Why Men Avoid The Doctor Stoicism High cost Busy schedules The challange of getting an appointment Embarrassment-getting the DRE Afraid of what the Doctor might tell them-stop smoking, eat too poorly, drink too much, not enough exercise Men’s Preventative Health Screenings Blood pressure check every 2 years starting at age 18 Cholesterol blood test starting at age 20 Fasting blood sugar test every 3 years starting at age 45 PSA blood test and DRE starting at age 40 Colonoscopy every 10 years starting at age 50 Skin exam if find any changing or irregular moles Testicular exam starting at age 20 Immunizations-tetanus every 7-10 years
08
Aug
2011
Five Simple Things To Do To Stay Healthy Eat a sensible diet including all the food groups Thirty minutes of exercise daily Protect your bones eating 3 servings of low fat dairy products daily, weight bearing exercise or activities 3 x a week Regular Health Screenings Take time out for yourself of at least 30 minutes a day to relieve stress Current Recommended Regular Health Screenings For Women Thyroid screening blood test every 5 years starting at 35 Blood pressure check every 2 years starting at 18 Cholesterol screening blood test starting at 20 and then your Doctor to decide thereafter Bone Mineral Density test (DEXA) baseline at 40 Fasting… Continue Reading Dr. Snook takes a look at preventative care for women
01
Aug
2011
Are you getting enough sleep? Sleep Deprivation Effects Memory problems Depression Decreased immune system Increased perception of pain High blood pressure Adverse effect on cognition and performance 24 hours without sleep impairs you to the extent of or greater than if you are legally drunk (0.08% alcohol) Facts Adults need an average 8.2 hours per 24 hours (infants 16, teenagers 9) Impairment occurs with as little as 2 hours of sleep lost Sleep debt occurs if get only 5 hours and as this accumulates your awareness of sleepiness declines Circadian timing of when you sleep is crucial sleep deprived individuals may not “feel” sleepy Clinical Signs of Sleep Deprivation Irritability,… Continue Reading How Do You Know If You’re Sleep Deprived
25
Jul
2011
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Previous recommendation was women age 40 to 49 get a mammogram every 1-2 years, 50 and older yearly. New recommendation is all women starting at age 40 get a yearly mammogram. Also recommend all women age 40 and older get an annual clinical breast exam, women 20 to 39 get a clinical breast exam every one to three years depending on their family history for breast cancer. Also recommend that women practice self awareness by doing regular self breast exam, NOT to replace the clinical breast exam in the Doctors office. How does this compare to the US Preventative Services Task Force guidelines… Continue Reading New Guidelines for Mammograms
18
Jul
2011
Causes: Psychological: Tendency to insomnia, persistent stress, learned insomnia Lyfestyle: Stimulants (caffeine, nicotine, certain medications), alcohol, shift work, lack of exercise, sleeping pills Environmental Factors: Noise, light Physical Illness/Psychiatric Illness: Depression, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux (heartburn) Tips For Good Sleep Hygiene: Don’t go to bed unless you are sleepy If you are not asleep after 20 minutes, then get out of bed Begin rituals that help you relax each night before bed Get up at the same time every morning Get a full night’s sleep on a regular basis Avoid taking naps if you can Keep a regular schedule Use you bed only for sleep and sex… Continue Reading Dr. Snook Explains How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep