric physicians are medical doctors who specialize in hyperbaric medicine. They use hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy to treat conditions such as decompression illness and carbon monoxide poisoning. The word hyperbaric means making or using a higher... Full Answer
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- Q Who are audiologists?
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Audiologists are hearing specialists who are trained to identify, diagnose, measure and treat hearing disorders or balance problems. They use a variety of devices to measure hearing and the type and extent of hearing loss. Most states require a... Full Answer
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- Q What is a certified nursing assistant (CNA)?
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A certified nursing assistant, (CNA) works under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). A CNA works in a variety of settings including hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult day care centers... Full Answer
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