FitSugar

Would You See an Unhealthy Doctor?

FitSugar — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 03:47:00 -0700

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.

It seems logical that a doctor should be a model of health, but the message some physicians are sending is, "Do as I say, not as I do."

Doctors often work long hours in stressful environments. Top that off with being surrounded by vending machines full of junk food and bad coffee, and you have the beginnings of an unhealthy recipe.

Should doctors be forgiven, then, for picking up a few bad habits? Is it what's "up there" that counts the most? Would you feel comfortable taking advice from a doctor who seems unhealthy?

Your Doctor Hates These 5 Things About You

FitSugar — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:00:00 -0700

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. Here are five things MDs hate about their patients.

Patients who lie about their lifestyle. No one wants to admit that they smoke, drink, do drugs, or don't exercise, but if we lie about it to our doctors, then it can prevent us from getting the proper care we need.
Patients who don't follow through with the care the doctor recommended. If a doctor prescribes medication, therapy, or a certain lifestyle change and you don't listen, then it's not only an insult to your doc, but it's also detrimental to your health.

To see what else bugs your doctor, keep reading

Video Appointment vs. Real Doctor's Visit?

FitSugar — Fri, 08 May 2009 04:30:00 -0700

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. These medical video chats will not only save time but prevent the spread of germs as well. It could be a convenient alternative for routine visits or everyday illnesses, but obviously wouldn't be recommended for serious issues like chest pains. Watch the video below for more details, and tell me if you'd be into video visits with your doctor.

Cold and Flu Tip: See a Doctor When . . .

FitSugar — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 12:00:14 -0800

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

Your doctor may make some recommendations for things to do at home, or she may request you come in for an appointment. Most likely, your cold or flu will go away on its own, but if you're concerned, it's worth getting your doctor's advice just to be sure.

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Speak Up: When Are Second Opinions Necessary?

FitSugar — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 12:00:00 -0800

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. I have a friend who experiences terrible menstrual cramps, and after birth control pills did nothing to alleviate her pain, her gynecologist recommended a hysterectomy. It sounds like an urban myth, but she was told it was her only option. While my friend, who wants to have kids some day, hasn't had the surgery, she also hasn't sought a second opinion. With health care costs spiraling out of control, and so many rules about seeing a specialist out of network, getting a second opinion these days can be rough. How do you feel about getting the second opinion - is it a good idea, or a stalling technique? Have you seen a second doctor and received totally different advice, treatment, diagnoses? Speak up and share the details in the comment section below.

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How Often Do You Go to the Doc?

FitSugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 03:30:00 -0700

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. What about you . . .

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Primary Care Doctor: Do You Prefer a Male or Female?

FitSugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 08:00:00 -0700

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. As long as the doc is a good listener and dispenses good advice I am happy with a female or a male physician.

So I was wondering . . .

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Do You Get a Second Opinion?

FitSugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 03:30:00 -0800

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. I'm so glad I got a second opinion.

So I was wondering . . .

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Speak Up: Has a Doctor Ever Told You to Lose Weight?

FitSugar — Wed, 26 Dec 2007 09:00:00 -0800

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.

So I was wondering, has a doctor ever told you to lose weight? Do they have the right to tell you that because it's for your health, or do you think it's totally out of line and rude?

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Speak Up: Did Your Doctor Really Say That?

FitSugar — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 11:01:38 -0700

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.

This "healer" was really against "putting chemicals into your body," as she put it, and she gave the most outlandish medical advice I have ever received. She strongly suggested that I stop taking the pill, get pregnant, and then get an abortion just to make sure I was still fertile. Can you believe that?!

I get shivers every time I think about it. I mean, what kind of horrendous advice was that? Way to push your views on someone else. I stormed out of there immediately (after giving her my two cents) and made an appointment with a gastroenterologist.

So tell me, has someone in the medical field ever said something that surprised or appalled you? Or have you ever received horrible medical advice?

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