10 Ways to Effective Communication With Your Doctor

By Linda Wilson

One of the most important things in taking care of yourself is understanding your doctor's advice well enough to carry it out. While that sounds simple enough, here in the United States studies have shown that approximately 90 million people don't understand their doctor's advice well enough to follow it at home. And that can be dangerous, especially for the diabetic. For the diabetic, caring for their illness is a big job. There are lots of things to remember and lots of things to do. And just about the time you think you have it all figured out, you go in for your routine check-up. And wouldn't you know it! When your tests results come back, you get a phone call from your doctor's office. You are told to change meds or take meds at different times, etc. It's no wonder we sometimes get confused.

However, not having a good understanding of your doctor's orders, whatever your illness, can be more than just confusing. Studies have shown that those who don't fully understand their doctor's orders are almost twice as likely to die within a five year period than those who do have a good understanding! So it is vitally important to leave your doctor's appointment with a clear understanding of what you should do. And remember this, doctors are used to medical terms and sometimes their advice becomes rote as they repeat it over and over to their patients. It is up to you to make sure you leave their office with all your questions answered and any confusion explained away. Here are some tips to help you as you work to increase your "health literacy":

1. Ask your doctor or health care professional to explain any medical terms you do not understand.

2. If you receive a diagnoses you never heard of, ask the doctor to explain exactly what it is and to spell it for you. When I was diagnosed with leukocytoclastic vasculitis, I had no idea what that was. I asked my doctor to explain it and write it down for me. He wrote the words down for me then told me it was a very rare disease. He then excused himself and came back into the room with a large medical book. He opened the book to my disease and read to me from his medical book. This wouldn't have happened if I hadn't asked. But he was glad to do it when he realized how important that was to me.

3. If they speak softly and you have trouble hearing, tell them so. Make sure you hear everything they say!

4.Many of our health care professionals are from foreign countries. If you have a problem understanding their accent, don't be embarrassed about it. Ask to have a nurse, etc in the room to explain anything you have trouble fully understanding.

5. Many times our doctors seem to be in a hurry. Remember that you are as important as the next patient. If they rush through your instructions, ask them to slow down. Don't be embarrassed to ask them to repeat something.

6. Ask questions. There is no such thing as a "dumb question" where your health is concerned.
7. Ask for information pamplets, etc. if you don't fully understand your illness. Or ask your doctor to write down information resources for you.

8. Take a family member or trusted friend with you and ask them to listen carefully and make notes for you if needed.

9. Ask your doctor for an explanation of tests results even if they are normal. What is "normal" and what does it mean in your case?

10. When your doctor gives you a prescription, have him/her explain to you what it is, why you need to take it, and clear directions for taking it. Then make sure the information on the prescription matches what your doctor told you. This is just an outline of ten ways to help you better understand what transpires when you visit your doctor or health care professional. You can probably add others. The main thing to remember is this. You are given one life. Make sure you take care of it. And that means making sure you and your doctor communicate effectively.

Copyright © 2007, Linda/diabeticenjoyingfood. All rights reserved.

For more of Linda's writings and recipes, go to http://diabeticenjoyingfood.squarespace.com
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Generic Drugs means satisfaction guaranteed

By Mike Dean

Sex and satisfaction are presumed to be mutually conducive to each other. They are an important aspect of human aspirations, which along with being a stress buster is also the bond to a relationship between a man and woman. But there are millions of unfortunate couples in this world who fail in their endeavor for a passionate sexual life. This is because of the alarming increase in the ratio of sexual dysfunction in men. It happens when the male partner is unable to achieve or sustain an erection long enough for sexual satisfaction. This is called erectile dysfunction or male impotence.

There might be various reasons responsible for erectile dysfunction ranging from physical abnormalities to psychological stresses to lifestyle factors. Although psychological factors like stress, depression etc and lifestyle factors like smoking, alcoholism can be controlled; but physical causes like arteriosclerosis or hardening of the arteries, can cause E. D. Blood does not flow easily through hardened, narrower-than-normal arteries thus preventing erection. High blood pressure and high cholesterol can also lead to arteriosclerosis. An occasional failure in having an erection due to stress, performance anxiety, lack of sexual desire and problems with ejaculation or orgasm is not to be considered as impotence. It is considered to be a case of erectile dysfunction only if the condition persists for a consistent period of time and on a series of occasions.

Earlier men suffering from impotence had to live off their sexual fantasies or indulge in painful treatment procedures including surgery. But ever since oral ED drugs have been introduced, treatment of erectile dysfunction has been easier than ever. But these drugs are to be used only under medical recommendation. There are several drugs in this category to have entered the market, but the most popular and trusted ED drug is the pioneer drug Viagra. Viagra, taken an hour prior to sexual activity works by enhancing the effects of nitric oxide, a chemical present in its active component Sildenafil citrate. It helps in relaxing smooth muscles in the penis during sexual stimulation and allows increased blood flow thus facilitating erection.

Though the brand drug Viagra is a trusted companion of many impotent men, its generic variety has in its short tenure managed to win over the hearts of its users with its effective quality and cheap price.

Generic Viagra has all the FDA-approved chemistry, manufacturing steps, and quality control measures adopted by the brand drug but due to its cost saving in research and development, generic drugs could be provided to the consumers at one-third the price of the brand drug. Thereby, generic drugs like Generic Viagra offer guaranteed satisfaction and pleasure at convenient prices making them the most favorable companion in fighting impotence.

This article has been provided courtesy of Best Generic Pharmacy (http://www.bestgenericpharmacy.com), dedicated to bringing you the highest quality generic medications such as Generic Viagra, Generic Cialis, and Generic Levitra at the most competitive prices.

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What is Overactive Bladder Syndrome?

By Nate Damm

Overactive bladder is a relatively unexplored syndrome that can affect people of any age. While some possible causes are known for overactive bladder, there is still much speculation as to what really causes this condition and how it can be treated in the best way.

In recent years, the study of overactive bladder syndrome has become popular. The reason for this is because more and more people are coming forward saying that they are experiencing the symptoms. Overactive bladder syndrome can cause a lot of stress and problems in a person's life. The reason for these problems is because of the unpredictability of this condition. Traveling, work, and enjoying everyday activites becomes difficult.

There are three major symptoms of overactive bladder syndrome. This first of these is a very high frequency of urination. If someone is having to visit the bathroom so many times over the course of a day that it is being disruptive to their life, they may need to see a doctor and talk about it. Frequency is the most common and well known symptom of overactive bladder.

The next symptom is urgency. People that experience this condition also feel great urgency to urinate. This urgency can be very stressful. Those that experience this often are nervous that they will not make it to the bathroom on time. The symptom of urgency combined with frequency can be very tough to deal with.

The third major symptom of overactive bladder syndrome is a sudden leakage of urine. These leakages often come without warning. Of the three main symptoms of this condition, leakage is the one that scares people the most. Nobody wants to be embarrassed by a sudden leakage of urine.

These are just a few of the basic facts about overactive bladder syndrome. Must research is still being done as to what causes it.

Make sure to check out my Flotrol Review. I do a lot of research on overactive bladder medications and treatments.

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Looking for Help with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Treatments?

By Cindy Teruya

Chronic fatigue syndrome treatments may be a viable option for you if you suffer from the condition. Chronic fatigue syndrome is a debilitating disorder that is often misunderstood. CFS affects about 4 in every 1000 adults, and seems more prevalent in women and adults in their 40s and 50s. Myalgia and arthralgia often accompany this condition, as well as difficulty in cognitive thinking, as well as extreme mental and physical exhaustion. Interestingly, there is no documented assay when it comes to diagnosing CFS-it is usually discovered through process of elimination.

There are both sudden onset cases and gradual onset cases of CFS. Some of the most telling symptoms of the syndrome include fatigue, malaise (which is described as an inappropriate loss of physical and mental stamina) and sleep dysfunction. What advancements have been made in chronic fatigue syndrome treatments? There are many schools of thought in CFS treatment and many patients will not fully recover from treatment. However, some strategies have proven to be effective at reducing the consequences of this condition. These might include behavioral interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy and medication, including antidepressants, nervous system stimulants and hormone therapy.

However, another option in providing chronic fatigue syndrome treatments lies in alternative medicine, using natural supplements and vitamins to help fight the condition. Before this therapy can be effective the system must first be cleansed out, with the assistance of a nutritional expert.
This is what Health-Truth.com offers, the official website of the Biamonte Center for Clinical Nutrition. The center offers professional treatments as well as education on chronic fatigue syndrome. The Biamonte Center was founded by Michael C. Biamonte, a certified clinical nutritionist who has devoted his life to health research.

Utilizing the very latest laboratory testing, the Biamonte Center for Clinical Nutrition is able to pinpoint all the factors that are responsible for poor health and energy. To learn more about chronic fatigue syndrome treatments, please visit our website http://health-truth.com/ or call us at (212) 587-2330.

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