It is always time to be sure you are prepared for any emergency. Safety and health are more important than ever during an emergency situation. Being prepared is a real-time, year round activity.
Though September is official National Preparedness Month, which is sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), it is time to prepare now. This program helps us prepare for emergencies. It encourages us to "get a kit, make a plan, be informed, get involved".
While it is important to prepare yourself, it is also important to help prepare your community. The Citizens Corp, "uniting communities, preparing the nation", encourages you to start with personal preparedness as well as volunteering to help in community preparedness.
Citizens Corps programs include the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC), Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), Fire Corps, Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS), and USA on Watch (National Neighborhood on Watch).
Learn more about these programs at http://www.citizencorps.gov/ . Get involved. If you are already involved, call on others to do their part.
Preparedness begins at home. Be ready, stay ready. Be informed and check out National Preparedness Month at http://www.ready.gov/ .
viernes, 27 de marzo de 2009
jueves, 26 de marzo de 2009
In US 80% Happy with Health Care
Poll on healthy health care. Are you satisfied with yours?
http://www.healthcarebs.com/2009/03/24/80-happy-with-their-health-care/
http://www.healthcarebs.com/2009/03/24/80-happy-with-their-health-care/
miércoles, 25 de marzo de 2009
Tests YOU Pay to Get
Many doctors are concerned that some tests like the body scan and other preventive medical test will lead to unnecessary procedures that could harm patients. Often these tests may show abnormal things that are “normal” meaning that the abnormal finding is something that is just there. It is benign, and not life threatening.
What does the doctor do when a patient comes in with a test that they have done on their own? The patient has decided that I may need this test because heart disease, and /or cancer runs in my family, plus heart disease is the number one killer. Should I have a heart scan, body scan or a virtual colonoscopy? My doctor has told me that tests like these may find things that are benign, but something serious may show up. It could be something that would turn up in a few years and possibly be life threatening, but if I check now maybe I can do something about it.
What does the doctor do when a patient comes in with abnormal test results from a test they order and pay for themselves?
1. Repeat the test
2. Refer the patient to a specialist
3. Do more tests to check it out
4. Scold the patient and say “It’s okay. There’s nothing to worry about.”
What does the patient do?
J.L.Richardson, MD, family medicine, is the author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
http://mypatienthandbook.com/
What does the doctor do when a patient comes in with a test that they have done on their own? The patient has decided that I may need this test because heart disease, and /or cancer runs in my family, plus heart disease is the number one killer. Should I have a heart scan, body scan or a virtual colonoscopy? My doctor has told me that tests like these may find things that are benign, but something serious may show up. It could be something that would turn up in a few years and possibly be life threatening, but if I check now maybe I can do something about it.
What does the doctor do when a patient comes in with abnormal test results from a test they order and pay for themselves?
1. Repeat the test
2. Refer the patient to a specialist
3. Do more tests to check it out
4. Scold the patient and say “It’s okay. There’s nothing to worry about.”
What does the patient do?
J.L.Richardson, MD, family medicine, is the author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
http://mypatienthandbook.com/
Self Check You
We the people of this mighty fine country vow to take the absolute best care of our most important asset - US. A nation is as great as its assets. We have so many. As long as us Americans stay healthy, we will stay wealthy.
True wealth is great health. It is time for you to take responsibility for your health. It is time for you to know what your health numbers are. It is time for you to know your medical conditions, risk factors, and family medical history.
Give yourself a medical checkup. Start by writing or typing or recording your medical history - medical conditions, surgery, treatments, family history. Add your medication. Save it. Update it. Add to it. Correct it. Keep it current. Keep a copy in a secure place.
Examine as much of yourself as you can. Look at your skin, hair, nails, eyes, teeth, and every part of your body that is visible to you. Make note of any abnormalities. Make note of any symptoms you have - new, old and ongoing. Go through each body system. Add this information to your medical history. Add to this your doctors' and health care providers' names, phone number, land address, and email address.
Call your doctor for an appointment for a comprehensive CPE (complete physical exam). Take your information and notes with you on your appointment. Review everything with your doctor. Take notes.
Sign a medical record release to obtain a copy of your medical record from each doctor you see at the time of the visit.
Be sure to schedule a follow-up appointment within a month or less to go over everything with your doctor. Get copies of your information including blood tests, and any other tests as well as medical notes.
Take charge. Be the healthiest you can be - as a person, as a nation.
Great health is true wealth!
J. L. Richardson, M.D., family physician patient advocate, is author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
True wealth is great health. It is time for you to take responsibility for your health. It is time for you to know what your health numbers are. It is time for you to know your medical conditions, risk factors, and family medical history.
Give yourself a medical checkup. Start by writing or typing or recording your medical history - medical conditions, surgery, treatments, family history. Add your medication. Save it. Update it. Add to it. Correct it. Keep it current. Keep a copy in a secure place.
Examine as much of yourself as you can. Look at your skin, hair, nails, eyes, teeth, and every part of your body that is visible to you. Make note of any abnormalities. Make note of any symptoms you have - new, old and ongoing. Go through each body system. Add this information to your medical history. Add to this your doctors' and health care providers' names, phone number, land address, and email address.
Call your doctor for an appointment for a comprehensive CPE (complete physical exam). Take your information and notes with you on your appointment. Review everything with your doctor. Take notes.
Sign a medical record release to obtain a copy of your medical record from each doctor you see at the time of the visit.
Be sure to schedule a follow-up appointment within a month or less to go over everything with your doctor. Get copies of your information including blood tests, and any other tests as well as medical notes.
Take charge. Be the healthiest you can be - as a person, as a nation.
Great health is true wealth!
J. L. Richardson, M.D., family physician patient advocate, is author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
Free Medical Advice
Today's Twitter question at http://twitter.com/drjfpmd : Doctors free medical advice on or off line - would you? Is free medical advice as good as paying for it?
lunes, 23 de marzo de 2009
5 More Medical Moneysavers
Thanks for your responses to the first ten medical money savers. So you want more? Here are five medical money savers to help you spend your health dollars wisely.
- Keep weight stable. It is the healthy thing to do. This will save on grocery and clothing expenses. Long term savings on medical expenses.
- Get prescription meds in bulk quantity of 100 versus thirty day supply especially if you are paying for your meds.Buy nonprescription medical items in bulk when on sale. You will be amazed at your savings when you buy a six to twelve month supply on sale. This tip is also effective for emergency preparedness.
- Check with your state provisions for health care. Many states have low cost insurance plans available. For instance, in Florida the program is Cover Florida, http://www.coverfloridahealthcare.com/. Check what your state has to offer by contacting the state health agency.
- Talk with your doctor by phone, fax, and email to save on the cost of an office visit payment. Just think about the number of office visits you have been to where all you did was talk (after waiting for a long while). Save your time and money.
- For blood pressure checks, get yourself a home blood pressure monitor. Call in your readings. Many doctors will discover that your blood pressure is actually stable when the stress of the doctor's white coat is absent. For diabetics, a home glucometer is very useful for monitoring blood sugar.
Invest in your most important asset - YOU.
Great health is true wealth!
J.L.Richardson, MD, family medicine expert, is the author of the award winning, Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
Self Breast Exam Beats Breast Cancer
Here is a video from Healthination.com that shows how to do a self breast exam. Monthly exams could save your life.
http://healthination.com/Videos/Breast-Self-Exam
http://healthination.com/Videos/Breast-Self-Exam
10 Money Saving Medical Tips
You are your most important asset. Here are some money saving medical tips to help you during these tough financial times.
1) Keep your health insurance coverage. This is as important as your home and food. Cut expenses elsewhere to keep it in your budget. Let your doctor know if you do not have insurance coverage. Many offer discounts to the uninsured as do other health providers like hospitals and diagnostic centers. Pay for what you need instead of relying on insurance.
2) If you lose your job, get COBRA through your employer. You will have at least 18 months of coverage. You will have to pay for it. It is worth it.
3) Be sure you are up to date on your health maintenance. Get in now for your physical and preventive tests (mammogram, blood tests, eye exam, shots, etc.).
4) Check your medication, prescription and non-prescription. Review these with your doctor to discontinue any you really do not need, and/or can't afford. Let your doctor know if you are unable to afford any of your medication, so other options can be discussed such as drug assistance programs. Research them yourself on the Internet, and by calling or writing the drug company that makes your medication. Remember to include your non prescription medicine in your budget (like cough medicine, stool enhancers, pain relievers, etc.). Talk with your pharmacist.
5) Discontinue unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive drinking. These items cost money and your health.
6) If you are disabled, you can withdraw money from your IRA without paying the penalty and taxes. You may need this money to pay for present or future health costs. It may benefit you more while you are well enough to enjoy it. By the time retirement rolls around, you may not be around.
7) Eat healthy small servings. Smaller portions of healthy food save your money and your health. Remember this when you eat out.
8) Exercise at home. Save your money and time on that gym membership. You can reap the same and better benefits with a home exercise program with or without expensive exercise equipment. Turn on the TV and participate in the fitness shows that are best for you. Exercise DVDs and tapes are a one time expense that can be used again and again. Ride your bicycle, take a walk or jog in your neighborhood. It all counts.
9) Continue your home exams like self breast exams, and self scrotal exams. You may detect something early. There is much controversy about the self breast exam, and it is no longer recommended by some. Common sense tells you that self detection is a smart thing to do.
10) Save money for your health bank. As insurance companies and plans cover less, you will be paying for more for services and premiums. Keep a nest egg for health expenses.
Remember that YOU are your most important asset. Great health is true wealth.
Dr. Richardson is the author of the award winning, Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health
Guide.http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/
1) Keep your health insurance coverage. This is as important as your home and food. Cut expenses elsewhere to keep it in your budget. Let your doctor know if you do not have insurance coverage. Many offer discounts to the uninsured as do other health providers like hospitals and diagnostic centers. Pay for what you need instead of relying on insurance.
2) If you lose your job, get COBRA through your employer. You will have at least 18 months of coverage. You will have to pay for it. It is worth it.
3) Be sure you are up to date on your health maintenance. Get in now for your physical and preventive tests (mammogram, blood tests, eye exam, shots, etc.).
4) Check your medication, prescription and non-prescription. Review these with your doctor to discontinue any you really do not need, and/or can't afford. Let your doctor know if you are unable to afford any of your medication, so other options can be discussed such as drug assistance programs. Research them yourself on the Internet, and by calling or writing the drug company that makes your medication. Remember to include your non prescription medicine in your budget (like cough medicine, stool enhancers, pain relievers, etc.). Talk with your pharmacist.
5) Discontinue unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive drinking. These items cost money and your health.
6) If you are disabled, you can withdraw money from your IRA without paying the penalty and taxes. You may need this money to pay for present or future health costs. It may benefit you more while you are well enough to enjoy it. By the time retirement rolls around, you may not be around.
7) Eat healthy small servings. Smaller portions of healthy food save your money and your health. Remember this when you eat out.
8) Exercise at home. Save your money and time on that gym membership. You can reap the same and better benefits with a home exercise program with or without expensive exercise equipment. Turn on the TV and participate in the fitness shows that are best for you. Exercise DVDs and tapes are a one time expense that can be used again and again. Ride your bicycle, take a walk or jog in your neighborhood. It all counts.
9) Continue your home exams like self breast exams, and self scrotal exams. You may detect something early. There is much controversy about the self breast exam, and it is no longer recommended by some. Common sense tells you that self detection is a smart thing to do.
10) Save money for your health bank. As insurance companies and plans cover less, you will be paying for more for services and premiums. Keep a nest egg for health expenses.
Remember that YOU are your most important asset. Great health is true wealth.
Dr. Richardson is the author of the award winning, Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health
Guide.http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/
Cap Insurance Premiums, Mr. President
Dear President Obama,
As part of your spending cuts, put a scalpel to insurance premiums. Cut and cap. It is preposterous to think that someone on a limited income (like seniors, retirees, disabled folks), or those whose salaries have flat lined can continue to afford increases of 25% or more per year. With the average annual cost of living increase of 3 to 5% it is simply unaffordable. For many this can be as much as 10%or more of their income.
For the past three years many insurance premiums have risen as much as total of 25% or more per year for the past few years! Meanwhile insurance rates in Congress were recently reported as an 8% increase last year to 12% this year. Give us the same. After all, Congress works for us. Everybody keeps saying we should have the same health insurance opportunities as Congress. Act on it and stop the private insurance sector from hemorrhaging us to code blue.
Start by putting a cap on insurance premiums. Make this retroactive for the unfair cost increases over the past five years. Let the insurance companies apply this instead of a tax credit to our insurance. It is time that patients instead of shareholders and company executives reap the benefits of decent health care. Shift the focus on preventive care to preserve your health and save your life as opposed to waiting until you get sick and die.
Do the right thing and the best thing for your country. Keep insurance premiums affordable. Keep your country's health from failing. Invest in prevention, health maintenance, wellness, and health preservation. Make the insurance companies accountable for this, too. Disease management is good, but if it is prevented or detected early it's even better.
Information technology such as electronic medical records are great, too. Be realistic. We are behind here and trying to catch up. Take care of patients first and do this as you go. Most doctors' office are still trying to figure out how they are going to afford it.
Consolidate some of the government health agencies that overlap. As I waded through the Health and Human Services department, I drowned in an alphabet soup of agencies that do similar things. It looks like a lot of money being spent for those most in need; however, the disparities in health care continue in despair.
Keep our country's vital signs stable. Resuscitate. Perform CPR STAT. Open the airway, breathe in fresh air, and circulate the proper health care to all Americans. It is our birth right. It is our privilege. Make it our asset.
Best regards,
Dr. Richardson
P.S. On a personal note - my insurance company increased my premium another 25% this year from $700 to $882. Pre-existing conditions have prevented me from getting affordable continuous coverage elsewhere, or from getting into less expensive plans in the company.
J.L. Richardson, MD, family medicine doctor, is author of the award winning Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
http://mypatienthandbook.com/
www.twitter.com/MD4U
www.blogtalkradio.com/drjfpmd
As part of your spending cuts, put a scalpel to insurance premiums. Cut and cap. It is preposterous to think that someone on a limited income (like seniors, retirees, disabled folks), or those whose salaries have flat lined can continue to afford increases of 25% or more per year. With the average annual cost of living increase of 3 to 5% it is simply unaffordable. For many this can be as much as 10%or more of their income.
For the past three years many insurance premiums have risen as much as total of 25% or more per year for the past few years! Meanwhile insurance rates in Congress were recently reported as an 8% increase last year to 12% this year. Give us the same. After all, Congress works for us. Everybody keeps saying we should have the same health insurance opportunities as Congress. Act on it and stop the private insurance sector from hemorrhaging us to code blue.
Start by putting a cap on insurance premiums. Make this retroactive for the unfair cost increases over the past five years. Let the insurance companies apply this instead of a tax credit to our insurance. It is time that patients instead of shareholders and company executives reap the benefits of decent health care. Shift the focus on preventive care to preserve your health and save your life as opposed to waiting until you get sick and die.
Do the right thing and the best thing for your country. Keep insurance premiums affordable. Keep your country's health from failing. Invest in prevention, health maintenance, wellness, and health preservation. Make the insurance companies accountable for this, too. Disease management is good, but if it is prevented or detected early it's even better.
Information technology such as electronic medical records are great, too. Be realistic. We are behind here and trying to catch up. Take care of patients first and do this as you go. Most doctors' office are still trying to figure out how they are going to afford it.
Consolidate some of the government health agencies that overlap. As I waded through the Health and Human Services department, I drowned in an alphabet soup of agencies that do similar things. It looks like a lot of money being spent for those most in need; however, the disparities in health care continue in despair.
Keep our country's vital signs stable. Resuscitate. Perform CPR STAT. Open the airway, breathe in fresh air, and circulate the proper health care to all Americans. It is our birth right. It is our privilege. Make it our asset.
Best regards,
Dr. Richardson
P.S. On a personal note - my insurance company increased my premium another 25% this year from $700 to $882. Pre-existing conditions have prevented me from getting affordable continuous coverage elsewhere, or from getting into less expensive plans in the company.
J.L. Richardson, MD, family medicine doctor, is author of the award winning Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
http://mypatienthandbook.com/
www.twitter.com/MD4U
www.blogtalkradio.com/drjfpmd
domingo, 22 de marzo de 2009
DASH Diet for High Blood Pressure
The link below is the best information I have seen on DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension). It is from the NIH National Heart Lung Blood Institute. There is more to managing hypertension with diet than avoiding salt. Diet and salt restriction (2400 mg/ day about 1 tsp.) is the initial treatment step along with exercise. Medication may be required if blood pressure remains high after a 6-8 week trial with diet and healthy lifestyle changes.
Click link for DASH diet.
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/new_dash.pdf
Click link for DASH diet.
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/hbp/dash/new_dash.pdf
Your Medical Record
Recently I reorganized my medical records. I started getting copies of them when I was in college. It was at this time that I was diagnosed with a medical condition that required surgery for a cure. That is pretty shocking. I decided that after several years of doctors’ testing and untimely diagnosis I must see what is being written about me.
By getting a copy my medical record from that doctor, I was more informed. Thereafter I continued to get copies of my medical records including blood tests and all other tests as well as surgery notes. I also started doing it for my parents and my whole family. Your medical record is the cornerstone and foundation of your medical care. It is the most important communication aside from direct patient to doctor conversation.
It sure would be nice to write it all down. The doctor writes, types, or dictates as much as possible. This important conversation including what is found on the physical exam, the diagnosis/ diagnoses, an assessment of tests done, and a plan for treatment is documented by writing, typing, or dictating. That is a lot of information to document. Accuracy is of utmost importance. The medical record is the communication tool used by all your health care providers.
It is only right that you should be able to see your medical record about you. Checking for accuracy and information in your records is important. It is empowering. It makes you want to take the best care of yourself, and be able to talk more openly to your doctor about it. I have found this to be true amongst patients that keep their medical records. I have seen medical errors avoided. I have learned more from patients about their own medical conditions because they read about them.
The best way to obtain your medical record is to obtain a record release form. Your doctors’ office should have this document. Ask for it. After completion return it to the person in charge of medical records at the office, hospital, or other medical care facility via mail, fax, or in person. A copy of the medical record is sent directly from the office, or it may be sent from a company that sends out medical records. How this is done is beyond me especially when the company is in another state. Getting the record directly from the health care provider seems easiest for the patient.
Sadly, you may have to pay for your records. It is best to get copies from your doctor at the time of your visit. Most doctors have it finished by the time you leave. When tests are ordered, the results can be faxed or mailed after your doctor talks to you about the results. This may avoid costs, and help ensure timely follow-up. I have found some doctors’ offices automatically give you this information. How nice!
Medical record retrieval can be challenging, but rewarding. Keeping current with your health is your job. You are your most important asset.
Information on obtaining a medical record release at http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/ under "Patient Tools”.
--by J.L. Richardson, MD, family medicine, is author of the award winning Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide".
http://mypatienthandbook.com
By getting a copy my medical record from that doctor, I was more informed. Thereafter I continued to get copies of my medical records including blood tests and all other tests as well as surgery notes. I also started doing it for my parents and my whole family. Your medical record is the cornerstone and foundation of your medical care. It is the most important communication aside from direct patient to doctor conversation.
It sure would be nice to write it all down. The doctor writes, types, or dictates as much as possible. This important conversation including what is found on the physical exam, the diagnosis/ diagnoses, an assessment of tests done, and a plan for treatment is documented by writing, typing, or dictating. That is a lot of information to document. Accuracy is of utmost importance. The medical record is the communication tool used by all your health care providers.
It is only right that you should be able to see your medical record about you. Checking for accuracy and information in your records is important. It is empowering. It makes you want to take the best care of yourself, and be able to talk more openly to your doctor about it. I have found this to be true amongst patients that keep their medical records. I have seen medical errors avoided. I have learned more from patients about their own medical conditions because they read about them.
The best way to obtain your medical record is to obtain a record release form. Your doctors’ office should have this document. Ask for it. After completion return it to the person in charge of medical records at the office, hospital, or other medical care facility via mail, fax, or in person. A copy of the medical record is sent directly from the office, or it may be sent from a company that sends out medical records. How this is done is beyond me especially when the company is in another state. Getting the record directly from the health care provider seems easiest for the patient.
Sadly, you may have to pay for your records. It is best to get copies from your doctor at the time of your visit. Most doctors have it finished by the time you leave. When tests are ordered, the results can be faxed or mailed after your doctor talks to you about the results. This may avoid costs, and help ensure timely follow-up. I have found some doctors’ offices automatically give you this information. How nice!
Medical record retrieval can be challenging, but rewarding. Keeping current with your health is your job. You are your most important asset.
Information on obtaining a medical record release at http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/ under "Patient Tools”.
--by J.L. Richardson, MD, family medicine, is author of the award winning Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide".
http://mypatienthandbook.com
Cancer Screening Tests
Stand up to cancer! Do your self breast exam. Do your scrotal exam. Do your preventive screening tests ordered by your health care providers. Do it routinely. "Just do it!"
A thorough medical history and physical exam includes the basic cancer screening. Some tests considered for routine cancer screening are:
- mammogram, MRI, sonogram - breast cancer
- PSA (prostate specific antigen) - prostate cancer
- colonoscopy - colon cancer
- stool blood check - colon cancer
- PAP smear - cervical cancer
- complete blood count - blood cancer
- CT or MRI scan - lung cancer, brain cancer, pancreatic cancer
and cancer in other body areas being scanned - pelvic sonogram - ovarian cancer
- body scan (neck to buttocks and in between) - checks
body for cancer and other medical conditions.
Screening exams and tests save lives. Talk to your doctor. Be sure your doctor goes over the test results with you and explains EVERYTHING! Leave with your questions answered! Be sure to follow up to prevent any delays.
Prevention stops cancer. Check yourself.
--By J. L. Richardson, MD, family medicine, author of the award winning Patient Handbook to Medical Care: your Personal Health Guide.
Patient Handbook to Medical Care on Kindle http://amzn.to/9wjMXn download to Kindle, personal computer, Blackberry, iPhone to read now what your doctor should be asking you, telling you, and doing for you!
sábado, 21 de marzo de 2009
High Blood Pressure - Home Checks
High blood pressure, also called hypertension affects 1 in 3 adults. Stay 120/80! Know your numbers.
For more accurate measures of your blood pressure and what affects it consider home blood pressure monitoring. Buy a blood pressure monitor for home use. Wrist and arm monitors are available at Amazon, Target, Walgreen's, CVS, Wal-Mart, and local medical supply stores. Shop on line by doing a search for "blood pressure monitor". One of the top finds is for those made by Omron, and of course, the store brands.
Record your blood pressure readings daily starting with morning, midday, and night. Make a note of your activity and how you are feeling. You may notice that extreme anxiety makes it go up, or that your head hurts. The correlation to your pressure will help you manage your symptoms.
If your blood pressure is borderline at 140/90, you want to start a low salt diet. The best is the DASH diet (http://bit.ly/hnbsL). Exercise, weight control, and stress reduction are other things to include in your treatment plan. For higher blood pressure readings over 140/90, medication may be necessary. Take your home blood pressure results in to your doctor. This will help in deciding on the best treatment for you.
Share your results with your doctor so medication and lifestyle changes can be made if necessary. You may find that while your blood pressure is high in the doctor's office, it may be normal in everyday activity. Remember, the doctor's result is a one time reading every few months. With normal home results, and high results at your doctor visits you may have "white coat" hypertension. There is much controversy over whether this should be treated. Check with your cardiologist.
American Heart Association http://hearthub.org/ for your cardiovascular concerns.
by J.L. Richardson, MD, author of the award winning Patient Handbook to Medical Care.
mypatienthandbook.com/
www.twitter.com/MD4U
For more accurate measures of your blood pressure and what affects it consider home blood pressure monitoring. Buy a blood pressure monitor for home use. Wrist and arm monitors are available at Amazon, Target, Walgreen's, CVS, Wal-Mart, and local medical supply stores. Shop on line by doing a search for "blood pressure monitor". One of the top finds is for those made by Omron, and of course, the store brands.
Record your blood pressure readings daily starting with morning, midday, and night. Make a note of your activity and how you are feeling. You may notice that extreme anxiety makes it go up, or that your head hurts. The correlation to your pressure will help you manage your symptoms.
If your blood pressure is borderline at 140/90, you want to start a low salt diet. The best is the DASH diet (http://bit.ly/hnbsL). Exercise, weight control, and stress reduction are other things to include in your treatment plan. For higher blood pressure readings over 140/90, medication may be necessary. Take your home blood pressure results in to your doctor. This will help in deciding on the best treatment for you.
Share your results with your doctor so medication and lifestyle changes can be made if necessary. You may find that while your blood pressure is high in the doctor's office, it may be normal in everyday activity. Remember, the doctor's result is a one time reading every few months. With normal home results, and high results at your doctor visits you may have "white coat" hypertension. There is much controversy over whether this should be treated. Check with your cardiologist.
American Heart Association http://hearthub.org/ for your cardiovascular concerns.
by J.L. Richardson, MD, author of the award winning Patient Handbook to Medical Care.
mypatienthandbook.com/
www.twitter.com/MD4U
Health Channel
Medical information on TV is limited and stagnating. Sixty seconds on the news. Two minutes on the talk show after commercials on prescription medication. Outdated show on this channel, and outdated repeat on that channel in between the new show. Watch some on this channel then click and click to different channels to connect your medical news for today.
Remember the crawler at the bottom of the screen. Oh, you missed that there was a bird flu outbreak in Pakistan today, and that HPV vaccines will be required for teen women (what about the men?). These are the ways we learn about some of the most important news we should know. It concerns our health and public safety.
If only we had a dedicated medical TV CNN (instead of just Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s excellent show on early weekend mornings, or his occasional special). You know, like the sports channels by sport, the cartoon channels by age (and now one for the boomers!), the movie channels, government channels, and on and on. Where is the “MTV” of medical channels? Discovery Health has been carrying the TV health media for years. There should just be more!
The TV box is probably the most used medium by which folks get their news and information. It is certainly a way to get information to people. The most used information source is one of the least used by the cutting edge medical field. This was noted in my research paper, “Building an American Health System”, in 2002. This is 2009, and it’s pretty much the same, maybe even less.
A medical TV channel (actually several would be optimal) would be great! A daily health news show would be a great start towards 24-7 medical TV. Envision yourself clicking to the heart channel, or to programs with content about specific diseases. You could learn more about that high blood pressure you are trying to control, and how you can monitor it at home. Topics on maintaining good health, and prevention of disease would be a click away. And if you missed a show, it would be shown again and again. Like the regular news, but with more currency especially on weekends, and much more international.
Health and medical coverage on TV is surely lacking in this consumer driven health conscious society. We can watch as much sports, cartoons, movies, news as we want, but we still have to piece together our medical news and supplement it with the written word, or health care providers’ spoken word. And radio.
Great health is true wealth. Medical TV would make us even richer.
by J. L. Richardson, MD, author of the award winning "Patient Handbook to Medical Care".
http://mypatienthandbook.com
Remember the crawler at the bottom of the screen. Oh, you missed that there was a bird flu outbreak in Pakistan today, and that HPV vaccines will be required for teen women (what about the men?). These are the ways we learn about some of the most important news we should know. It concerns our health and public safety.
If only we had a dedicated medical TV CNN (instead of just Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s excellent show on early weekend mornings, or his occasional special). You know, like the sports channels by sport, the cartoon channels by age (and now one for the boomers!), the movie channels, government channels, and on and on. Where is the “MTV” of medical channels? Discovery Health has been carrying the TV health media for years. There should just be more!
The TV box is probably the most used medium by which folks get their news and information. It is certainly a way to get information to people. The most used information source is one of the least used by the cutting edge medical field. This was noted in my research paper, “Building an American Health System”, in 2002. This is 2009, and it’s pretty much the same, maybe even less.
A medical TV channel (actually several would be optimal) would be great! A daily health news show would be a great start towards 24-7 medical TV. Envision yourself clicking to the heart channel, or to programs with content about specific diseases. You could learn more about that high blood pressure you are trying to control, and how you can monitor it at home. Topics on maintaining good health, and prevention of disease would be a click away. And if you missed a show, it would be shown again and again. Like the regular news, but with more currency especially on weekends, and much more international.
Health and medical coverage on TV is surely lacking in this consumer driven health conscious society. We can watch as much sports, cartoons, movies, news as we want, but we still have to piece together our medical news and supplement it with the written word, or health care providers’ spoken word. And radio.
Great health is true wealth. Medical TV would make us even richer.
by J. L. Richardson, MD, author of the award winning "Patient Handbook to Medical Care".
http://mypatienthandbook.com
TOC - Patient Handbook to Medical Care
Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide is a source for helping patients. The book's introduction states that "The goal of this book is to inform and educate patients about medical care...It is very important for patients to learn as much as possible about wellness, disease prevention, and disease management for themselves."
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1 Medical Records and Diary
Chapter2 The Doctor Visit
Chapter 3 Preventive Checkups and Health Maintenance
Chapter 4 Medical Tests
Chapter 5 Doctors and Specialists
Chapter 6 Health Insurance and Quality
My Health Notes (last pages)- blank pages to start medical diary
J. L. Richardson, MD, family medicine, is the author of the award winning Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Health Guide.
http://mypatienthandbook.com/
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1 Medical Records and Diary
Chapter2 The Doctor Visit
Chapter 3 Preventive Checkups and Health Maintenance
Chapter 4 Medical Tests
Chapter 5 Doctors and Specialists
Chapter 6 Health Insurance and Quality
My Health Notes (last pages)- blank pages to start medical diary
J. L. Richardson, MD, family medicine, is the author of the award winning Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Health Guide.
http://mypatienthandbook.com/
miércoles, 18 de marzo de 2009
Patient, Educate Thyself
You are a patient. You are the most important "link in the health care chain". You, patient, keep your health care chain strong. You are the strongest link. Stay up to date on your medical conditions through your health care providers, and through yourself.
Patient education is part of your job. It is up to you to seek out information and knowledge about staying well, preventing disease, and managing disease you currently live with daily. Make a list of your medical conditions, and all medicines you take. Make a list of medical conditions that run in the family. Study your lists.
Read about your medical conditions and those that run in the family. On your next doctor appointment ask your doctor for more information especially in writing. Talk with your doctor. Discuss any tests that you feel would help you in detecting and managing your conditions.
Know all you can know, patient, so you can "be all you can be".
J.L. Richardson, MD is author of the award winning Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
http://mypatienthandbook.com/
Patient education is part of your job. It is up to you to seek out information and knowledge about staying well, preventing disease, and managing disease you currently live with daily. Make a list of your medical conditions, and all medicines you take. Make a list of medical conditions that run in the family. Study your lists.
Read about your medical conditions and those that run in the family. On your next doctor appointment ask your doctor for more information especially in writing. Talk with your doctor. Discuss any tests that you feel would help you in detecting and managing your conditions.
Know all you can know, patient, so you can "be all you can be".
J.L. Richardson, MD is author of the award winning Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
http://mypatienthandbook.com/
Colon Cancer Awareness Month
Have you had your colonoscopy?
- baseline if 50 years of age
- history of colon cancer in family
- personal history of colon polyps, cancer
- rectal bleeding
- have a disease that is a risk like Crohn's disease
Check with your primary care physician. You will then be directed to your gastroenterologist (GI doctor, for short) for a complete evaluation. Ask your PCP for occult blood stool cards to take home to check for blood in the stools.
The Hemoccult test checks for blood that is not detected by the human eye. After you complete your stool sample cards, return to your PCP by mail or in person. They will be checked by your doctor. Any GI exam without this test and/or a rectal is incomplete.
jueves, 12 de marzo de 2009
High Blood Pressure/ Hypertension Follow-up
High blood pressure, also called hypertension affects 1 in 4 adults. Stay 120/75! Know your mumbers.
For more accurate measures of your blood pressure and what affects it consider home blood pressure monitoring. Buy a blood pressure monitor for home use. Wrist and arm monitors are available at Target, Walgreen's, CVS, Wal-Mart, and local medical supply stores. Shop on line by doing a search for "blood pressure monitor".
Record your blood pressure readings daily starting with morning, midday, and night. Make a note of your activity and how you are feeling. You may notice that extreme anxiety makes it go up, or that your head hurts. The correlation to your pressure will help you manage your symptoms.
Share your results with your doctor so medication and lifestyle changes can be made if necessary. You may find that while your blood pressure is high in the doctor's office, it may be normal in everyday activity. Remember, the doctor's result is a one time reading every few months. With normal home results, and high results at your doctor visits you may have "white coat" hypertension. There is much controversy over whether this should be treated. Check with your cardiologist.
American Heart Association http://hearthub.org for all your cardiovascular concerns.
For more accurate measures of your blood pressure and what affects it consider home blood pressure monitoring. Buy a blood pressure monitor for home use. Wrist and arm monitors are available at Target, Walgreen's, CVS, Wal-Mart, and local medical supply stores. Shop on line by doing a search for "blood pressure monitor".
Record your blood pressure readings daily starting with morning, midday, and night. Make a note of your activity and how you are feeling. You may notice that extreme anxiety makes it go up, or that your head hurts. The correlation to your pressure will help you manage your symptoms.
Share your results with your doctor so medication and lifestyle changes can be made if necessary. You may find that while your blood pressure is high in the doctor's office, it may be normal in everyday activity. Remember, the doctor's result is a one time reading every few months. With normal home results, and high results at your doctor visits you may have "white coat" hypertension. There is much controversy over whether this should be treated. Check with your cardiologist.
American Heart Association http://hearthub.org for all your cardiovascular concerns.
Doctor Visit Tips
Going to the doctor can be quite a challenge. These tips will help you make the most of your doctor visit.
One of the first things you want to do is 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.
Start keeping 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.
Request 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.
Stay on top of your health care with these tips. After all, great health is true wealth!
Click on "Comments" below and add your tips, and ask questions.
by J. L. Richardson, MD, author of "Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide", the perfect tool for helping you make your medical visits worthwhile.
http://www.mypatienthandbook.com - *medical history form on website. Click on this link.
One of the first things you want to do is 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.
Start keeping 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.
Request 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.
Stay on top of your health care with these tips. After all, great health is true wealth!
Click on "Comments" below and add your tips, and ask questions.
by J. L. Richardson, MD, author of "Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide", the perfect tool for helping you make your medical visits worthwhile.
http://www.mypatienthandbook.com - *medical history form on website. Click on this link.
lunes, 9 de marzo de 2009
Ideal Health System
This is the summary from Building An American Health System, a 2003 award-winning proposal by J.L. Richardson, M.D. Now in 2009 few things have changed.
For the ideal American health system, the goal must be provision of health care to everyone. This is a national priority. This system must be uniform and easily accessible for everyone. National (e.g. Medicare, Medicaid) and international (e.g. Britain's National Health Service) government programs in combination with the commercial sector of health service leaders are appropriate models. Using the systems and components that are successful in these entities will be the foundation.
The system will be managed through the government and insurance companies. The government seems most experienced and prepared for the task as an infrastructure already exists through the Social Security Administration and other government agencies. In addition, the information technology infrastructure is already in place. This provides the most extensive database of the nation's health care recipients that would be accessible to physicians and hospitals. This should ensure that all have access to the best comprehensive quality health care.
In order to attain the above, the employer-based model would be phased out. Purchasing health insurance from the government will subsequently be available to everyone. Each person will pay directly for services at prices comparable to Medicare and Medicaid fees. Through the Public Health Service all preventive screening will be done without charge. This will lead to a healthier people and a health system that takes care of everyone.
Prevention and intervention in a timely manner to all must be the ultimate goal in rebuilding the American health system as "...one nation under God...".
Great health is true wealth!
Thanks to Kathleen O'Connor, founder and CEO of Code Blue Now, the American public was invited to share their ideas on building a decent health care system in America by sponsoring a contest in 2003. Out of this health care reform effort, Code Blue Now was born. For details, visit http://codebluenow.org.
For the ideal American health system, the goal must be provision of health care to everyone. This is a national priority. This system must be uniform and easily accessible for everyone. National (e.g. Medicare, Medicaid) and international (e.g. Britain's National Health Service) government programs in combination with the commercial sector of health service leaders are appropriate models. Using the systems and components that are successful in these entities will be the foundation.
The system will be managed through the government and insurance companies. The government seems most experienced and prepared for the task as an infrastructure already exists through the Social Security Administration and other government agencies. In addition, the information technology infrastructure is already in place. This provides the most extensive database of the nation's health care recipients that would be accessible to physicians and hospitals. This should ensure that all have access to the best comprehensive quality health care.
In order to attain the above, the employer-based model would be phased out. Purchasing health insurance from the government will subsequently be available to everyone. Each person will pay directly for services at prices comparable to Medicare and Medicaid fees. Through the Public Health Service all preventive screening will be done without charge. This will lead to a healthier people and a health system that takes care of everyone.
Prevention and intervention in a timely manner to all must be the ultimate goal in rebuilding the American health system as "...one nation under God...".
Great health is true wealth!
Thanks to Kathleen O'Connor, founder and CEO of Code Blue Now, the American public was invited to share their ideas on building a decent health care system in America by sponsoring a contest in 2003. Out of this health care reform effort, Code Blue Now was born. For details, visit http://codebluenow.org.
sábado, 7 de marzo de 2009
5 More Medical Money Savers
Thanks for your responses to the first ten medical money savers. So you want more? Here are five medical money savers to help you spend your health dollars wisely.
- Keep weight stable. It is the healthy thing to do. This will save on grocery and clothing expenses. Long term savings on medical expenses.
- Get prescription meds in bulk quantity of 100 versus thirty day supply especially if you are paying for your meds.
Buy nonprescription medical items in bulk when on sale. You will be amazed at your savings when you buy a six to twelve month supply on sale. This tip is also effective for emergency preparedness. - Check with your state provisions for health care. Many states have low cost insurance plans available. For instance, in Florida the program is Cover Florida, http://www.coverfloridahealthcare.com/. Check what your state has to offer by contacting the state health agency.
- Talk with your doctor by phone, fax, and email to save on the cost of an office visit payment. Just think about the number of office visits you have been to where all you did was talk (after waiting for a long while). Save your time and money.
- For blood pressure checks, get yourself a home blood pressure monitor. Call in your readings. Many doctors will discover that your blood pressure is actually stable when the stress of the doctor's white coat is absent. For diabetics, a home glucometer is very useful for monitoring blood sugar.
Invest in your most important asset - YOU.
Great health is true wealth!
J.L.Richardson, MD, family medicine expert, is the author of the award winning, Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
jueves, 5 de marzo de 2009
Heart Valve Screening
Should screening for heart valve disease be routine? Should you wait until you have symptoms and need surgery?
Today it was reported that Robin Williams (the famous Mork) will be having surgery on his aortic heart valve. Yesterday former First Lady, Barbara Bush, had surgery for aortic valve disease. Both were reported as having shortness of breath. Mrs. Bush also had dizziness. Other signs and symptoms may include chest pain, fast heart beat, weakness, and leg swelling.
As with many conditions, there may not be any symptoms. This would be reason enough to consider routine preventive screening with an echocardiogram of the heart. This test shows the heart valves very well. It also assesses heart function. The echo, as it is called for short, is a great test for looking at the heart. It uses the same technique as a sonogram for pregnancy
The best news of all is that the ehco is noninvasive - no needles! It is done quickly in less than thirty minutes. It is also affordable.
These are supporting reasons for making this test a part of routine preventive screening. It is so easy!
Talk to your primary care physician and cardiologist. See what is best for you.
Today it was reported that Robin Williams (the famous Mork) will be having surgery on his aortic heart valve. Yesterday former First Lady, Barbara Bush, had surgery for aortic valve disease. Both were reported as having shortness of breath. Mrs. Bush also had dizziness. Other signs and symptoms may include chest pain, fast heart beat, weakness, and leg swelling.
As with many conditions, there may not be any symptoms. This would be reason enough to consider routine preventive screening with an echocardiogram of the heart. This test shows the heart valves very well. It also assesses heart function. The echo, as it is called for short, is a great test for looking at the heart. It uses the same technique as a sonogram for pregnancy
The best news of all is that the ehco is noninvasive - no needles! It is done quickly in less than thirty minutes. It is also affordable.
These are supporting reasons for making this test a part of routine preventive screening. It is so easy!
Talk to your primary care physician and cardiologist. See what is best for you.
miércoles, 4 de marzo de 2009
Heart Health Checklist
Check your heart list:
___Heart and vascular exam by health care provider
___Blood pressure, pulse, weight, height
___EKG
For further evaluation, especially if symptoms are present, and/ or a strong family history of heart and vascular disease see a cardiologist.
Tests may include:
___Doppler echocardiogram (checks heart valves, size, etc.)
___Stress test - nuclear, doppler or exercise (heart function)
___Heart MRI scan (artery disease)
___Interventional studies like cardiac catherization, angiogram (checks artery blockage, valve function)
Heart health habits:
___Heart and vascular exam by health care provider
___Blood pressure, pulse, weight, height
___EKG
For further evaluation, especially if symptoms are present, and/ or a strong family history of heart and vascular disease see a cardiologist.
Tests may include:
___Doppler echocardiogram (checks heart valves, size, etc.)
___Stress test - nuclear, doppler or exercise (heart function)
___Heart MRI scan (artery disease)
___Interventional studies like cardiac catherization, angiogram (checks artery blockage, valve function)
Heart health habits:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Eat healthy small portions.
- Exercise regularly - every little bit counts! Just do it regularly.
- Keep blood pressure under control.
- Keep stress level low.
- Get adequate sleep.
- Take an aspirin a day if in a high risk group. Check with your health care provider.
- Love, laugh, and let go!
Have a happy, healthy heart!
J.L. Richardson, MD, family medicine, is the author of the award winning Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide.
martes, 3 de marzo de 2009
Health Care Recovery
This week President Obama will have a health summit to address our nation's health care recovery. Finally, health care reform is getting the attention it deserves even if it seems to overshadow the economic free fall. I fail to understand why money continues to be given to these losing companies that repeatedly spend it without accountability, and the put their hand out for more...and get it.
I want to see more handouts to the people. Today' Citibank announced an unemployment assistance program to help those without jobs get mortgage assistance to stay in their homes. More efforts like this are needed across the board. Many poor and middle class will benefit from these type programs.
It was great to hear that about $155 billion of Recovery Act funds will go to community health centers. This will provide health care for almost 1 million, and jobs for another 5,000. Funding for each state has already been calculated. At www.hhs.gov/recovery all efforts for health care are made transparent.
I want to see more handouts to the people. Today' Citibank announced an unemployment assistance program to help those without jobs get mortgage assistance to stay in their homes. More efforts like this are needed across the board. Many poor and middle class will benefit from these type programs.
It was great to hear that about $155 billion of Recovery Act funds will go to community health centers. This will provide health care for almost 1 million, and jobs for another 5,000. Funding for each state has already been calculated. At www.hhs.gov/recovery all efforts for health care are made transparent.
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