Organ donation is big business. How can you be sure your organs will be used after you're dead instead of being killed for them while you're alive? The movie "Inhale" provides a detailed look at the underground world of organ donation. Words written on this blog can do little justice to this topic. For more information and facts on organ donation check these resources:
Best health!
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Basic Health Tests
These basic health tests can help your doctor with your diagnosis and treatment.
EKG
This test, also known as an electrocardiogram, gives information about your heart. It is usually done by the primary care doctor as part of a routine physical, especially if heart disease runs in your family. Typically, this test is done on anyone complaining of chest pain or discomfort. Small patches with adhesive on the back are placed on the chest, arms, and legs while the patient lies on her or his back. The electrode patches are attached to the wire cables running from the EKG machine. The heart’s electrical activity is recorded on paper. By looking at this “heart tracing” graph, the doctor can tell if there are any abnormalities like irregular heartbeats (called arrythmias), damage to heart muscle
from a heart attack, poor blood flow to the heart that causes chest pain (called angina), and heart enlargement. The doctor has been trained to know what changes or abnormalities need further testing, treatment, or hospitalization.
X-RayThis test uses small amounts of radiation through an X-ray machine to make pictures. Itcan be done on almost any part of the body to check out a patient’s symptom, and/or the
doctor’s findings during the physical exam. Many primary care doctors have X-ray equipment in the office. If not, the patient may be referred to a special office (diagnostic center) that performs Xrays or to a local hospital radiology department.
X-rays are most commonly done on the chest, abdomen, back, joints, and extremities (arms and legs) and are done either with the patient lying down or standing up, depending on the part of the body being checked. After you have been positioned, the X-ray film cassette is placed in the machine next to the body part being X-rayed. The radiation from the machine will pass through the body part being X-rayed onto the film. The radiology technician (the person who operates the X-ray machine) will then move to a closedspace in the same room and press the buttons to take the X-ray.
During this test it is important that a protective lead shield apron be placed over the reproductive parts of the body. Usually the technician will need to take more than one view, and so you will be asked to move a certain body part or turn a certain way. Different X-ray views give the radiologist (the doctor who reviews and interprets X-rays) a more complete view of the body part. Using the information from this test and the information from your history and physical, your doctor will be able to determine the proper diagnosis (what the problem is), treatment, and/or more tests, if needed.
There is some concern that the radiation from X-rays may be harmful. Studies have shown that small amounts of radiation are not linked with an increased risk of health problems. Over the years the amount of radiation used for X-rays has been decreased.
Ultrasound
This test is also referred to as a sonogram or sound wave test. The ultrasound uses sound
waves to make images of body parts. This changes electrical energy to sound waves that go throughthe skin into your body. When the waves contact the body’s organs, they reflect to the transducer, producing echoes. The echoes are then converted into still or moving images by a computer that makes a picture of your organs. The technician is able to see this on the monitoring screen and to make an X-ray or Polaroid-type picture. The ultrasound uses no radiation. In this test the technician applies gel to the area to be tested. A transducer held by the technician is moved back and forth against that part of the body. This sends out the sound waves that go back into the computer.
The sonogram is commonly used to look at your internal organs in the abdomen (such as the gallbladder, kidneys, liver, spleen, and pancreas), prostate, uterus, and ovaries. It is also used to look at blood vessels (arteries and veins), the thyroid gland, breasts, and the skull. In a pregnant patient, actual moving images of the fetus can be seen. As there is no radiation exposure, the sonogram is very valuable in following fetal development in pregnancy. It is also able to detect and diagnose other conditions related to pregnancy. Sonograms are also useful in checking the heart. These are called echocardiograms or Doppler echos.
Computerized Axial Tomography
(CAT Scan, CT Scan)
The CT scan is another way to make images of body parts. The CT scanner uses X-ray beams that rotate around the body. These beams then go through a detector, and a computer analyzes and processes the data into an X-ray film. The CT machine has a table that is pulled in and out of the machine, which is a large hollow tube (like a doughnut) that can surround the body. During the test the patient lies down on the table. The scanner (inside the hollow tube) then rotates around the patient. The CT scan is able to image many parts of the body. It detects more than a regular X-ray and produces two-dimensional views. This test is commonly used to pick up tumors, infections, enlarged organs, and many other abnormalities.
The MRI scan is another diagnostic test that does not use X-rays. Instead, it uses magnetized energy. The images produced are extremely detailed pictures of the body part scanned. It is very much like looking at the pictures in an anatomy book or almost like looking at a person internally. The MRI machine is designed muchlike a CT scan machine, except a magnet is in the hollow tube instead of X-ray beams. The test is also done while the patient lies down on a table that moves in and out of the machine. The MRI scan takes about thirty minutes to an hour. The MRI is not recommended for persons with metal or electronic implants (such as pacemakers, joint pins, prosthetics, artificial heart valves, metal fragments, shrapnel, IUDs, etc.), as those might interfere with the machine. Be sure
your doctor and technician are made aware if you have any such implants. For the claustrophobic person, the closed space of the MRI machine may create some anxiety. Again, alert your doctor and technician. A mild sedative may be necessary prior to the test to help relax you, or you may be sent to a facility that has an open MRI. MRI scans are useful for scanning almost any body part for almost anything. Tumors, cysts, aneurysms,
herniated back discs, and orthopedic conditions are among the many abnormalities that can be detected with this test.
Mammogram
The mammogram is a plain X-ray picture of the breast. It requires a special machine that
compresses each breast against X-ray film to take the picture. The X-ray passes through the breast tissue and shows how the breast looks inside. This test is excellent for detecting tumors and cysts. It may also show if the area is benign (no cancer) or malignant (cancer). The mammogram is able to pick up cancers that are too small to be felt or seen. It is a valuable cancer screening test.
EKG
This test, also known as an electrocardiogram, gives information about your heart. It is usually done by the primary care doctor as part of a routine physical, especially if heart disease runs in your family. Typically, this test is done on anyone complaining of chest pain or discomfort. Small patches with adhesive on the back are placed on the chest, arms, and legs while the patient lies on her or his back. The electrode patches are attached to the wire cables running from the EKG machine. The heart’s electrical activity is recorded on paper. By looking at this “heart tracing” graph, the doctor can tell if there are any abnormalities like irregular heartbeats (called arrythmias), damage to heart muscle
from a heart attack, poor blood flow to the heart that causes chest pain (called angina), and heart enlargement. The doctor has been trained to know what changes or abnormalities need further testing, treatment, or hospitalization.
X-Ray
doctor’s findings during the physical exam. Many primary care doctors have X-ray equipment in the office. If not, the patient may be referred to a special office (diagnostic center) that performs Xrays or to a local hospital radiology department.
X-rays are most commonly done on the chest, abdomen, back, joints, and extremities (arms and legs) and are done either with the patient lying down or standing up, depending on the part of the body being checked. After you have been positioned, the X-ray film cassette is placed in the machine next to the body part being X-rayed. The radiation from the machine will pass through the body part being X-rayed onto the film. The radiology technician (the person who operates the X-ray machine) will then move to a closedspace in the same room and press the buttons to take the X-ray.
During this test it is important that a protective lead shield apron be placed over the reproductive parts of the body. Usually the technician will need to take more than one view, and so you will be asked to move a certain body part or turn a certain way. Different X-ray views give the radiologist (the doctor who reviews and interprets X-rays) a more complete view of the body part. Using the information from this test and the information from your history and physical, your doctor will be able to determine the proper diagnosis (what the problem is), treatment, and/or more tests, if needed.
There is some concern that the radiation from X-rays may be harmful. Studies have shown that small amounts of radiation are not linked with an increased risk of health problems. Over the years the amount of radiation used for X-rays has been decreased.
Ultrasound
This test is also referred to as a sonogram or sound wave test. The ultrasound uses sound
waves to make images of body parts. This changes electrical energy to sound waves that go throughthe skin into your body. When the waves contact the body’s organs, they reflect to the transducer, producing echoes. The echoes are then converted into still or moving images by a computer that makes a picture of your organs. The technician is able to see this on the monitoring screen and to make an X-ray or Polaroid-type picture. The ultrasound uses no radiation. In this test the technician applies gel to the area to be tested. A transducer held by the technician is moved back and forth against that part of the body. This sends out the sound waves that go back into the computer.
The sonogram is commonly used to look at your internal organs in the abdomen (such as the gallbladder, kidneys, liver, spleen, and pancreas), prostate, uterus, and ovaries. It is also used to look at blood vessels (arteries and veins), the thyroid gland, breasts, and the skull. In a pregnant patient, actual moving images of the fetus can be seen. As there is no radiation exposure, the sonogram is very valuable in following fetal development in pregnancy. It is also able to detect and diagnose other conditions related to pregnancy. Sonograms are also useful in checking the heart. These are called echocardiograms or Doppler echos.
Computerized Axial Tomography
(CAT Scan, CT Scan)
The CT scan is another way to make images of body parts. The CT scanner uses X-ray beams that rotate around the body. These beams then go through a detector, and a computer analyzes and processes the data into an X-ray film. The CT machine has a table that is pulled in and out of the machine, which is a large hollow tube (like a doughnut) that can surround the body. During the test the patient lies down on the table. The scanner (inside the hollow tube) then rotates around the patient. The CT scan is able to image many parts of the body. It detects more than a regular X-ray and produces two-dimensional views. This test is commonly used to pick up tumors, infections, enlarged organs, and many other abnormalities.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
The MRI scan is another diagnostic test that does not use X-rays. Instead, it uses magnetized energy. The images produced are extremely detailed pictures of the body part scanned. It is very much like looking at the pictures in an anatomy book or almost like looking at a person internally. The MRI machine is designed muchlike a CT scan machine, except a magnet is in the hollow tube instead of X-ray beams. The test is also done while the patient lies down on a table that moves in and out of the machine. The MRI scan takes about thirty minutes to an hour. The MRI is not recommended for persons with metal or electronic implants (such as pacemakers, joint pins, prosthetics, artificial heart valves, metal fragments, shrapnel, IUDs, etc.), as those might interfere with the machine. Be sure
your doctor and technician are made aware if you have any such implants. For the claustrophobic person, the closed space of the MRI machine may create some anxiety. Again, alert your doctor and technician. A mild sedative may be necessary prior to the test to help relax you, or you may be sent to a facility that has an open MRI. MRI scans are useful for scanning almost any body part for almost anything. Tumors, cysts, aneurysms,
herniated back discs, and orthopedic conditions are among the many abnormalities that can be detected with this test.
Mammogram
The mammogram is a plain X-ray picture of the breast. It requires a special machine that
compresses each breast against X-ray film to take the picture. The X-ray passes through the breast tissue and shows how the breast looks inside. This test is excellent for detecting tumors and cysts. It may also show if the area is benign (no cancer) or malignant (cancer). The mammogram is able to pick up cancers that are too small to be felt or seen. It is a valuable cancer screening test.
Monday, March 19, 2012
What Your Blood Tests Really Mean
When the doctor orders blood tests (also called lab tests, blood profile/ panel), she or he is checking for certain things. The most common tests are CBC (complete blood count), basic complete blood panel, and UA (urinalysis). The CBC checks the body’s WBCs (white blood cells) and RBCs (red blood cells). In the lab the cells are examined for size, shape, and number. The WBCs may tell if you may have some type of infection or leukemia(cancer of the white cells). The RBCs carry oxygen to the rest of the body. This is done by hemoglobin, which is carried inside the RBCs. Some inherited diseases, such as sickle cell
anemia and thallassemia, can be identified by abnormal RBC shape and size. Also included in the CBC is a platelet count. Platelets are cells that help your blood to clot, for instance to stop the bleeding after a flesh wound.
The basic complete blood panel measures many different things. Included in these tests are:
Other tests than those listed may be checked depending on your history and physical exam. Be sure you are scheduled for a return visit to follow up on all tests. Some doctors’ offices will also let you know by phone or mail, especially if there is an abnormal test that must be checked before your next appointment.
Your symptoms, the doctor’s physical findings, and blood test results are what the doctor looks at when deciding the next tests that need to be done. This and any additional tests may be used for screening, diagnosis of conditions, and for ongoing management of disease once it is present.
anemia and thallassemia, can be identified by abnormal RBC shape and size. Also included in the CBC is a platelet count. Platelets are cells that help your blood to clot, for instance to stop the bleeding after a flesh wound.
The basic complete blood panel measures many different things. Included in these tests are:
• Na = sodium
• Cl = chloride
• K = potassium
• Mg = magnesium
• Glc = glucose (sugar)
• Ca = calcium (bone mineral)
• PO4 = phosphate (bone mineral)
• BUN = blood urea nitrogen (kidney)
• Cr = creatinine (kidney)
• SGOT = serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (liver)
• SGPT = serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (liver)
• GGT = gamma glutamyl transferase (liver)
• Alk phos = alkaline phosphatase (liver, bone primarily—also gallbadder)
• Fe = iron
• TIBC = total iron binding capacity
• transferrin = iron
• uric acid = checks gout
• chol = cholesterol (fat)
• LDL = low density lipoprotein (“bad” cholesterol)
• HDL = high density lipoprotein (“good” cholesterol)
• TG = triglycerides (fat)
Blood panels may differ from lab to lab. The above tests make up the basic chemistry panel. This should be part of a routine checkup. Some panels may include more tests than those listed above. The urinalysis (UA) may or may not be included, but it is important. Urine tests are able to check for infection, sugar, blood, protein, and many other things. Additional tests that may be ordered by the doctor for preventive screening will depend on your symptoms, diagnosis, family history, and age. Some of these tests are:
• PSA = prostate specific antigen (prostate cancer test)
• TSH = thyroid stimulating hormone (thyroid function)
• T4 = thyroid hormone (thyroid hormone level)
• B12 = vitamin B12
• folate = B vitamin
The Pap smear test and stool for occult blood (blood in stool that cannot be seen with the
naked eye) should also be performed. The Pap smear is a test for females that checks for cancer of the cervix. The stool test, also called Hemoccult test, checks for blood in the stool, which may indicate bleeding from the bowels secondary to cancer, ulcers, or other serious conditions. Other tests than those listed may be checked depending on your history and physical exam. Be sure you are scheduled for a return visit to follow up on all tests. Some doctors’ offices will also let you know by phone or mail, especially if there is an abnormal test that must be checked before your next appointment.
Your symptoms, the doctor’s physical findings, and blood test results are what the doctor looks at when deciding the next tests that need to be done. This and any additional tests may be used for screening, diagnosis of conditions, and for ongoing management of disease once it is present.
Friday, January 6, 2012
Your Family Doctor
Patient Handbook to Medical Care is the best doctor visit you can have anytime! When you read this book you will feel healthier, wealthier and wiser!
Are you getting the medical care you deserve? Are you getting the right tests? Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide by J. L. Richardson, M.D. lets you know! This book is written for patients by a medical doctor "to inform and educate patients about medical care".
ABOUT THE BOOK
This Writer's Digest International Self-Published Book Award winner informs patients about
basic medical care. By reading this reference book you will learn:
It also includes "My Health Notes", blank pages for you to write your own health notes! This is a great way to keep track of your health concerns, and start your medical diary.This book will tell you how to take care of your most important asset- YOU!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Richardson is a family medicine doctor with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Richardson's undergraduate and medical degrees were received from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and residency training was done at Georgetown University and Providence Hospital in
Washington, D.C. Dr. Richardson is a member of the American Academy of Family Practice (AAFP), the Florida Academy of Family Practice (FAFP) as well as University of North Carolina Alumni
Association.
Past affiliations include: Managed Care Ombudsman Committee for the Florida Agency for Healthcare
Administration (AHCA); National Association of Managed Care Physicians; Dade County Medical
Association; American Medical Women's Association; Board Member fof McLamore Children's Center of Children's Home Society of South Florida; Grove Outreach Physician Volunteer; 1999 Special Olympics Physician Volunteer; Cedars Hospital (Miami, Florida) Medical Staff and Utilization Review Committee; and American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians. Dr. Richardson has experience with independent medical record review and patient advocacy issues.
Bend of the River Books is proud to announce that Patient Handbook to Medical Care is now in 59 libraries throughout the United States. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has free public access to read and learn the importance of health maintenance, prevention, and wellness. This expert's guide to personal health care is the ideal book "to inform and educate patients about medical care".
Best health!
Are you getting the medical care you deserve? Are you getting the right tests? Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide by J. L. Richardson, M.D. lets you know! This book is written for patients by a medical doctor "to inform and educate patients about medical care".
ABOUT THE BOOK
This Writer's Digest International Self-Published Book Award winner informs patients about
basic medical care. By reading this reference book you will learn:
- how to keep a medical diary
- getting your medical records
- your complete medical history
- what the physical exam should include
- about preventive tests and when to get them
- about tests your doctor orders
- about specialists and other medical providers
- about health care plans and coverage
- how to seek quality health services.
It also includes "My Health Notes", blank pages for you to write your own health notes! This is a great way to keep track of your health concerns, and start your medical diary.This book will tell you how to take care of your most important asset- YOU!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Richardson is a family medicine doctor with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Richardson's undergraduate and medical degrees were received from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and residency training was done at Georgetown University and Providence Hospital in
Washington, D.C. Dr. Richardson is a member of the American Academy of Family Practice (AAFP), the Florida Academy of Family Practice (FAFP) as well as University of North Carolina Alumni
Association.
Past affiliations include: Managed Care Ombudsman Committee for the Florida Agency for Healthcare
Administration (AHCA); National Association of Managed Care Physicians; Dade County Medical
Association; American Medical Women's Association; Board Member fof McLamore Children's Center of Children's Home Society of South Florida; Grove Outreach Physician Volunteer; 1999 Special Olympics Physician Volunteer; Cedars Hospital (Miami, Florida) Medical Staff and Utilization Review Committee; and American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians. Dr. Richardson has experience with independent medical record review and patient advocacy issues.
Bend of the River Books is proud to announce that Patient Handbook to Medical Care is now in 59 libraries throughout the United States. Our goal is to ensure that everyone has free public access to read and learn the importance of health maintenance, prevention, and wellness. This expert's guide to personal health care is the ideal book "to inform and educate patients about medical care".
Best health!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Making the Most of Your Doctor Visit
When you go to your doctor or health care provider, you should be prepared. This is one way you can be sure that your doctor visit focuses on your most important health issues. The following suggestions will help you get the most out of your doctor vist.
Click on "Comments" below to add your tips or ask questions.
*medical history form http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/
- Be on time.
- Make a list of things you want to talk to your doctor about. Update the list before each visit. This way you will be able to keep track of what has been discussed, and what needs to be discussed. Try to talk about the most important things first especially those that need immediate attention. Each time you go for your visit, you can refer to your list and take up where you left off. Be sure to express your immediate concerns first. We all know how short a doctor visit can be.
- Make a written or typed medical history* to take with you, especially if this is your first visit to a new doctor. Make a copy for you and your doctor. You both will be able to refer to it as needed. This will save valuable time, and give you and your doctor more time to talk instead of flipping through your medical record. It can be difficult trying to "remember" what test or procedure you had 10 years ago.
- Get copies of your medical records from all your doctors. "The medical record is the cornerstone of keeping track of everything pertaining to your health." You will be able to check the accuracy of your records, and bring any errors or absent information to your doctor's attention. Let your doctor know about anything you do not understand, or if there is something you are unable to read due to legibility. It is surprising to see how many doctors are often unable to read their own handwriting.
- Take advantage of the time your doctor takes looking through your medical chart during your visit by taking your own notes especially questions. As much as 1/3 of your visit time can be consumed by this alone.
- Allow each other to talk without interruption.
- Bring a trustwothy companion.
Click on "Comments" below to add your tips or ask questions.
*medical history form http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Violent TV Movie Syndrome: Public Health Crisis in Vivo
Did you know that Violent TV Movie Syndrome (VTMS) is a major cause of many health and social problems? Single and repeated images of young children (or anyone) shot laying dead in pools of blood is horrific and unhealthy. As a medical professional familiar with death first hand as part of my job, I can only hope and pray someone will be responsible and speak up. This is child abuse. This is mental abuse. This is public health abuse. Hollywood makes movies with less violence and bloodshed. Any educated person knows that repeated violence harms people in so many ways. It is so unnecessary to show these images to tell a news story or any other type of story. Images such as these depict what is seen in the coroner's office., and should be kept there.
Suicide, homicide, and post traumatic disorder are just a few medical maladies that occur from watching violence. Surely you can choose to watch something else; however, the curious child with a TV remote may choose otherwise. Protect yourself and your children. This type of programming is hard to grasp and confuse with something else - real life! They become real life. Doctors and health care providers have much more serious conditions to care for instead of illness and death induced by "Violent TV/Movie Syndrome" which can be prevented. For the doctors who take an oath to "do no harm", let us hope our media will do likewise. Until then we can only counsel our patients to turn it off.
See this reference for more details http://www.parent.net/article/tv-kids-violence.shtml
Suicide, homicide, and post traumatic disorder are just a few medical maladies that occur from watching violence. Surely you can choose to watch something else; however, the curious child with a TV remote may choose otherwise. Protect yourself and your children. This type of programming is hard to grasp and confuse with something else - real life! They become real life. Doctors and health care providers have much more serious conditions to care for instead of illness and death induced by "Violent TV/Movie Syndrome" which can be prevented. For the doctors who take an oath to "do no harm", let us hope our media will do likewise. Until then we can only counsel our patients to turn it off.
See this reference for more details http://www.parent.net/article/tv-kids-violence.shtml
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Is the Doctor Really "In"?
Dear Patient,
It has indeed been a privilege and wonder to take care of you and your family. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we must vacation indefinitely so we can find the best solutions for cost effective health care. Our budgets are lean as well and get leaner as more patients drop out to do self care or go to emergency rooms, public health clinics, or stand in "lotto" lines to get get health care from traveling clinics.
We must campaign for your healthcare and our salary. Routine sequential cuts for reimbursement by Medicare and Medicaid are taking its toll. Insurance companies demand more time with less pay as well. Now that the healthcare bill requiring each and every one of you to have insurance has been repealed. Self pay is an option, but you must have food and shelter first. Less money in, more money out.
Due to lack of campaign funds and time for raising necessary monies to do so, we are using and pooling our resources. We wish to provide you with continuity of care, but we must also find ways to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. Many of my fellowess and fellow physicians are supplementing our income as well through other occupations.
Thank you for allowing me to care for you and the family. We are true believers that great health is true wealth; however, you must have money to keep it.
Best health,
Dr. Feelgood
P. S. Check out Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide via links in the right column. Get a heads up and start checking yourself and your family.
It has indeed been a privilege and wonder to take care of you and your family. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we must vacation indefinitely so we can find the best solutions for cost effective health care. Our budgets are lean as well and get leaner as more patients drop out to do self care or go to emergency rooms, public health clinics, or stand in "lotto" lines to get get health care from traveling clinics.
We must campaign for your healthcare and our salary. Routine sequential cuts for reimbursement by Medicare and Medicaid are taking its toll. Insurance companies demand more time with less pay as well. Now that the healthcare bill requiring each and every one of you to have insurance has been repealed. Self pay is an option, but you must have food and shelter first. Less money in, more money out.
Due to lack of campaign funds and time for raising necessary monies to do so, we are using and pooling our resources. We wish to provide you with continuity of care, but we must also find ways to keep a roof over our heads and food on the table. Many of my fellowess and fellow physicians are supplementing our income as well through other occupations.
Thank you for allowing me to care for you and the family. We are true believers that great health is true wealth; however, you must have money to keep it.
Best health,
Dr. Feelgood
P. S. Check out Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide via links in the right column. Get a heads up and start checking yourself and your family.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
