How often has this happened to you: You pick up a prescription at the pharmacy and later realize you have questions about something in the directions or warnings. Or you buy an over-the-counter (OTC) drug but aren’t sure about the correct dosage after reading the label. That’s where pharmacists come in. Whether at your local… Continue reading How Pharmacists Can Help You
Tag: questions
Get The Most from Your Derm Appointment
Before making an appointment with a dermatologist, it is important to consider their level of training. Board-certified dermatologists have at least eight years of medical training, if not more. They have proven their expertise by passing difficult board exams and meeting other requirements. The American Academy of Dermatology offers the following guidelines: Board certified: It… Continue reading Get The Most from Your Derm Appointment
Talking with Your Doctor about Pain
Although pain is common, many people have a hard time describing it exactly to their doctor or nurse. But according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), considering these questions and issues about pain can help you and your health care practitioner have the best possible treatment: These include: Where does it hurt? When did… Continue reading Talking with Your Doctor about Pain
What You Need to Know about Geriatric Care Managers
If you’re suddenly faced with the need to care for an aging loved one, the decisions you’re required to make will seem overwhelming. In cases like these, a good geriatric care manager, usually a licensed nurse or social worker who specializes in geriatrics, may help. Although they are not covered by Medicare, a geriatric care… Continue reading What You Need to Know about Geriatric Care Managers
Study First to Report Sexual Behavior Norms for U.S. Adults with Dementia Living at Home
Most people with dementia who have partners and live at home are sexually active, according to new research. But people with cognitive impairment and dementia often have sexual function problems they don’t discuss with their doctor. The findings, from a University of Chicago Medicine study, were published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.… Continue reading Study First to Report Sexual Behavior Norms for U.S. Adults with Dementia Living at Home
5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Time at The Doctor’s Office
For most of us, a visit to the doctor is a stressful event. And that anxiety can lead you to forget the most important points you need to make. Here, from the experts at the National Institute on Aging (NIA), are some strategies to make your visit as productive as possible. Be Honest It’s tempting… Continue reading 5 Ways to Make the Most of Your Time at The Doctor’s Office
Ask Your Doctor These Questions About Heart Disease
Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the United States. If you’re concerned about your risk, the experts at the National Institute on Aging suggest asking your doctor and nurse these questions: 1.What is my risk for heart disease? 2.What is my blood pressure? 3.What are my cholesterol numbers? (These include total… Continue reading Ask Your Doctor These Questions About Heart Disease
What Should I Ask My Doctor During My Checkup?
Editor’s note: A visit to the doctor can be an intimidating and at times overwhelming experience, so it might be difficult to remember everything you’d like to ask your physician. Here, the experts from the National Institute on Aging share what questions you should ask, and how to ask them. You might want to read… Continue reading What Should I Ask My Doctor During My Checkup?
Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Exercise
We’ve all heard the adage that you should check with your doctor before beginning or changing an exercise program. But what exactly can you ask him to get the best answer. The experts from Go4Life, a division of the National Institute on Aging, have some suggestions: Are there any exercises or activities I should avoid?… Continue reading Questions to Ask Your Doctor about Exercise
Should Your Child Take Part in A Clinical Trial?
You may have heard of clinical trials, and your doctor may even have suggested your child enroll in one. Here, from the experts at the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), are some of the things to consider: Clinical trials are voluntary research studies conducted in people and designed to answer specific questions about the… Continue reading Should Your Child Take Part in A Clinical Trial?
Making ER Visits Easier
A visit to the ER can be especially stressful. The experts from NIH SeniorHealth, a division of the National Institutes of Health, suggest some strategies for making it easier: The experts suggest that you come prepared with some documents, including your health insurance card or policy number; a list of your medications; a list of… Continue reading Making ER Visits Easier
10 Questions to Ask Your Veterinarian About Medications for Your Pet
To prevent or treat an illness in your pet, your veterinarian may prescribe a medication. Understanding important information about the medication and how to treat your pet can help your animal’s recovery or continued good health. “Just as you would talk to your doctor about a medicine prescribed for you or your children, you should… Continue reading 10 Questions to Ask Your Veterinarian About Medications for Your Pet
Caregiving and Atrial Fibrillation
Many people associate cardiovascular disease solely with blocked arteries and heart attacks. However, over five million people suffer with electrical problems of the heart—a complex condition called atrial fibrillation. Most common in the elderly, AFib, as it’s known, comes in various forms; some come and go while some are persistent and even permanent, but they… Continue reading Caregiving and Atrial Fibrillation
10 Questions to Ask an Emergency Room Physician
Patients often find it difficult to talk to physicians when they don’t particularly feel well. They tend to lack self-respect in these situations, failing to speak up for themselves. Naturally, this sentiment reflects upon physicians who are seen as not treating patients with dignity. Dignity implies self-confidence and certainty, rarely afforded to patients. Patients are… Continue reading 10 Questions to Ask an Emergency Room Physician
Getting Ready for Surgery
Have you been told by your doctor that you need surgery? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of older Americans have surgery each year. Here, from the National Institue on Aging, is what you need to know before an operation: For most surgeries, you will have time to find out about the operation, talk about… Continue reading Getting Ready for Surgery
Why You Need A Personalized Health Journal
By Nancy Wurtzel Two years ago, just before a long-planned vacation, I came down with a summer cold. At first it was only a minor inconvenience, but midway into my trip I was feeling horrible. My ears were causing the most discomfort. They were both plugged, which left me feeling light-headed and sleepy. Seeking relief,… Continue reading Why You Need A Personalized Health Journal
Is Your Doctor Googling You?
Because social media is becoming more important in modern medical practice, researchers are calling for updated guidelines on when it is ethical to Google a patient. “As time goes on, Googling patients is going to become more and more common, especially with doctors who grew up with the Internet,” says Maria J. Baker, associate professor… Continue reading Is Your Doctor Googling You?