#medical tips

[jupiterjames]

My medical self-advocacy post is making the rounds again, and lots of people have been asking for tips and tricks, most ESPECIALLY on how to advocate in a normal doctor's office.

That's an excellent question because your doctors can take on a lot of beauracratic and/or insurance issues for you. *Should they happen to like you as a patient enough to do so.* Yes, it is a popularity contest and you can win.

So here is my (sage) advice.

No matter where you are on this blue marble or what doctor you're seeing, a majority of your care will most likely be seen to by nurses. They will probably be both the first and last person you deal with. And THEY can be some of your best resources and advocates and medical office gossips. They are worth more than gold.

Tip #1: If possible, try NEVER to be the first or last patient of the day (if you're in the hospital, this isn't as relevant except to say try not to go at the end of a shift). We're all human. We're all tired. And medical personnel are even more so. If you go before the coffee has fully hit, or when they are packing up to go home, you are inevitably going to be left in a situation where no one has a full HP bar. Try for midmorning appointments if your situation in life and health permits. Again, with hospitals, it's different. Do not endanger your health further, but if you can wait for a shift change, go at the beginning of one.

Tip #2: Remember how I said nurses are gold? If you are pleasant to them, they will go the extra mile for you, because they are tired as hell of assholes, literally and figuratively. And they can make the process much easier all the way down to getting the doctor to actually listen to you. How does one accomplish wooing the ACTUAL important person in the office? It's actually quite easy. The following has worked for me 100% of the time.

When you encounter the nurse, be it them collecting you from the waiting room, or stepping in to take your vitals and notes for the reason for your visit, often they will say something along the lines of "hi, how are you?" Or even just, "my name is Awesome Person and I'm Doctor Tough Nut's nurse/assistant/underpaid servant."

Even if they say nothing at all besides a simple "hello," you greet them in your most pleasantly business tone with the following statement (please memorize and practice until it feels natural)

"Hi! My name is (name). I hope your day is going, to quote international Korean pop star group BTS, 'smooth like butter.'"

100% whether they know what the fuck you're referencing or not, they will be endeared to you. Perhaps they will even smile. And then, my friends, you will have the most valuable bedside person in the medical field on your team to help you.

[asmrgaret]

figured out a new tip for doctors visits today

do not ever use phrases like "i was looking up my symptoms, and..."

this can make some doctors automatically assume you're a hypochondriac, make them feel like you're trying to render them useless or go over their heads, etc.

Never let a doctor know you've done your own research.

they hate this more than anything

don't ever lead with what you think you might have. it makes them defensive and they hate it so much.

instead, open the conversation by discussing all your individual symptoms. keep it in the realm of the concrete, e.g. tummy hurts, dizzy, feeling sluggish, more pain when waking up then at other times of day, etc.

discuss symptoms not speculations - even well-grounded concerns often come across as hypochondria to the ears of doctors -

Begin the conversation with concrete symptoms

not with "i was doing some reading and..." please learn from my communication mistakes ily

[your-health-buddy]

Are you suffering from high blood sugar?

[gatortavern]

more medical tips to help with writing? more medical tips in general? yummy. please send more

So I’ve noticed a bunch of medical errors in fics I read, so I decided to post this handy guide to some of the most common errors and some background on basic medical things.

ps- they are not medical treatment or first aid advice. I’m not actually a doctor. yet. but I am certified in first aid. this is just so your writing can be more realistic.

[ar-health-tips]

كل ما تحتاج لمعرفته عن الهرمون المحفز للغدة الدرقية (TSH) 🧑‍⚕️💡

الهرمون المحفز للغدة الدرقية، أو TSH، هو هرمون يلعب دوراً مهماً في تنظيم عمل الغدة الدرقية، التي بدورها تتحكم في العديد من وظائف الجسم الحيوية. في هذا المقال، سنتعرف على هذا الهرمون، وظيفته، وكيف يؤثر على صحتنا العامة.

ما هو الهرمون المحفز للغدة الدرقية؟ 🧠

TSH هو هرمون يُنتج في الغدة النخامية، ويعمل على تحفيز الغدة الدرقية لإنتاج هرمونات الثيروكسين (T4) و ثلاثي يود الثيرونين (T3). هرمونات الغدة الدرقية هذه مسؤولة عن تنظيم العديد من وظائف الجسم مثل حرق الدهون، و معدل ضربات القلب، و درجة حرارة الجسم.

لماذا يعتبر TSH مهمًا؟ 💊

الهرمون المحفز للغدة الدرقية ضروري لأنّه ينظم نشاط الغدة الدرقية. أي اضطراب في مستوياته يمكن أن يؤثر على توازن الجسم بشكل عام. إليك ��عض النقاط المهمة عن وظيفته:

تنظيم مستوى الطاقة: يساعد على تنظيم كيفية استخدام الجسم للطاقة.

المساهمة في النمو والتطور: يُؤثر على النمو العقلي والجسدي.

المساعدة في التحكم بالحرارة: يساهم في الحفاظ على درجة حرارة الجسم.

ماذا يحدث عند وجود اختلال في مستويات TSH؟ ⚠️

مستويات الهرمون المحفز للغدة الدرقية قد تتأثر ببعض العوامل مثل الإصابة بأمراض الغدة الدرقية أو النظام الغذائي غير المتوازن. عندما تكون مستويات TSH غير طبيعية، قد تظهر أعراض مختلفة تبعًا للمشكلة.

إذا كانت مستويات TSH مرتفعة:

زيادة الوزن 📈

التعب والإرهاق 😴

الاكتئاب 💔

شحوب الجلد 🌬️

برودة الأطراف 🧤

إذا كانت مستويات TSH منخفضة:

فقدان الوزن 🏃‍♂️

ارتفاع معدل ضربات القلب ❤️

التعرق الزائد 🌡️

صعوبة في النوم 🛏️

كيف يتم تشخيص اضطرابات TSH؟ 🩺

لتشخيص اضطراب TSH، سيقوم الطبيب بإجراء تحليل الدم لقياس مستويات الهرمون. إذا كانت هناك مستويات غير طبيعية، قد يُطلب منك إجراء فحوصات إضافية لتحديد السبب.

تحليل الدم لقياس TSH.

موجات صوتية للغدة الدرقية لتحديد أي تضخم أو كتل.

اختبارات هرمونية أخرى مثل T3 و T4.

كيفية الحفاظ على مستويات TSH طبيعية؟ 💡

لحماية صحة الغدة الدرقية وضمان مستوى TSH طبيعي، يمكن اتباع النصائح التالية:

نظام غذائي متوازن 🥗: تناول الأطعمة التي تحتوي على اليود مثل الأسماك والأعشاب البحرية.

ممارسة الرياضة بانتظام 🏋️‍♀️: تساعد الرياضة في تحسين الدورة الدموية وزيادة مستوى الطاقة.

مراقبة الوزن ⚖️: الحفاظ على وزن صحي يساعد في توازن الهرمونات.

استشارة الطبيب 👩‍⚕️: متابعة مستوى الهرمون بشكل دوري مع الطبيب.

استشارة الخبراء 💬

"الهرمون المحفز للغدة الدرقية هو العنصر الرئيسي في الحفاظ على توازن الغدة الدرقية، والتأكد من أنها تعمل بشكل سليم. الحفاظ على مستويات صحية لهذا الهرمون يعزز من صحة الجسم العامة." — د. أحمد العطار، اختصاصي الغدد الصماء.

الخلاصة 🏥

الهرمون المحفز للغدة الدرقية هو أحد أهم الهرمونات التي تلعب دورًا كبيرًا في تنظيم وظائف الجسم الحيوية. من المهم إجراء فحوصات دورية لمستوياته لضمان صحتك العامة. إذا كنت تشعر بأي من الأعراض التي ذكرناها، لا تتردد في استشارة الطبيب لإجراء الفحوصات اللازمة.

ابقَ على اطلاع دائم واحرص على استشارة مختص إذا كنت تشك في وجود مشكلة صحية 🧑‍⚕️💪.

[news-buzz]

Study Shows Intense Exercise More Beneficial Than Ozempic

With Ozempic and other hunger suppressing drugs becoming all the rage for weight loss, new research into exercise suggests that physical activity may be superior to prescription drugs, especially for women. Here’s why. Active ingredients like semaglutide, found in Ozempic help type 2 diabetes sufferers to lose weight through an ability to crush food cravings, but for those who don’t qualify for a…

[medicalmeowmeow]

Frostbite

With winter months quickly approaching, let's take a quick look at something a lot of people talk about: frostbite!

Frostbite is caused by freezing of the skin and tissues underneath, and the early stages are called frostnip. Exposed skin is at risk in freezing temperatures and windy, or wet weather.

Symptoms can be tingling, numbness, skin changing color, waxy or hard skin, joint stiffness, pain, and blistering after rewarming.

Frostbite is most common on the fingers, toes, ears, cheeks, chin, and tip of the nose. Because of numbness it may be hard to notice.

[screamingatmyfandom]

Get baking soda (99 cents at walmart). Take baking soda & put a few spoonfuls in small bowl (or cup or whatever). Add a few spoonfuls of water to turn into a paste. Smear paste on bug bite or sunburn.

Alternatively, add a lot more water (warm) and soak a hand towel in it, then place on bug bite or sunburn.

Should stop itching and swelling should go down relatively fast (and you won't deal with it for a long time either. great for sensitive skin or allergy reactions)

Put it in a ziplock bag or cover with cling wrap and it'll keep for a good while

Awful terrible bugses bits us... it itches us so badly...... it would feel so goooood to SCRATCH ITS... NO WE MUSTENT. Ouuughhh

[kdlmedtech]

Pencil Point Spinal Needle : Tips to Find the Perfect Spinal Needle

Choosing the right spinal needle is crucial for the success of spinal anaesthesia. Among the various needle types available, medical professionals highly regard pencil point spinal needle for their atraumatic design and their ability to reduce complications like post-dural puncture headache (PDPH). Selecting the most suitable needle requires considering several factors, as different needles can significantly impact both the procedure and patient outcomes. Understanding these considerations can help anaesthetists make informed decisions and achieve the best results for their patients.

What is Pencil Point Spinal Needle

Pencil point spinal needles are widely used in medical settings, especially for administering spinal anesthesia. Unlike traditional cutting needles, pencil point needles are designed to reduce tissue trauma and minimize the risk of complications, such as post-dural puncture headaches. Choosing the right pencil point spinal needle is crucial for the success of spinal procedures and can impact patient outcomes. This guide aims to help you understand the different types of pencil point needles and factors to consider when making a selection.

Benefit of Using Pencil Point Spinal Needle

Reduced Risk of Tissue Damage

Pencil point needles feature a rounded, non-cutting tip that minimizes tissue trauma during insertion. This design gently pushes tissues aside rather than cutting through them, resulting in less tissue damage.

Lower Risk of Post-Dural Puncture Headache (PDPH)

The rounded tip reduces the likelihood of causing significant damage to the dura, the outer membrane surrounding the spinal cord. This decreases the chances of cerebrospinal fluid leakage, which is a common cause of PDPH.

Better Control During Procedures

The needle’s design offers greater precision and control for the practitioner, making it easier to navigate through tissues. This is particularly helpful in delicate procedures like spinal anesthesia.

Improved Patient Comfort

Since pencil point needles cause less trauma to tissues, patients often experience less pain during the procedure. This leads to a more comfortable experience and a quicker recovery.

Minimized Bleeding and Swelling

The non-cutting design helps reduce bleeding and swelling around the insertion site, which can be particularly beneficial in patients with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications.

Suitable for Repeated Procedures

For patients who require frequent spinal or epidural procedures, pencil point type spinal needle provide a safer option with lower risks of complications associated with repeated use.

Reduced Complication Rates

Overall, using pencil point needles is associated with fewer complications, making them a safer and more reliable choice for various medical procedures.

These benefits make pencil point needles a preferred option in specific medical scenarios, ensuring better outcomes for both patients and healthcare providers.

Types of Pencil Point Spinal Needle

Pencil point spinal needles come in various designs and materials, each suited for different clinical scenarios. The most common types include:

Standard vs. Specialty Needles

Standard Pencil Point Needles: These needles have a basic design with a rounded, non-cutting tip that helps separate the dural fibers during insertion. They are suitable for most routine spinal anesthesia procedures and are known for reducing the likelihood of post-dural puncture headaches.

Specialty Pencil Point Needles: Specialty needles often incorporate unique features such as a finer gauge or a reinforced structure for better handling and stability. Some may have additional elements like echogenic markings, which improve needle visualization under ultrasound guidance, making them ideal for more complex procedures or patients with challenging anatomy.

Materials and Design Considerations

Materials: Pencil point spinal needles are typically made from stainless steel or other medical-grade metals that offer strength and durability. Some specialty needles use advanced alloys to provide additional flexibility or rigidity, depending on procedural requirements.

Design: The length, gauge, and bevel angle of the needle can all impact its performance. There for spinal needle size are matter for spinal procedure. A smaller gauge needle may be more appropriate for minimizing tissue disruption, while a longer needle might be necessary for patients with a higher body mass index (BMI) to reach the spinal space accurately.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pencil Point Spinal Needle

Several factors influence the choice of a pencil point spinal needle. Understanding these can help tailor the selection to the specific needs of the patient and the procedure.

Patient Anatomy

Patient anatomy plays a significant role in selecting the right spinal needle. For example, patients with a higher BMI or challenging spinal anatomy may require longer needles to ensure proper placement. Additionally, older patients or those with degenerative spine conditions may benefit from finer gauge needles to reduce trauma to delicate tissues.

Procedure Type and Purpose

The type of spinal procedure also dictates the choice of needle. For example, a needle used for spinal anesthesia in a Cesarean section may differ from one used for a pain management procedure. The intended depth of insertion and the level of anesthesia required are crucial considerations.

Practitioner Experience

Practitioner experience with certain types of needles can also guide the selection process. Certain practitioners may prefer specialty needles with echogenic markings for precision, while others opt for standard needles.

Tips for Proper Usage pencil point spinal needle

Proper usage of a pencil point spinal needle is essential to maximize its benefits and minimize complications. Here are some key tips for using these needles effectively:

Position the Patient Correctly: Proper patient positioning helps in the accurate placement of the needle. The sitting or lateral decubitus position is often chosen for spinal anesthesia according on patient comfort and anatomical factors.

Use Gentle Insertion Techniques: Pencil point needles are design to reduce trauma, but proper insertion techniques are still essential. Avoid excessive force, and use a slow, steady approach to navigate through the tissues.

Confirm Needle Placement: Before injecting any medication, make sure that you correctly place the needle tip in the subarachnoid space. You can confirm this by observing a free flow of cerebrospinal fluid.

Avoid Multiple Punctures: Minimize the number of punctures, as each additional attempt increases the risk of complications. If initial placement fails, consider adjusting the needle angle or repositioning the patient.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pencil point spinal needle is a multifaceted decision that requires considering patient anatomy, procedure type, and practitioner experience. By understanding the available options and using proper techniques, you can significantly improve patient outcomes and procedural success. Remember to stay updated on the latest advancements in needle technology and guidelines to ensure you are making the best choice for each clinical situation.

Source :Pencil Point Spinal Needle : Tips to Find the Perfect Spinal Needle

[ballyhubbock]

A quiet word from a pharmacist – for Irish readers

Spring advice from a chemist in Ireland regarding Allergies, Vaccinations, and Probiotics

Our local pharmacist spoke to a group of residents this week and I picked up some useful information that I believe is worth sharing. I am not an expert in medical matters and I would refer you to the HSE or your own doctor or chemist if you need further advice. Hay Fever & allergies: Spring is the time of year when people struggle with pollen-related allergies. Hay Fever can be fought with a…

[crnrsphrmcy]

Your pharmacy’s function in providing health care supplies in Spring Hill, Florida goes much beyond dispensing medications. Your pharmacist is a trusted ally in managing your health and ensuring the efficacy and safety of your medications. Understanding pharmacy dos and don’ts is crucial for maximizing the benefits of your treatment regimen.

[attentivehomecar]

Undergoing a surgical procedure is a significant life-altering experience, and the journey to recuperation can be both challenging and pivotal. It is crucial to comprehend the necessary actions and precautions during this phase to facilitate a seamless and successful post-operative healing process.

[classycookiexo]

Hopefully this tip can really help someone, please take this advice or suggest to friends and family if you feel it could really assist them 💕

[livingsociety]

Cholesterol: Dispelling Misconceptions, Unveiling Truths, and Exploring its Benefits to Humans

🌿 Demystifying Cholesterol: Separating Fact from Fiction 🌿 Cholesterol, often misunderstood, plays vital roles in our health. While high LDL levels can pose risks, not all cholesterol is bad. Discover the truths and benefits in our latest blog. #health

Written by Abubakar Sheudeen and medically reviewed by Adline Ben-Chioma (PhD), MPH, PGDE, IFBA-CP Cholesterol has long been a subject of controversy and confusion in the realm of health and nutrition. Often vilified as a silent killer, it’s crucial to understand that cholesterol is essential for human health. This article will unravel the misconceptions surrounding cholesterol, illuminate the…

[ar-health-tips]

كل ما تحتاج معرفته عن الأنيميا (فقر الدم) 🩸

الأنيميا هي حالة صحية شائعة تحدث عندما لا يحتوي دمك على عدد كافٍ من خلايا الدم الحمراء السليمة لنقل الأوكسجين إلى الأنسجة. في هذا المقال، سنتعرف على الأنيميا، أسبابها، أعراضها، وطرق علاجها.

1. ما هي الأنيميا؟ 🤔

الأنيميا هي نقص في مستوى الهيموجلوبين في الدم أو في عدد خلايا الدم الحمراء. يؤدي هذا إلى تقليل قدرة الدم على نقل الأوكسجين إلى أجزاء الجسم المختلفة، مما يسبب شعورًا بالتعب والإرهاق المستمر.

2. أسباب الأنيميا ⚠️

تتعدد الأسباب التي قد تؤدي إلى الأنيميا، ومنها:

نقص الحديد: يعد السبب الأكثر شيوعًا للأنيميا، حيث أن الحديد ضروري لتكوين الهيموجلوبين.

نقص الفيتامينات: نقص الفيتامينات مثل فيتامين B12 والفولات قد يؤدي إلى فقر الدم.

أمراض مزمنة: مثل أمراض الكلى أو السرطان.

الوراثة: بعض أنواع الأنيميا، مثل أنيميا الخلايا المنجلية، تكون موروثة.

فقدان الدم: فقدان كميات كبيرة من الدم نتيجة للإصابة أو الدورة الشهرية الثقيلة.

3. أعراض الأنيميا 😞

إذا كنت تعاني من الأنيميا، قد تلاحظ بعض الأعراض الشائعة، ومنها:

التعب العام 💥

شحوب البشرة 😶

ضيق التنفس عند القيام بأبسط الأنشطة 🏃

دقات قلب سريعة 💓

الدوار أو الصداع 🤕

برودة اليدين والقدمين ❄️

إذا لاحظت أي من هذه الأعراض، فمن المهم استشارة الطبيب لتشخيص حالتك.

4. كيف يتم تشخيص الأنيميا؟ 🩺

يتم تشخيص الأنيميا من خلال:

اختبارات الدم: مثل تحليل تعداد الدم الكامل (CBC) لقياس مستوى الهيموجلوبين وعدد خلايا الدم الحمراء.

تحليل الحديد: لتحديد ما إذا كان لديك نقص في الحديد أو الفيتامينات.

فحوصات إضافية: مثل اختبار وظائف الكلى أو فحوصات الجهاز الهضمي إذا كان هناك شك في وجود نزيف داخلي.

5. طرق العلاج 💊

العلاج يعتمد على السبب الكامن وراء الأنيميا. إليك بعض الخيارات الشائعة للعلاج:

5.1 علاج الأنيميا بسبب نقص الحديد 💉

تناول مكملات الحديد لتصحيح نقص الحديد.

تناول أطعمة غنية بالحديد مثل اللحوم الحمراء، السبانخ، والبقوليات.

فيتامين C يساعد في امتصاص الحديد بشكل أفضل.

5.2 علاج الأنيميا بسبب نقص الفيتامينات 🌿

تناول مكملات فيتامين B12 والفولات.

تناول أطعمة غنية بهذه الفيتامينات مثل اللحوم، البيض، والحبوب المدعمة.

5.3 علاج الأنيميا الوراثية ⚙️

قد يتطلب العلاج نقل الدم أو علاجات خاصة أخرى حسب نوع الأنيميا.

6. نصائح للوقاية من الأنيميا 💡

تأكد من تناول نظام غذائي متوازن يحتوي على الحديد والفيتامينات الضرورية.

إذا كنت من النساء، تأكدي من متابعة الدورة الشهرية وفحصها بانتظام.

تناول مكملات الحديد أو الفيتامينات تحت إشراف الطبيب إذا كان لديك عوامل خطر.

💬 Quote: "الأنيميا قد تبدو بسيطة، ولكن يمكن أن تؤثر بشكل كبير على جودة حياتك. التشخيص المبكر يساعد في معالجة المشكلة بشكل فعال." - د. أحمد سعيد، أخصائي أمراض الدم.

7. متى يجب عليك استشارة الطبيب؟ 🏥

إذا كنت تعاني من أعراض الأنيميا أو إذا كان لديك تاريخ عائلي من الأنيميا، يُنصح بزيارة الطبيب للحصول على التشخيص والعلاج المناسب.

ابقَ على اطلاع! 🔍

الأنيميا هي حالة يمكن علاجها والوقاية منها باتباع نظام غذائي صحي والقيام بالفحوصات الطبية الدورية. لا تتردد في استشارة الطبيب إذا كنت تشك في إصابتك بها. صحة أفضل تبدأ بالتشخيص المبكر! 👩‍⚕️