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Would You See an Unhealthy Doctor?
Whenever I go to the hospital I see a group of doctors and nurses huddled together on the sidewalk smoking. A co-worker recently told me how she was given diet advice from a physician who was visibly overweight. In college I worked at a deli and I can still remember the lunch order of a doctor who came in four times a week — french fries, a Coke, and a pastrami Reuben.
Your Doctor Hates These 5 Things About You
I can think of plenty of reasons going to the doctor annoys me. I hate the long wait, I spend more time talking to the nurse than the actual doctor, and when I do see the doctor, he's always so quick to write out a prescription and send me on my way. Who knew, though, that doctors find us frustrating, too.
Video Appointment vs. Real Doctor's Visit?
Between the drive to the office and waiting time once you arrive, seeing your doctor can end up taking hours. As a time-saving option, Blue Cross is rolling out a new service this Fall — video doctor visits. You connect with your doc via video on your computer, avoiding the office entirely.
Cold and Flu Tip: See a Doctor When . . .
It may be March, but we're still not over cold and flu season yet. If you're feeling ill, you may want to call in sick to work, but if your symptoms are severe, what you really might need is a visit to your doctor. According to FamilyDoctor.org, adults should call their doctors when:
- Your temperature is above 102°F for a few days
- Symptoms last more than 10 days, or they seem to get worse instead of better
- You have trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- You experience chest pressure or pain
- You feel like you're about to faint
- Symptoms include confusion or disorientation
- You experience severe or persistent vomiting
- You have severe pain in the head or forehead
- You have hoarseness, sore throat, or a cough that won't go away after 10 days
Speak Up: When Are Second Opinions Necessary?
To most folks the inner workings of the body are beyond our comprehension, which is why we put so much trust in doctors. When it comes to my health, I like to gather as much information as possible, which when dealing with big medical issues means getting a second opinion. Not every one thinks alike though.
How Often Do You Go to the Doc?
Growing up, I regularly saw my pediatrician for an annual physical, but when I hit college the only time I went to the doctor was for my annual exam. I rarely saw any doctor other than my gynecologist. These days, I only visit the doctor when I am sick but did just recently have a physical with blood tests and all.
Primary Care Doctor: Do You Prefer a Male or Female?
Of course when it comes to seeing a gynecologist, I'd much rather see a female doctor. I feel more comfortable talking to a fellow woman about my lady business. When it comes to seeing a regular primary care doctor, I really have no preference either way.
Do You Get a Second Opinion?
About 10 years ago, I was suffering from chronic sinusitis, and after months of antibiotics (not fun), my ear, nose, and throat doctor said that I needed to get sinus surgery. I was not about to cut up my face, so I went to an allergist to see if maybe my cat was causing my symptoms. It turns out I was allergic and as soon as I found a home for him (sad, I know), my sinusitis cleared up.
Speak Up: Has a Doctor Ever Told You to Lose Weight?
This summer it was reported that 66 percent of US adults are overweight, but only 12 percent say that they've ever been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health care professional that they are obese. I feel like this is a really touchy subject. I mean nobody wants to admit that they need to lose a few pounds, and it would be even worse to hear it from somebody else.
Speak Up: Did Your Doctor Really Say That?
Years ago, I was having tummy problems, so I decided to visit a naturopath. I was curious to see if there was a natural way to cure my upset stomach. This naturopath paid no attention to the reasons I came to see her and focused instead on the fact that I was using birth control pills.
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