mom sectionmom section
A surprising 96 percent of Americans know the importance of family history, but only a third take the time to gather the information, noted the U.S. Department of Health on its website. Family histories should include all blood relatives, not just parents and grandparents. If you are adopted start with your self and the family you create. Talk to everyone; ask questions about their health and the health of relatives that already have died. Several medical conditions skip a generation, so it is important to interview aunts, uncles and cousins. The benefits are not only for yourself but also for…
Put Prevention Into Practice (PPIP) is a national program designed to reduce barriers that may impede effective delivery of appropriate evidenced-based clinical preventive services. (See reference 1) The U.S. Prevention Services Task Force (USPSTF) supported by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) through congressional mandate conducts scientific evidence reviews of clinical preventive services and makes recommendations based on its findings. (See reference 2) AHRQ uses the PPIP as a tool to disseminate this information to service providers and patients around the country. (See reference 3)
Choosing a family doctor is one of the most important decisions you can make. Family doctors provide the basis of most health care your family will receive on a regular basis. These doctors are generalists, trained to handle basic physical and mental health issues for all ages. Family doctors develop and maintain relationships with patients over a period of several years, keeping track of your health histories. Although family doctors are trained to handle most basic health care needs and can offer advice about preventative measures, they also know when to refer you to a specialist.
Globalization has allowed once rare parasitic diseases to increase in range and frequency, and many individuals traveling to and from certain countries find themselves in search of laboratory testing to confirm or exclude a number of possible diagnoses. One such parasite, Wuchereria bancrofti, is the nematode (roundworm) responsible for lymphatic filariasis, or elephantiasis, a devastating disease that obstructs lymph channels and results in severe swelling, particularly of the lower extremities. Fortunately, this disease is treatable if the offending parasite is identified in a timely fashion.
A family doctor or internist can treat many medical conditions, but if you're having trouble with your ears, nose or throat, and your family doc can't solve the problem, you may need the help of an otolaryngologist. Otolaryngologists have specialized training that allows them to treat medical conditions involving not only the ear, nose, and throat but the head and neck as well. They are also trained to do surgery involving these areas of the body. Here's how to find an otolaryngologist.
A menopause specialist is a doctor who can help guide women through their change of life. Menopause causes hormonal changes that can be painful or confusing for women and often affects their emotional state as well as their body. Menopause specialists help women navigate menopause without many adverse effects. Many menopause specialists are gynecologists or endocrinologists. As with any doctor, it's important to find a menopause specialist who makes you feel comfortable.
As a girl's body prepares to enter adulthood, certain changes take place. Throughout puberty, in the lead-up to the first menstrual cycle, you will have a range of new bodily experiences. It's extremely important to know that these changes are normal. Some of them may come as a surprise, and on occasion you may find some of your bodily changes uncomfortable. Speak to a doctor or close friend or family member about the signs of getting a period for the first time.
Family practice and general practice are significant branches of the medical profession. These practices both exist to provide primary medical care to patients, but there are great differences between the two.
Family practice doctors, also called general practitioners, are physicians with an M.D. or D.O. degree that practice overall general medicine. Family doctors specialize in treating all aspects of the human condition throughout the lifespan.
Lymphatic drainage is a specialized component of the circulatory system. The blood in the arteries nourishes the cell. A portion of the blood plasma is left behind and this fluid is called lymph. Lymph vessels return the lymph to veins in the neck. The movement in the lymph vessels is caused by the pressure of the fluid around the cells. The lymph vessels stop off at the lymph nodes where pathogens and cancer cells are trapped and killed. When radiation or surgery affects the lymph nodes, there is blockage. This causes lymphedema. With diligent care, the vessels can form new…
The average woman's body temperature is 96 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit when taken orally anytime between the first day of her period and ovulation. After women ovulate, their average body temperature runs from 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit due to changes in the production of the hormone progesterone. Ovulation means that the woman is able to conceive. Since this only happens once a month for a period of one to three days, couples hoping to get pregnant are advised to look for temperature patterns in menstrual cycles in order to isolate the window of fertility. The best way to look…
A family practice doctor is an M.D., or medical doctor, who practices general medicine and is usually the first physician that most people will see. A family doctor treats minor ailments such as colds, cuts that require stitches, and sprains, as well as gives immunizations and physical examinations for the overall health of his patients. If there is something more serious that requires the care of a specialist, the family doctor will refer the patient. Most families like to have a general practice or family practice doctor that can care for the whole family. When trying to find the best…
