What to know about prevention
Everyday choices greatly affect life expectancy and good health. Here’s what you can do. Opportunities for prevention Up to half of early deaths (before age 80) in the U.S. are preventable Lifestyle changes in adulthood involving diet, activity, weight management, smoking and alcohol can increase life expectancy by more than a decade Injury is the […]
What to know about screening
Topics include recommended tests; testing beyond standard recommendations; pros and cons of commercial screening packages; using screening results to calculate risk for heart attack and stroke; testing for cancer risk; newborn screening and home screening options.
What to know about diagnosis
Misdiagnosis is common. Here’s how to avoid it. Symptoms and family history Details about symptoms (intensity, when they occur, what makes them better or worse) are important for diagnosis Tracking forms and apps can make it easier to record symptoms About 40% of diseases are linked to genetics, making family history important as well Sources […]
What to know about medical testing
Is your medical test appropriate? Safe? Accurate? Here’s how to check. Types of tests Medical testing usually involves one or more of the following: – Analysis of body fluids (lab tests)- Imaging (MRI, ultrasound, CT scan)- Endoscopy (using a tube to see inside the body)- Measuring body functions- Biopsy (taking a tissue sample)- Genetic testing […]
What to know about a medical condition
Googling can be hit or miss. Here’s a better approach for learning about a medical condition. Condition code, name and pronunciation To learn about a disease or condition it is important to know the specific name for the condition using medical terminology Each condition is assigned a disease classification (ICD) code; if you have a […]
Sample: What to know about medical conditions
This is a sample of content from “What to know about medical conditions”- LOG IN or SUBSCRIBE to see full content . Rare and genetic conditions Sources & more info: Rare DiseasesAAMC.org GeneticsMedlinePlus.gov GeneReviewsUniversity of Washington (eBook)
What to know about treatment options
Looking for the best treatment option? Here’s where to check and what to ask. Reasons to research options To avoid spending limited time with a doctor obtaining basic information Because treatment recommendations can vary significantly from doctor to doctor To find new treatments not yet widely adopted Sources & more info: Study finds significant variations […]
What to know about medical emergencies
Emergencies happen. Will you be ready? Recognizing an emergency For emergency conditions, faster treatment usually leads to better outcomes As a result, it helps to be familiar with symptoms of an emergency, including heart attack, stroke, sepsis, blood clots and complications related to pregnancy Patients and families should also know the emergency symptoms to watch […]