health tips
Do you know how to be a good patient?
Can you describe your symptoms?
If you are complaing about aches or pains, but cannont recall when they started or when they usually occur, it is much more difficult for your doctor to make a diagnosis. The more specific you can be the better. Try to pay attention to your symptoms and possibly even jot down what they are, and when you are most bothered by them. Then, take the list with you to your exam.
Can you name your medications?
If you do not know the names and/or the dosages of medications that you are taking, it can make it difficult and sometimes dangerous for your doctor to prescribe treatment. Bring a list, or bring the actual prescription bottles with you (including herbals and vitamins).
Did you write down your questions?
Take a list of questions to your appointment. This will ensure that you do not forget to ask, and save both you and your doctor time and frustration. Ask about screenings and tests you should get, what possible side effects are for medications, and what your options are. Your doctor is there to help you, but cannot answer all of your questions if you do not ask.
Do you know your family history?
Most physicians, especially if you are a new patient, will want to know some of your family health history. If you can go to your appointment with a basic knowlege of your family health history (mother, father, siblings) it will be helpful to both you and your doctor.
Did you bring your insurance card?
Most medical offices will want to take a copy of your card, or to get information from it. Make sure you have your card with you when you visit your doctor, especially if you are a new patient, or if your insurance has changed.
Did you schedule appropriately?
Nobody likes to sit in the waiting room, but most likely you will spend some time there. Depending on the type of doctor you are seeing, and circumstances that are simply out of thier control (such as emergencies) your doctor will run behind schedule from time to time. Allow yourself time for such possiblilites to avoid cutting yourself short of time.
Following the tips listed above will help you to make the most of your time with your physician and help him or her to provide the best care possible.
Is it a Cold or the Flu?
It is important to distinguish between a cold and the influenza and the different treatments for each. Here is helpful information to get you started.
SYMPTOMS | COLD | INFLUENZA |
Fever | Rare | Characteristic, high (102-104 F), lasting 3-4 days |
Headache | Rare | Prominent |
General aches and pains | Slight | Usual; often severe |
Fatigue, weakness | Quite mild | Can last up to 2-3 weeks |
Extreme exhaustion | Never | Early and prominent |
Stuffy nose | Common | Sometimes |
Sneezing | Usual | Sometimes |
Sore throat | Common | Sometimes |
Chest discomfort | Mild to moderate; hacking cough | Common, can become severe |
| COLD | INFLUENZA |
Complications | Sinus congestion or earache | Bronchitis, pneumonia; can be life- threatening |
Prevention | None | Annual vaccination; amantadine or rimantadine (antiviral drugs) |
Treatment | Only temporary relief of symptoms | Amantadine of rimantadine within 24-48 hours after the onset of symptoms |
From the National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Disease
Flu Shot vs. Flu Mist
There are some difference between the flu shot and flu mist:
| Flu Shot | Flu Mist |
Administered by:
Who SHOULD get the shot?
Who should NOT be vaccinated with the flu shot?
| Administered by:
Who should NOT be vaccinated with the flu mist?
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