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Why Are Doctors So Worried About Tick Bites? (+ Symptoms)

Why are ticks so dangerous?

It’s not a huge issue if you get a lot of bites from small insects seeking for their next meal. You see a little red bump, which may or may not be irritating, and you go on. However, if you have a tick, you should be aware of it.

Tick bites are so common that you might consider them to be less dangerous than they actually are. But that is not really the case. Ticks spread a variety of illnesses, some of which are even deadly. Early therapy is usually the key to a complete and quick recovery if you want to avoid further complications.

However, learning how to detect a bite, how to prevent and control tick bites might help you avoid terrible illnesses including Lyme disease in the future.

Here are the warning signs and symptoms to look for, as well as how to get rid of them at home. So let’s learn more about ticks and find out why doctors are so concerned when it comes to tick bites. 

How can you identify a tick bite? 

Tick Bites
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Ticks are tiny blood-sucking insects. They vary in sizes, especially as they eat more blood, but they generally are the size of a pea. Ticks have a total of eight legs and they are arachnids, which implies they are spiders’ relatives. Ticks also come in a variety of colors, from brown to dark red to black.

Ticks aren’t like other insects that sting you and then fly or move away. When one lands on your skin, it establishes a home base. It seeks for a food source, then digs its head under your skin to begin eating. And it’ll be there for a long time.

There are some parts of your body where ticks are most likely to strike: armpits, the back of the beck, scalp, on your waist, or around the ears. However, this is not always the case, and they can bite anywhere they can. But these should be the first spots you check after a long day outside.

Because the bite doesn’t sting and isn’t generally irritating, you’re unlikely to feel anything. These insects are frequently quite little, so you may not even see them. At first glance, it may appear to be a piece of dirt. It gets bigger as it eats, making it easier to detect.

When a tick bites you, you may develop a little red lump. Ticks cause 1 to 2 inches of inflammation around some people’s bodies.

Why are doctors so worried

You might find it surprising that doctors are concerned regarding a small tick bite, but the reason why this is dangerous is because you can develop many diseases that are hard to cure or even life-threatening. Here are some of them and how they manifest:

Lyme disease: The majority of patients with Lyme disease get skin rashes, but not everyone does. It might appear anywhere from 3 to 30 days after you’ve been bitten, although it normally takes little over a week.

Around the tick bite, you’ll see a circular or oval region of redness. It may appear to be a result to the bite initially, but the rash grows worse over extended periods of time. It usually reaches a width of around 6 inches. Although it may feel warm, it is hardly unpleasant or irritating.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever: is thought to be one of the most dangerous illnesses you can get from this insect and is very common in the United States. Even though this infection can be treated with antibiotics, the dangers are high, since it can also cause severe injury to the organs, or can even be fatal if not treated as soon as possible.

Of course, you can avoid this complication by taking the right safety measures when in nature, or removing the tick before it is able to do much damage.

This disease can also cause rashes on the skin or small red spots on different parts of your body, such as ankles, wrists, palms, or feet. This irritation usually manifests a few days after the fever and is likely to spread to your abdomen area as well.

A week after the tick bite, another type of rash can develop. This time, the rash has purple tints and indicates that the disease developed to a more serious stage, so it’s recommended to start treatment as soon as possible.

Tularemia: can be transmitted to humans by coming into close touch with an infected animal or by being bitten by certain insects, including ticks. Tularemia is classified into several types based on how the germs enter a person’s body.

Direct contact with the bacterium causes the most prevalent type of the illness. Inhaling the germs causes the most serious type of the condition. Antibiotics are frequently used to treat tularemia. Early intervention increases the chances of a full recovery. Even with medication, some severe instances can be deadly.

How to remove a tick

Tick Bites
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1. Grab the tick by its head, or as close as possible to the skin

2. Apply constant pressure as you pull vertically and away from the skin and avoid bending or twisting the insect

3. Examine the bitten area to determine whether any of the tick’s parts remained in the affected spot. If this is the case, carefully remove them.

4. Clean the area with water and alcohol

5. Once you removed the insect, put it in alcohol to make sure it’s dead and take it with you to the doctor to see if it carried a dangerous disease or not.

How to stay away from these insects

The most important thing you should know if you want to prevent coming in contact with these insects is where they are most likely to be. Ticks are most likely to be found in long grassy regions, bushes, and woodland places. They can even be acquired by petting an animal that carries one. When you are fishing, gardening, hiking, or spending time outside, keep an eye out.

But if you are outdoors a lot and want to stay away from tick bites, you can try out this tick repellent spray and enjoy a sunny day in the woods. Another great tip is to walk in the center of trails, away from any tree or bush you can brush against. After a long day outside, you should probably check your skin in the areas where tick bites are most likely to occur and take a shower for extra safety.

When to seek medical attention

Tick Bites
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Careful removal of the tick is important to ensure you don’t experience any complications. So if you have trouble getting it out, it’s better to go to the doctor and have it taken care by a professional. If you encounter any of the following symptoms, you better get to the hospital right away: rashes, flu-like signs, redness or yellow fluid coming out of the tick bite.

If you were bitten in an area renowned for dangerous tick-borne illnesses, such as the West or Northeast United States, talk with your doctor right away and closely monitor your symptoms.

Have YOU ever experienced a tick bite? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comment section below!

And if you found this article about tick bites interesting, make sure to also check out: 8 Signs You Might Have Kidney Stones – Healthy Reads.

Eye Exams: 10 Worrying Signs You Need One NOW

How Important Are Eye Exams?

…Did you know that your eyes can tell a lot about your health and that sometimes, an eye exam is the best thing you could do?

We all know that it’s extremely important to go to the doctor when we notice that there is something going on with our health. This rule applies to all of your health conditions, especially when it comes to your eyes.

They help you see the world around you, help you work, drive, and so many other things.

Adults should go to an eye exam at least once every two years, but if you wear glasses or contacts, your ophthalmologist might recommend for you to come for a check-up sooner.

Over time, your eyes can get a lot more sensitive and tired, due to several factors, such as age or working all day on a computer and you should pay attention to every single change that might occur.

With that being said, here are 10 signs that you should pay your doctor a visit and ask for an eye exam!

eye exam
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1. You Experience Eye Pain

According to experts, if you experience mild pain rarely, it’s not a reason to panic, because it might be a symptom of tiredness. However, if you have frequent eye pain that is uncomfortable and intense, you should definitely ask for an eye exam.

There is a possibility that this pain you feel is actually a sign that your eyes are infected, or could be a symptom of a more serious health issue.

2. You Have Blurry Vision Or Trouble Focusing

If you experience blurry vision or have trouble focusing all of a sudden, it might be time to call your ophthalmologist, because it might indicate that there is something going on there.

If your vision comes and goes or it happens in one eye only, you should immediately schedule a typical appointment with your doctor.

If your vision is getting blurrier and blurrier over time, you don’t have to panic. It might indicate the fact that your eyes are changing and you might have to use a prescription to see better. Whatever the symptom might be, don’t neglect it and book an eye exam!

3. You Don’t See At Night 

In conformity with experts, it is normal for people to experience night blindness (having difficulty seeing when it’s dark) when they get older. However, this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t take care of it.

You should definitely call your doctor and ask for an eye exam because over time, night blindness can actually turn into cataracts.

This health condition is severe and it usually needs surgery to be cured, but you can talk to your doctor about different methods and things you can do to prevent or slow the progression of cataracts.

…Meanwhile, here’s a trusted little sidekick to help you read at night!

4. You Have Migraines

Changes in vision usually happen over time, so patients might notice them after a longer period of time. However, if you experience frequent migraines, it might indicate that there are some changes in your vision and your eyes are affected as a result.

…How often do you go to your ophthalmologist for a regular eye exam?

eye exam
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5. You Have Light Sensitivity

There are many people who suffer from light sensitivity without knowing about it. Many experts say that this symptom might indicate a few more serious infections, eye disorders, and diseases, such as photophobia.

This is a type of eye trouble that occurs in bright light when the cornea gives permission for light to enter the eye.

As the light goes through the eye the iris modifies its shape by enlarging and letting more light through or compressing and allowing less light through to change pupil size.

6. You Experience Double Vision

Double vision is also known as diplopia and can be either monocular, which means that only happens in one eye, or can occur in both eyes. This health issue can be caused by several things, such as keratoconus, astigmatism, or dry eye.

In addition to that, there can be other factors that might trigger this, such as abnormalities in the lens, brain, cornea, retina, and nerves. Diplopia can also be caused by the fact that the eyes are not able to coordinate the way they are supposed to.

This phenomenon is called binocular double vision and patients who are diagnosed with this can see perfectly with each individual eye, but they can’t see well with both of their eyes used at the same time.

One of the most common reasons binocular double vision happens is because the eyes are somehow pointed at different angles, which can result in them transmitting different images to the brain.

Given the fact that this is not an easy symptom and it can get dangerous pretty quickly, you shouldn’t waste time and go for an eye exam as soon as possible.

Photo by Pearl PhotoPix from shutterstock.com

7. You Have Dry And Itchy Eyes

If you suffer from allergies or if you spend time the majority of your day working on your computer, it is understandable that your eyes feel itchy and dry.

However, besides being a side effect, dry eye is also a chronic condition that can be kept under control with the help of many non-invasive treatments.

…Make sure to book an appointment with your eye doctor to get an eye exam find out more about this health issue! 

8. You Suffer From Diabetes

Diabetes is a severe health issue that can affect patients in many eyes, including their eyes. When the levels of sugar in a patient’s body are way too high, it can cause issues to the fragile blood vessels in the retina. As a result, all these things can cause diabetic retinopathy.

Studies have discovered that people who are diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of developing the disease previously mentioned.

If you want to make sure that you won’t be a victim of this dangerous health condition, make sure to respect what your ophthalmologist tells you and go to your eye exam at the right time.

eye exam
Photo by fizkes from shutterstock.com

9. You Have Troubles With Near Or Distant Vision

If your eyes aren’t the way they used to be and now you find yourself squinting to read road signs when you’re in the car or holding your phone at arm’s length to be able to read a text message, you should call your doctor right NOW and get ready for an eye exam!

Even though you don’t notice any major changes, this doesn’t mean that you should wait around until your vision gets worse.

If you don’t have a prescription already, but you do one of the things or even both previously mentioned, it might be an indicator that you need glasses.

If you already wear glasses or contacts, this means that your prescription has changed and you need an eye exam to determine how much and what you can do.

10. You Went A Long Time Ago

Just like you need to go to the dentist from time to time to have a regular check-up, you have to take care of your eyes as well.

In conformity with the Canadian Association of Optometrists, adults who are between 40 and 64 years old should go to an ophthalmologist every two years, and people who are over the age of 64 should make this appointment a priority and go every year.

…When was the last time you had an eye exam? 

CONCLUSION 

It doesn’t matter if you work on a computer every single day, if you’re 40 or seventy years old, or if you don’t experience any of these symptoms. You shouldn’t neglect your health, especially when it comes to your eyes.

Make sure to respect all the indications the experts give you and go to the ophthalmologist for an eye exam if you believe that your vision has changed. Don’t wait until things are bad, because it might be too late to prevent it!

Keep in mind that it is always better to prevent a health condition rather than treat it!

…If you liked this article and want to know some more about health and wellness, check this one out: Top 12 Foods That Are Bad for Your Skin!

13 Things Your Doctor Is Hiding From You

doctor
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Sometimes going to the doctor might be uncomfortable. Why? So many times, we feel a bit restrained or lied to by our doctor. Are you having these issues with your doctor as well? Is your doctor being honest with you?

If they hide certain things from you, you might trust them less, and this can affect the relationship between the two of you. Let’s face it! We all have our own secrets we don’t want to share.

A recent study revealed that 34% of doctors don’t disclose serious medical errors to their patients, and 20% of them don’t disclose an error because they fear it. Do you believe your doctor is keeping a secret from you?

Read here about 13 of the most common thing pshysicians keep away from their patients. I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw no. 9!

Things Your Doctor Is Hiding From You

1. They Know When You’re Lying

Truth and nothing but the truth? Do you recognize yourself in this question? If the answer is yes, then you’re on the right path. If the answer is no, then you won’t be surprised if we tell you that, frequently, most patients actually lie to their doctors.

When you are lying, you usually feel more nervous than usual, you might blush, or you might develop certain tics during the conversation.

Things like taking pills or if you are injured should not be hidden from your doctor!

2. They might not like it when you exaggerate things

Are you feeling sick and your doctor needs to know about your symptoms? Definitely! But what if you exaggerate? Some people like to overreact to their disease in order to get what they want from their doctor: it’s either some pills or a certain answer they’ve been looking for.

There is also a situation when the doctor won’t take the patient seriously unless they have 10 out of 10 pain. Crazy, right? What is your situation regarding this subject?

3. They don’t talk about their past

Don’t be afraid to ask them if they have withdrawn from medical staff to avoid an injury or if they have had any accusations or board actions against them. These things are pretty important, and you must know if your doctor is trustworthy or not.

Is your doctor open about their past? Are you aware of their previous workplace and qualifications?

doctor
Photo by: Alexander Raths From Shutterstock

4. They Don’t Know Everything

You’re expecting the most accurate answer from your doctor, right? Many people come to their doctor expecting definitive answers to their issues, and if they don’t receive them, it’s going to be a disappointment. Try to explain to them what your expectations are in order to get the most accurate diagnosis.

But what if it’s a new disease or something that won’t show up immediately in the blood tests? Then you should take into consideration that they might need some time to think about the situation.

Do you know that 55 percent of doctors describe a patient’s prognosis in a more positive manner? 

5. If You’re Doomed, They May Not Say So

If you are in a serious health condition, your doctor needs to tell you as soon as possible, but many doctors are hesitant. Why? Because it’s never easy to tell somebody that they are going to die soon! They should take into consideration how the cultural view around death is seen regarding every patient’s religion.

Allow yourself an honest discussion with your doctor whenever you feel lied to.

6. They don’t guess 

This might be surprising, but your doctor won’t guess what the cause of your illness is if you don’t tell them the symptoms you have. Even if we are living in a world with technology, these sorts of things can be solved if you talk about them. Don’t be afraid!

7. They Don’t Have Time to Explain the “Why”

This might be a general problem since a lot of them have a busy schedule and don’t have enough time to explain everything to their patients. This might be frustrating since we are not experts and we want a proper explanation for “why” they gave us this medication.

In order to avoid this, make sure you get yourself a doctor who doesn’t have a long list of patients to see every day.

doctor
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8. They Likely Don’t Know Much About Nutrition

We all know that nutrition is the key to wellness, but what if your doctor doesn’t know that much about it? It might be surprising, but a lot of them don’t learn too much about nutrition in school. Sad! Pssst…This might be the perfect opportunity to follow our page for more advice in this direction!

9. They Won’t Share Their Age

This might be the case, especially if your doctor is a woman, and this is a common thing among us. Is this such a sensitive topic for a doctor? I think not, but most of them are actually hiding their age for various reasons. Do you know how old your doctor is?

10. This May Be Their First Time

Is your doctor a resident? If the answer is yes, then you should be aware that they may not be very familiar with certain things. They were all new to this field, and while this is not the end of the world, what if you need special treatment and they don’t know what to recommend?

It is always the doctor’s responsibility to make sure they are fully competent and safe. Is your doctor a resident? Have you ever faced this situation before?

11. They Might Not Be Thinking of Your Costs

Not every patient can afford the best and most innovative treatments. And because of that, your doctor should take your financial situation into consideration before prescribing the medication. It’s very important to ask, “why this” or “why here” if the treatment they prescribed for you seems too expensive for your budget.

Telling them about your financials is a pretty important thing to discuss with your doctor. Don’t be afraid! They are not there to judge you. Be more confident.

12. They might refuse to do a surgery

Do you think surgery will help you with your issue? But what if your doctor is not on the same page as you? A recent study suggests that a lot of patients want a procedure, but in most cases, proper treatment will cure the disease. Listen to them! If you are not OK with their diagnosis, ask for another doctor’s opinion.

13. They Don’t Talk About Religion

Some of them don’t consider this topic a relevant one because it cannot interfere with a patient’s treatment. But what if you have more faith than others and you want to know what your doctor’s opinion is regarding this subject? How are they treating this matter?

Remember that every issue you might have should be taken into account by each doctor! Doctors aren’t always honest with their patients, but this is not because they are bad people! They are human beings, just like the rest of us, and it is impossible to be honest all of the time (are you?).

Ask for precise answers from them, and if your relationship doesn’t seem to “click,” identify the problem together.

If you enjoyed reading this article, we also recommend reading: Everything You Need To Know About Your Gut Microbiome.

12 Things You Should NEVER Keep From Your Doctor

doctor
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Do you trust your doctor? Or are you afraid of telling them certain things? A lot of people are usually scared of telling their doctors about things they know they’re binging, and a pretty common thing is that you’re secretly still smoking even if they told you not to.

You have to keep in mind that there is a strict privacy policy, so what you are going to tell them is not going to be shared. A survey from 2018 revealed that at least 80% of people lied to their doctor. Is this your case as well?

Why do you feel the need to hide things from your doctor? There’s no point in doing that since your doctor is there to help you. Plus, they may not be able to give you the right treatment or pieces of advice if you prefer to hide certain aspects of your life.

So, why do you feel the urge to keep some things for yourself? Please answer this question and bear in mind the following things you should NEVER keep from your doctor. It just doesn’t benefit you.

1. You’re secretly drinking

Remember the day your doctor told you not to drink but you secretly did? Of course, no one is proud to admit that they have a problem with excessive drinking, and telling your doctor might be an issue. If you are hiding this from them, it can cause a lot of health problems, starting with the test results, and this might lead to a wrong diagnosis.

Don’t be afraid to tell your doctor about this! You can benefit from their help, and in the future, you will be able to kick the habit out of your life.

2. You haven’t quit smoking

You may feel weird talking about this with your doctor, but hiding the fact that you’re smoking is not the best idea. It is important to get help from the outside to stop this damaging habit, which can lead to heart disease or, in the worst-case scenario, lung cancer.

Don’t forget to tell your doctor if you vape tobacco as well!

doctor
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3. Depression symptoms

Believe it or not, your mental health is very important! If you notice that you’re feeling down or sad for a specific reason and it hasn’t gone away for months now, you should really talk to your doctor about this.
Having someone who you can talk to might be the first step to overcoming this period in your life, and your doctor can offer you treatment advice or may recommend you to a special psychologist or a counselor. Don’t be afraid to talk about your problems! There is always a solution for everything.

4. Anxieties About The Doctor’s Visit

Does visiting the doctor make you anxious? Tell them if you have any concerns or fears about the visit, because this will make the experience less stressful for everyone. You should trust your doctor more in order to have a better relationship with them. Try to explain all the fears you have! They will always be there to help you when you need it the most.

Keeping stuff to yourself might put you in danger! Please take into consideration that being open with your doctor can actually save your life. Be more confident during your next appointment! 

5. Food or medication allergy

This is something you must tell your doctor as soon as possible! Either it’s about a simple food allergy like a nut allergy, for example, or if you’re allergic to penicillin. They need to know everything about you because it might interfere with a specific treatment they have for you. If they don’t ask you about this, you should tell them right away!

doctor
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6. You don’t have healthy eating habits

We tend to skip that healthy meal plan we wanted to keep since last year, but this might lead to serious health issues. Being mostly sedentary may be as bad as being obese.

That’s why your doctor probably advised you to do at least 30 minutes of walking per day, which is actually very beneficial for your condition. Don’t be afraid to admit that fried wings are your weakness! Your doctor might help you with advice on how you can change your diet and develop better habits.

Do you recognize yourself in one of these situations? What is the relationship between you and your doctor like? 

7. You can’t sleep

Are you having problems with your sleep schedule almost every night? This should be something that your doctor needs to know about. Insomnia is actually a sign of many underlying health issues associated with depression or anxiety.

So if you’re feeling tired all day long, you should really tell your doctor. Proper medication will help you get back to a normal life!

8. You stopped taking your meds

Have you ever stopped taking your meds because you felt better and you had the feeling you didn’t need them anymore? This is a bad idea! You should definitely consult your doctor before stopping the medication they gave you, even if your health seems to have improved.

Remember that some meds can have bad side effects when you interrupt taking them or actually be completely ineffective if you lower the dose!

doctor
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9. Memory loss

Whether we like it or not, memory loss can appear after a certain age, and this might lead to Alzheimer’s. It’s important to tell your doctor if you start forgetting things you have never forgotten before! Preventing Alzheimer’s from its early days might be beneficial for your health.

10. You’re having bladder or bowel issues

You’re feeling uncomfortable talking about your body functions? Don’t be! Because you’re putting yourself at risk if you avoid talking about things that aren’t normal in your system.

Urinary stress is actually highly treatable and your doctor can give you the right treatment for it. Don’t believe this will go away on its own!

11. Your family history

There is a genetic disease that runs in your family? Then you should tell your doctor right away! Of course, you cannot change your family history, but you can make lifestyle changes with the help of your doctor in order to feel safer.

If you can, you should make some copies of their diagnosis and give them to your doctor for their personal evidence. Don’t be afraid of discussing this! Your doctor can be your trustworthy friend!

12. You’ve been following a harsh diet

Are you feeling weird and want to get rid of some pounds? Dieting is the answer you’ll see in every possible article. But what if that diet is too strict? It is best to tell your doctor if you want to start either a detox or a diet. An unbalanced diet can dehydrate you, which can lead to heart and kidney issues. Make sure you ask for some blood tests before you make this decision!

Takeaway: When it comes to your health, you owe it to yourself to be completely honest with your doctor. Doctors are trained professionals, so you should never feel embarrassed about telling them your issues. Be open about your fears! Make sure you don’t lie about anything related to your health issues.

If you enjoyed reading this article, we also recommend reading:

12 Signs You Should Change Your Doctor Right Away

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Is your doctor the best for you?

Let’s face it! Not all doctors are created equal. Not every one of them is capable of creating a connection with their patients.
Have you experienced a weird relationship with your doctor? Is he/she aware of your health issues? Whatever the reason may be, the truth is that some doctors don’t click enough with their patients, and when this happens, it might be the time to search for a new one.

Most people’s complaints are related to the attitude of the doctor, the professional skills, and their expectations. Very few of them are complaining about the waiting time.

Do you consider your doctor a close friend or the person who listens to you the most? But what if he is not qualified for his or her job?

Is your doctor responding to all your questions? A good doctor should be available all the time for his patients. If you feel rushed or you believe your questions don’t receive the answers you’ve been searching for, then it’s time to look for another doctor.

Changing doctors can be a challenging process. But before you do the change, you might wanna do a bit of research among other doctors to find out which one is better for you and your health problems.

We discovered what other people complain about the most regarding their doctor and here are 12 signs that indicate it’s time for a change:

1. They don’t take your concerns seriously

Are you concerned about the latest test results and your doctor doesn’t seem to care to give you a full explanation about it?

Then you must find a new one! If your doctor is constantly avoiding your questions, you should really find someone better.

2. Poor communication

Does your doctor interrupt you while you are trying to explain to them what bothers you regarding your health? Then it’s time for you to change it because listening is one of the most important skills a doctor can have.

Medical prescriptions can be hard to understand for people who don’t have a degree in this specific field. So if your doctor doesn’t know how to explain it to you then there might be an issue.

doctor
Photo by fizkes From Shutterstock

3. They don’t make eye contact with you

They don’t make enough eye contact with you? This might also be a sign that he is not interested enough in what you have to say. In medicine, compassion is very important, and if your doctor doesn’t show it, “see” another one.

4. Your doctor doesn’t respect your time

Are you waiting one hour or more just to see your doctor and they are hurrying through the check-up? If they don’t give you the necessary time for the routine visit, that means they are not giving you the full care you need!

5. Gives you uncertainty

A doctor should be open about every decision they make. From some specific tests to telling you why that prescription is recommended. Your health is too important to feel uninformed or confused. If you feel like this is happening to you, why not start looking for another one today?

6. They start giving you advice about your personal life 

If you are being open to your doctor and he/she starts to get too involved and it’s crossing some boundaries, then you might want to move on.

Are you trying to communicate, and they are mocking you? Or even worse, they don’t listen with open ears in order to provide medical advice? Search for another one as soon as possible.

Nobody wants a nosy doctor that is more interested in your personal life than doing their job!

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7. Their staff is behaving unprofessionally 

The receptionist or the nurse ignores your calls and forgot to give your message to the doctor, or tells you about the side effects of that specific medicine? That might be a serious problem!

Since you need to interact more with other members first than with the actual doctor, they need to be friendly and behave as professionally as they should.

Have you heard the nurses speaking badly about other patients? What if the doctor doesn’t know how his/hers staff is behaving? You might wanna tell them first, then if the problem cannot be solved, search for another clinic!

8. You don’t feel comfortable talking with them 

Your doctor needs to know almost every intimate detail regarding your health, including that little detail that you may not wanna share with your friends or even with family members.

If you feel restrained and you feel unable to disclose such things, it might not be the right match between you and your doctor.

9. Your doctor doesn’t want you to get a second opinion 

Your doctor is overreacting when you tell him/her you might want a second opinion from another one? If that happens, it means that your doctor is more focused on their ego rather than helping out a person in need.

A serious health issue might consider a second opinion, so don’t be afraid to ask for it somewhere else too!

10. They seem distracted 

Are you trying to talk about your latest prescription, and they seem to be multitasking, and they don’t even listen to what you have to say? Just because your doctor is usually busy this isn’t an excuse for being distant or dismissive.

Is this what you really want from your doctor? 

11. They’re always trying to sell you something  

Recently, a lot of doctors have started to sell things like vitamins, supplements, and other dietary products through their medical practice. Has this happened to you as well? Tell us in the comments if you have experienced any of these things.

This is not okay and can become annoying if your doctor tries to convince you to buy something every time you go to the clinic for a regular check-up.

12 They don’t care about your financials 

Are you often confronted with a situation where the meds are way more expensive than you can afford? A lot of patients have complained about this lately.

Not every patient can afford the best and most innovative treatments. And because of that, your doctor should take your financial situation into consideration before prescribing the medication.

If you don’t end up on the same page, it is time for a change!

Have you experienced similar things when it comes to your doctor? Are you waiting for at least 45 minutes down the hall every time in order to get a check-up? That’s not normal. Maybe he/she has a lot of patients and might be overwhelmed to take care of so many people. Try and find another doctor with the time, care, and attention you need!

This list contains a small number of things that bother patients. There are plenty of examples that can go wrong in a doctor-patient relationship. Make sure you are aware of these things and understand that things can be easily changed into how it was in the past.

When changing your doctor, you might wanna find a trustworthy source for the research. Feedback is important in every field, so you might wanna look up other people’s feedback and opinion towards a specific doctor. This can be very helpful!

When healthcare issues are causing a lot of stress nowadays, getting the care you need from your physician shouldn’t be difficult.  Everyone needs a good doctor because in the end, what’s more, important than being healthy?

If you enjoyed reading this article, we also recommend reading: 8 Warning Signs of Diabetes Few Americans Know Of  

15 Things Your Doctor Should Know About Your Health

What is a doctor?

A doctor is a person who deals with the prevention, recognition (diagnosis), therapy and follow-up of diseases and accidents. The large number of diseases, as well as the large number of possibilities to treat them, has led to the division of human medicine into several specialties, where dentistry occupies a special position.

In most cases, the role of a doctor is to cure diseases, being one of the oldest professions on earth. The profession of physician comes from the occupation of healer, an occupation that was already practiced by priests in antiquity.

From long experience throughout history, the scientific foundations in which medicine is practiced today have gradually crystallized.

Professional sociology indicates that the medical profession must correspond to a high level of moral ethics, the best-known form being the “Hippocratic oath”, sometimes requiring the method of sorting cases, when the number of wounded or sick is very high, the doctor being overworked or when he’s endangering his own life in the event of a dangerous epidemic.

The doctor is part of the medical staff. In order to be able to practice his profession, he has to study medicine for several years at a medical school, and after graduating from exams and from practice, he receives the approval of a doctor. The doctor will also have to find a common language with his patients.

There are paragraphs in the law that are compelling the doctors to pay material compensation if their treatments have been unsuccessful and have harmed the patient’s health.

The doctor is also compelled to inform the patient about the risky surgeries that he intends to undertake, and which he can perform only after the patient has accepted the surgery.

doctor
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THE ROLE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF A DOCTOR

The family doctor takes the newborn into his/her care from the day they’re born, periodically examines him and instructs the parents in terms of proper care and nutrition. They are also responsible for vaccination according to the World Health Organization vaccination schedule.

We all have a family doctor, whom we turn to when we need a certificate or referral. But what’s really his/her role?

First of all, the family doctor provides medical and social care to all patients, regardless of age, sex or pathology, and is the link between the community and the national health system.

The family doctor approaches the patient in both health and illness conditions; their role is to monitor and maintain optimal health and promote a healthy lifestyle, detect a chronic disease in its early stages and to prevent and treat the complications of a condition.

They are the first in line when it comes to finding acute and infectious-contagious diseases, offer personal advice to the adolescent during puberty, supports the adult when starting a family, follow the pregnant woman and give her the opportunity to register the newborn on her own list, and performs regular examinations of balance sheets meant to detect early diseases associated with adulthood and senescence.

The reorientation of health care towards more efficient, less expensive and more accessible mass medicine has given a new dimension to the family medicine specialty and at the same time has led to the rediscovery of the essential role of the general practitioner, respectively the family doctor.

If necessary, the family doctor becomes a health manager, a medical coordinator for the patient – he knows all his medical history and can guide him to the best treatment solutions, depending on the recommendation of specialists and his specific situation, but also his preferences.

It is vital for the patient to have a person who integrates all the medical information provided by specialists, translates it into his language, explains the options and gives him informed and objective advice on the best method of treatment.

Last but not least, the family doctor is the patient’s counselor, confidant and psychotherapist, displaying real availability, even after the end of the work schedule, through access to the phone and even home visits.

DOCTOR-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP

The concept of a “doctor-patient relationship”, which is the nucleus around which the medical act takes place, must be approached in a different light, in which due importance should be given to both parties. The doctor and the patient must team up, and be on the same side.

Open communication, sincerity and mutual respect are needed.

Looking at this relationship from a doctor’s perspective, they should consider respecting their goals such as: confidentiality, total focus on the patient during the consultation, constant concern for patient comfort, respect for the patient and his relatives, patience, compassion and empathy.

At the same time, it is imperative that the doctor proves to be a very good psychologist and adapt to each patient.

From the patient’s point of view, there should be no fear of exposing all the information that helps to diagnose and fix the treatment.

Patient information should be presented as objectively and openly as possible.

Doctors are often confronted with the patient’s refusal to show them previous medical documents, on the one hand understandable, due to the need to make sure once again on a previous diagnosis, as well as the need to obtain correct information, without being induced in error in the decisions of other doctors.

ESSENTIAL THINGS YOUR DOCTOR SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR HEALTH

1. DO YOU SMOKE?
2. WHAT’S YOUR “RELATIONSHIP” WITH ALCOHOL?
3. DO YOU TAKE RECREATIONAL OR HARD DRUGS?
4. WHAT PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS DO YOU TAKE?
5. WHAT NON-PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS DO YOU TAKE?
6. WHAT’S YOUR MEDICAL HISTORY?
7. WHAT’S YOUR FAMILY’S MEDICAL HISTORY?
8. WHAT’S YOUR SURGICAL HISTORY?
9. DO YOU HAVE ANY ALLERGIES?
10. DO YOU HAVE ANY CHRONIC CONDITIONS?
11. WHAT’S YOUR MENTAL STATE?
12. HAVE YOU SUFFERED ANY TRAUMA IN THE PAST?
13. DO YOU HAVE ANY MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS?
14. DO YOU HAVE AN ACTIVE INTIMATE LIFE?
15. HAVE YOU SERVED IN THE ARMY?

With that being said, it’s extremely important to be 100% honest with your doctor, because that’s the only way he can help you in order to find out a diagnosis or in order to receive proper treatment for a certain condition.

Next read:

11 Best Stress Relievers, According to Doctors

Stress is a natural part of life— it’s coded into us, a holdover from our earliest days designed to keep us safe from danger. However, now that we’re no longer in danger of starving, stress is more likely to be caused by non-life-threatening events such as work problems or family annoyances.

While the causes of stress can appear insignificant at times, the repercussions of stress on our bodies are not. Stress can make us feel uneasy, unwell, or even in pain, so learning to handle it is critical to living a healthy lifestyle.

Health talked with a number of specialists on how to reduce stress quickly or gradually using a range of techniques. Here are 11 things you can do this instant to begin feeling more relaxed.

11 Best Stress Relievers

Best Stress Relievers
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1. Try Guided Imagery

It’s like taking a mental vacation with guided images. It can entail visualizing yourself at your happy place, such as sitting on a beach, listening to the waves, smelling the sea, and feeling the soft sand beneath your feet.

Guided imagery can be done by listening to a tape of someone walking you through a serene scenario. You can also practice guided visualization on your own after you’ve learned how to do it.

Simply close your eyes for a moment and imagine yourself in a serene setting. Consider all of the sensory experiences you’ll have and pretend you’re there. Return to the present time by opening your eyes after a few minutes.

2. Meditate

Short-term stress reduction and long-term stress management can both be great benefits of meditation. There are a variety of meditation techniques to attempt, each of which is unique and interesting in its own way.

You can also create a mantra to repeat in your head while you take slow, deep breaths. Alternatively, you can spend a few minutes practicing mindfulness, which is being present in the moment. Concentrate solely on what you see, feel, hear, taste, and smell.

3. Practice Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressive muscle relaxation requires relaxing each of your body’s muscular groups one by one. To begin practicing, take a few deep breaths. Then, beginning with your forehead and working your way down to your toes, practice tightening and releasing each muscle group.

With practice, you’ll be able to notice muscular tension and stiffness, and you’ll be able to relax more readily.

However, each time you practice, you should feel a wave of calm rush across your body.

4. Focus on Breathing

Simply focusing on your breathing or modifying the way you breathe can have a significant impact on your overall stress level. Breathing methods can relax your body and mind in a matter of minutes.

The best thing is that no one will know you’re performing them. So, whether you’re in a difficult meeting or a busy theatre, breathing exercises might help you reduce your tension.

5. Take a Walk

Exercise is a terrific stress reliever that works quickly. A stroll allows you to appreciate a change of environment, which can put you in a new frame of mind, while also providing the advantages of exercise.

Walking is a simple yet effective way to refresh your mind and body, whether you need to take a quick walk around the office to get away from a stressful job or you want to go for a long walk in the park after work.

6. Enjoy Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy offers significant stress-relieving benefits—it can make you feel more energized, calm, or present in the moment. According to a new study, particular fragrances can change brain wave activity and reduce stress hormones in the body.

So, whether you like candles, diffusers, or body products, think about introducing some aromatherapy into your daily routine.

7. Create Artwork

Getting in touch with your creative side can come naturally to you as a youngster, but if you’ve lost touch with your love of art, it’s not too late to rekindle it. If you don’t like sketching or painting, you can try coloring in a coloring book.

Adult coloring books are becoming extremely popular, and for good reason: coloring can be a terrific stress relief.

8. Eat a Balanced Diet

A poor diet might cause increased responsiveness to stress. Emotional eating and grabbing for high-fat, high-sugar meals can bring a momentary sense of relaxation, but they will only contribute to your long-term stress.

Blood sugar levels might rise when you eat refined carbs like cookies and potato chips. When your blood sugar levels drop, you may experience increased tension and anxiety. In the long run, a well-balanced diet may help you cope with stress. Eggs, avocado, and walnuts can aid with energy balance and emotional stability.

9. Make Time for Leisure Activities

De-stressing through leisure activities can be really beneficial. Many individuals, however, believe that their lives are too hectic for hobbies, games, or extra enjoyment. Adding leisure time to your schedule, on the other hand, might be crucial to feeling your best.

And if you feel better, you’ll perform better, which implies that taking a break can make your workday more efficient. Whether you enjoy gardening or creating quilts, hobbies and leisure are essential for living your best life.

10. Develop a Positive Self-Talk Habit

The way you talk to yourself is important. Harsh self-criticism, self-doubt, and doomsday prophecies are all counterproductive. You will become stressed if you are continuously thinking, “I don’t have time for this,” and “I can’t bear this.”

Self-talk that is positive might help you establish a more optimistic outlook. In addition, an upbeat and empathetic talk might assist you in managing your emotions and taking constructive action.

11. Practice Yoga

Yoga includes physical movement, meditation, mild exercise, and regulated breathing, all of which help to relieve stress. While single yoga practice is likely to provide instant advantages, incorporating it into your life on a frequent basis is likely to provide long-term benefits.

Yoga has several physical, psychological, and spiritual advantages. You can start by taking a class, enrolling in an online program, or using an app to help you get started.

10 Things Your Doctor Doesn’t Want You To Do Before An Appointment

Doctor
Photo by S_L from Shutterstock

According to the Association of Medical Colleges, there are over 135 specialties and subspecialties in the medical industry in America. The variety is wide, from pediatrics to geriatrics, and it’s also broad, as you can go from general surgery to orthopedic surgery of the spine.

It shouldn’t surprise you that there are different tests and procedures. Given all that, sometimes patients might forget that there isn’t a blanketed approach to prepare for a doctor’s appointment or diagnostic test.

For some of them, you are obligated to fast. For others, you have to skip a part of your routine to go to a regular checkup. If you don’t know for sure what you need to know before a doctor’s appointment and you hate when you’re caught unprepared, read this article: