A rectal temperatures is an internal measurement taken in the rectum, and is slightly higher at 99.6 °F or 37.6 °C. This is the best and most accurate measure of the body’s temperature. A rectal temperature can be taken on individuals of all ages, but it may be uncomfortable. Thus an oral temperature, measured with a thermometer placed under the tongue, is the most convenient and comfortable type of temperature measurement for adults. A normal oral temperature is 98.6°F or 37.0 °C. This is the accepted standard temperature for the normal body temperature. External measure of the body’s temperature such as axillary, tympanic membrane or skin temperatures are the least accurate and may take hours to reflect true changes in the body’s core temperature.
Health Screening & Wellness
Recently Answered
-
1 AnswerA
-
1 AnswerA
An oral temperature is the body temperature as recorded by a clinical thermometer placed in the mouth. Normal adult body temperature, as measured orally, is 98.6° F (37° C). Oral temperatures ranging from 96.5° F to 99° F and may vary depending on the person's physical activity, the environmental temperature, and that person's usual body temperature.
-
1 AnswerA
The most common reason to check an oral temperature is to detect a fever or an elevation of body temperature. Sometime, women will check an oral temperture, using a special thermometer, first thing in the morning, before getting out of bed, as part of a fertility awareness program.
-
1 AnswerA
An axillary temperature is measured in the axilla or armpit area. It is recommended to use a digital thermometer when taking an axillary temperature. To take an axillary temperature:
- Remove any clothing on the arm being used.
- Raise the patient’s arm.
- Make sure the underarm area is dry. If the individual has visible deodorant, powder or lotion in the area, it needs to be removed with a dry cloth.
- Turn on the thermometer and put a protective cover on the tip
- Place the thermometer under the arm with the tip of the thermometer positioned in the pit of the axilla.
- Bring the arm next to the body.
- Hold the thermometer in place until the sound signals it is finished.
- Remove the thermometer and read the temperature.
- Clean the thermometer before putting it away.
-
1 AnswerA
An axillary temperature is a non-invasive mode of measuring body temperature. An axillary temperature is measured in persons who are unable to cooperate in the measurement of an oral temperature. For example, infants or young children who are unable to follow directions to hold the thermometer in their mouth. It also may be used for individuals who have experienced trauma or surgery to the mouth. Another indication for an axillary temperature is a person receiving oxygen via a facemask or individuals who are mouth breathers.
-
2 AnswersA
Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answeredSee All 2 AnswersIt is difficult to quantify exactly how much patrolling your own health affects your RealAge (physiologic age). But there is no doubt that it markedly affects it for the better. For example, if you spot an early cancer and have it removed before it has a chance to metastasize (spread), you may save yourself ten, twenty, even thirty years of aging.
For this reason, you should never skip routine testing. Data from the Cardiovascular Health Study examined three tests in 2,932 individuals over age 65; the investigators found that those without symptoms but with abnormalities on these three tests were the equivalent of 5 years older than if they had no abnormalities on these tests. Skipping routine maintenance on your body puts everything at stake -- your memory, IQ, health, and enjoyment of life. -
1 AnswerA
Scripps Health answeredCardiovascular screenings for high blood pressure, cholesterol and other markers should be conducted periodically. People in their 40s with high blood pressure will need regular follow-ups. -
3 AnswersA
RealAge answeredSee All 3 AnswersA physical exam is an assessment of how healthy your body is currently, and a means of determining what might be causing any symptoms you are having and what medical problems you might be at risk for in the future. Physical exams might be done as part of a requirement for a new job or participation in organized sports, to monitor an ongoing medical problem you are having, or as part of a wellness check to get a status report on your current health. Physical exams are also an important way for pediatricians and other doctors to determine if a child is growing and developing normally.
A physical exam typically begins with a conversation between you and your healthcare provider, during which you explain why you are there and symptoms or concerns about your health that you have. You may share your family and personal medical history. To prepare for a physical exam it helps to bring with you medications (including nonprescription medicines and supplements) that you are taking, a list of symptoms (including when and under what circumstances they occur) and a list of questions you want to ask.
The information you share may help direct the physical exam. For example, if you are experiencing a rash, your doctor may pay particular attention to your skin. If your eyes are bothering you, your doctor may take extra time examining your eyes. In general, in a complete physical exam your doctor may:
- take your height, weight, blood pressure and pulse
- use a stethoscope to listen to your heart and lungs
- look in your eyes
- look in your ears, nose and throat
- check the color and appearance of your skin, hair and nails
- check your reflexes
- feel your abdomen
- do a pelvic and breast exam (in women)
- check for signs of prostate and testicular cancer (in men)
Your doctor may also order lab tests to be done to examine your blood and/or urine for signs of disease or infection. In addition, a physical exam is a good time for your doctor to discuss your lifestyle and ways to improve your health habits if you need to and to update your vaccines if necessary to prevent disease.
Having physical exams regularly is also a way to establish an ongoing relationship with your doctor so that when health problems arise, your doctor can build on what he or she already knows about your health to provide the best treatment possible.
-
1 AnswerA
A rectal temperatures is an internal measurement taken in the rectum, and is slightly higher at 99.6 °F or 37.6 °C. This is the best and most accurate measure of the body’s temperature. A rectal temperature can be taken on individuals of all ages, but it may be uncomfortable. Thus an oral temperature, measured with a thermometer placed under the tongue, is the most convenient and comfortable type of temperature measurement for adults. A normal oral temperature is 98.6°F or 37.0 °C. This is the accepted standard temperature for the normal body temperature. External measure of the body’s temperature such as axillary, tympanic membrane or skin temperatures are the least accurate and may take hours to reflect true changes in the body’s core temperature.
-
2 AnswersA
Dr. Susan S. Blum, MD , Preventive Medicine, answeredSee All 2 AnswersIt can help you know where you stand at any given time. But it does not replace the need to continue living a healthy life, because even after a good screening, health can change pretty quickly if you aren’t taking care of yourself. In other words, a good screening exam is not a license to go out and behave badly.