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 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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- Q What is a licensed nurse (LPN or LVN)?
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Licensed practical nurse (LPN) is a nurse who cares for people who are sick, injured, convalescent, or disabled under the direction of registered nurses. The term licensed vocational nurse (LVN) is used in the states of California and Texas.... Full Answer
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- Q What is a social worker?
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Within the hospital setting, a social worker is a person who is specially trained to counsel and assist in the emotional, social, environmental and financial needs of the heart patient and family. Social workers typically work for the hospital and serve... Full Answer
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- Q What is a respiratory therapist (rt)?
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Respiratory therapists (RTs) are health professionals who evaluate, treat, and care for people who have breathing problems. Respiratory therapists use oxygen, medicines, and mechanical measures such as chest percussion to help people breathe more... Full Answer
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- Q What defines a registered dietitian?
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Rebecca Reeves, Nutrition & DieteticsA registered dietitian is a food and nutrition expert who has met academic and professional requirements including: Earned a bachelor's degree with course work approved by ADA's Commission on Accreditation for Dietetics Education. Coursework typically... Full Answer
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- Q What is a vascular surgeon?
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Vascular surgeons are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, medical management and surgical treatment of diseases of the blood vessels (vascular disease). Vascular surgeons can be board-certified through the Board of Surgery, which is... Full Answer
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- Q What is a sleep disorders specialist?
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A sleep specialist is a doctor with specialty certification in sleep medicine. Sleep specialists have advanced training in testing, diagnosis, management, and prevention of all types of sleep-related disorders. Full Answer
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- Q What is a hepatologist?
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Hepatologists are gastroenterology (GI tract) doctors who further specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the liver, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis. They likely have also completed additional study in the area of liver... Full Answer
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- Q What is a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA)?
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A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) is a registered nurse who has acquired graduate-level education as an advanced practice nurse and is board certification in anesthesia. The licensed CRNA is authorized to deliver comprehensive anesthesia... Full Answer
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- Q What is a speech-language pathologist?
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Speech-language pathologists assess, diagnose, treat and help prevent speech, language and communication disorders. Speech-language pathologists work with people who cannot make speech sounds or cannot make them clearly; have speech rhythm and fluency... Full Answer
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