Choosing a Physician is an
important decision. Thus, our goal is to assist you in making that decision.
First of all, when selecting a Physician, you may want to begin your search
several different ways:
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Ask family, friends, neighbors and/or co-workers. |
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Contact your local Chamber of Commerce or Better Business Bureau for reputable Physicians that specialize in the area of medicine that you have a need for. |
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Contact your city, county or state medical agencies for names of qualified Physicians. Contact and ask for referrals from medical associations. Many are listed in this publication. |
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Ask your family doctor. He or she is in constant contact with all kinds of health care professionals and will be able to provide you with recommendations. |
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Consumers' Research Council of America has compiled a list of Physicians throughout the United States by utilizing a point value system. This method uses a point value for criteria that we deemed valuable in determining top health care professionals.
The criteria that was used
and assessed a point value is as follows:
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Experience: |
Each year the Physician has been in practice |
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Training: |
Education and Continuing Education |
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Professional Associations: |
Membership in Professional Medical Associations |
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Board Certification: |
Completing an approved residency program and |
Similar studies have been done with other professions using a survey system. This type of study would ask fellow professionals who they would recommend. We found this method to be more of a popularity contest. For instance, professionals who work in a large office have much more of a chance of being mentioned as opposed to a professional who has a small private practice. In addition, many professionals have a financial arrangement for back-and-forth referrals. For these reasons, we developed the point value system.
Since this is a subjective call, there is no study that is 100% accurate. As with any profession, there will be some degree of variance in opinion. If you survey 100 patients of a particular Physician on their level of satisfaction, you will undoubtedly hear that some are very satisfied, some moderately satisfied and some dissatisfied. This is really quite normal.
We feel that a point value system takes out the personal and emotional factor and deals with factual criteria. We have made certain assumptions. For example, we feel that the more years in practice is better than less years in practice; more education is better than less education, being board certified is better than not being certified, etc.
The Top Physician list that we have compiled is current as of a certain date and other doctors may have qualified since that date. Nonetheless, we feel that the list of top Physicians is a good starting point for you to find a qualified family health care specialist.
No fees, donations, sponsorships or advertising are accepted from any individuals, professionals, corporations or associations. This policy is strictly adhered to, ensuring an unbiased selection.
Immunization is a method of developing resistance within the human body for specific diseases using microorganisms that have been killed or modified. Immunization is also known as vaccination or inoculation. Immunization has drastically reduced the number of serious and deadly diseases. The success of vaccines speak for themselves. In 1962, the year before measles vaccine was introduced, there were over 500,000 cases reported. Currently less than 100 cases per year are now reported. The number of cases of Meningitis in the United States for children and infants has dropped 96% since the the vaccine was introduced in 1988.
A vaccine may consist of a living organism that have been purposely weakened or altered. The microorganisms have been modified enough so that the human body will create immunity and not get the actual disease. The theory of vaccinations are based on the ability of a person's immune system to respond much faster and more effectively to a microorganism the second, third or fourth time that the immune system confronts the invading organism. Some immunizations protect a person for their entire life. Many other vaccines, such as Tetanus, require booster shots at required intervals to provide continued protection.
The American Academy of
Pediatrics and the U. S. Public Health Service recommends a series of
immunizations beginning at birth. For your convenience we have provided a Recommended Childhood Immunization Chart in a separate chapter. Check with your Pediatrician for any
risks and side effects associated with the vaccines that could affect you child.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease that affects the liver like other types of Hepatitis.
Hepatitis A is a caused by a virus found in feces and bowel movements and is
spread through personal contact, or drinking and eating contaminated food or
water.
Unlike Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A does not cause long-term illness or liver damage. Signs of Hepatitis A include fever, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, tiredness, dark urine and jaundice (yellowish tone to the skin and eyes). Blood testing is required to determine which type of Hepatitis is present.
Hepatitis A vaccine requires two doses. The first dose can be given to children two years of age or older and the second dose should be given six to eighteen months after the first dose.
Hepatitis BHepatitis B is spread through contact with body fluids and blood of an infected person. This disease is also spread by sharing personal items like toothbrushes and razors with an infected person. Another way that this disease is spread is through unprotected sex and needle-sharing associated with drug use.
You can protect your child by getting them vaccinated with three doses of the Hepatitis vaccine. A newborn should get the first vaccine between birth and two months old, the second vaccine between one and four months and the third vaccine between six and eighteen months of age.
HIB (Haemophilus Influenza Type B)
HIB disease was the leading cause of bacterial Meningitis in
children under five years of age. Approximately 12,000 children contracted Meningitis
(inflammation of the covering of the brain) as a result of HIB. About 25% of these children
suffered permanent brain damage and close to 5% died.
HIB is a bacterial disease that is spread through the air by coughing and sneezing. When the bacteria enters the blood system or lungs it is then called "invasive" HIB disease. This type of HIB can cause complications that lead to Pneumonia, Arthritis and Epiglottitis. Most of the time this type of HIB occurs in children under the age of five.
Great success has be realized with the Haemophilus Influenzae Type B vaccine. The first vaccine came out in 1985 and soon afterward the disease began to disappear. In 1985 there were over 20,000 cases of HIB and now there are only a few hundred cases per year.
Children should get three to four doses of the vaccine: The first dose is recommended at two months
of age, the second dose at four months and the third dose between twelve and fifteen
months of age. Children who are over five years old do not need the HIB vaccine.
Polio
Polio is caused by a virus that
resides in the throat and intestinal tract. Polio is spread through contact with
feces and bowel movements of an infected person. Polio was one of the worst
diseases in the past century. In 1916 it had killed over 6000 people and had
left over 27,000 paralyzed. Today, there is no Polio in the United States but it
is still common in other parts of the world.
Some children who get Polio become paralyzed. This type of Polio is called paralytic Polio. It can start out like a common cold, and soon the victim will develop severe muscle pain. Paralysis starts within the first week and most often affects the muscles in the legs. Some children can recover but most will become permanently disabled. Once contracted there is no treatment for Polio.
Children should get four doses of IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine). The first dose should be administered at two months of age, the second dose at four months, the third dose between six and eighteen months and a booster between four and six years of age.
DtaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus
and Pertussis)
DtaP is three vaccines,
Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis, combined into one. A child needs five DtaP
vaccines for maximum protection. The first three shots
should be given at two, four and six months of age, the next vaccine at fifteen
to eighteen months and a booster between the ages of four and six.
Diphtheria is a bacterial disease that resides in the mouth, throat and nose of an infected person. The disease is spread through the air by coughing and sneezing. This disease was a major cause of childhood sickness and death. In 1920 over 150,000 were infected with Diphtheria and about ten percent of them died. Today there are only a few cases a year.
Tetanus is a bacterial disease that can live anywhere and can be found in soil, dust and manure. Tetanus enters the body through cuts and scratches on the skin. It can get through even a tiny pin-prick but it is more common with deep puncture wounds or cuts. Tetanus produces a poison in the body that causes muscle spasms in the arms, neck, legs and stomach. It has been known to cause such powerful muscle contractions that it will actually break a child’s bones. Tetanus is not contagious.
Pertussis, also known as
'whooping cough', is a very contagious disease and is common in the United
States. It is caused by a bacteria that resides in the mouth, throat and nose.
Pertussis is spread via the air by coughing and sneezing. This disease causes
such severe coughing that it can continue until the air is extracted from the
lungs, causing a person to make a loud ‘whooping’ sound as they gasp for
air. Children have be known to turn blue from lack of air, vomit and experience
problems eating and drinking.
Pneumococcal Disease
Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial disease that kills more people in America
each year than all other vaccine-preventable diseases combined. This disease is
the leading cause of bacterial Meningitis. Over 200 children die from invasive
Pneumococcal disease each year.
This disease is spread through the air by coughing and sneezing. There are over 90 strains of the Pneumococcal bacterium. Pneumococcal disease is the leading cause for all middle ear infections in children. It is becoming more resistant to antibiotics, making the vaccination increasingly important.
Children should get four doses
of the vaccine. One dose at two, four and six months of age and the last dose
between twelve and fifteen months. It will not prevent all, but many of the ear
infections caused by the Pneumococcal bacteria.
MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella)
The MMR is a combination of three vaccines
in one, Measles, Mumps and Rubella. This vaccine works well and should protect a
child for the rest of their lives. Children should get two doses of the MMR
vaccine. The first dose should be given at twelve to fifteen months of age and
the second dose at any time twenty eight days or more later.
Measles is a deadly disease that kills over one million people a year through out the world. Most children get a rash and a cold and need to stay home for a few days. Approximately ten percent of children with Measles get an ear infection, and five percent will get Pneumonia.
Measles is caused by a virus that spreads very easily to any child that is exposed it. Measles is airborne and is contracted through coughing, sneezing and close-contact conversation. Before the Measles vaccine in 1963 there were over 500,000 cases reported each year and over 3 million cases went unreported. Today there are only a few hundred cases a year.
Mumps is a virus that is spread through the air via coughing, sneezing or close-contact conversation. Children get Mumps through others who are already infected. Common signs of Mumps is swelling of the cheeks and jaw and many sufferers get a headache and fever. Approximately ten percent of children who get Mumps also get Meningitis, but generally Mumps is a mild disease.
Rubella is also
known as 'German Measles' and '3 day measles'. Rubella strikes children,
teenagers and adults who have not been vaccinated. The Rubella vaccine was first
licensed in 1969. Prior to that, in 1965, there were 12 ½ million people who
contracted the disease. Today there are only a few hundred cases reported per
year . The biggest threat of Rubella is to unborn babies; If a woman gets
Rubella during the first few months of pregnancy there is an 80% chance that the
baby will have some type of birth defect.
Varicella (Chicken Pox Vaccine)
Chicken Pox is caused by a virus and can be spread very easily from person to
person. The virus is airborne and is contracted through coughing, sneezing and
close-contact conversation. Chicken Pox is generally a mild disease but serious
problems can still occur. The Chicken Pox blisters can become infected and as a
result, some children contract Encephalitis (infection of the brain).
A single dose of the Varicella vaccine is recommended for children between the ages of 12 to 18 months. Children who miss this vaccination can still get it up to the age of thirteen. Data suggests that the vaccine is 70 to 90% effective in preventing Chicken Pox and 95% effective in preventing a serious outbreak of the disease.
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Many symptoms of a thyroid disorder are common symptoms of other health conditions. These symptoms do not mean that you have a thyroid disorder, but you should be aware of them so you can determine if you should be tested by your Physician. |
Some common symptoms include:
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A high or low pulse
rate Fatigue and exhaustion |
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| When a woman is
pregnant and her hyperthyroidism cannot be controlled and regulated by any other means. |
| When breathing and
swallowing is difficult due to enlarged thyroid nodules. |
| When cancerous cells have been discovered near or on the thyroid gland. |
|
| Thyroid Lobectomy: | The removal of
approximately one quarter of the thyroid gland |
| Subtotal Thyroidectomy: | The removal of
approximately one half of the thyroid gland |
| Total Thyroidectomy: | The complete removal
of the thyroid gland |
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Most thyroid patients resume work within seven to fourteen days following surgery. Generally, the only major restriction will be no swimming. You will be encouraged to move about as soon as possible. Eating and drinking can be a discomfort and a soft diet is usually prescribed until it has had time to heal. Thyroid replacement drugs will almost always be prescribed for the remainder of the patients life. It is common to be tested a month after starting hormone replacement drugs to make sure that you are not taking too much or too little. A patient following this surgery should carefully watch for signs of hypothyroidism which symptoms include fatigue, feeling run down, depressed, muscle cramps and weight gain. Good patient/doctor communication and patient follow-up is essential for a good and complete recovery. |
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The angioplasty method is a less invasive procedure as compared to a bypass surgery. Angioplasty has less risk and the recovery period is much quicker. Your cardiologist will tell you if you are a good candidate for this procedure. The cardiologist will take into consideration your age, severity of the blockage and your overall physical condition. Angioplasty procedures have been performed for the past 25 years. Results show that patients are doing better today because of advanced drug therapies and new advanced techniques that are better able to detect the exact locations of the blockages. In the early 1990's surgeons started using stents. Stents are tiny wire mesh tubes which are inserted permanently at the location of the blockage. The use of stents have been highly successful in reducing the possibility of arterial collapse and the renarrowing of the artery which is called restenosis. Seasoned doctors who perform this procedure are able to install stents in one or more arteries with a high degree of success. |
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During a bypass procedure the heart-lung machine
takes over the functions of the heart and New advances in bypass surgery are continuing. A minimally invasive bypass surgery technique is being tested with promising results. This new procedure requires the surgeon to work on the front of the heart through a four inch incision while it is beating slowly. Another type is that the heart is stopped and a surgeon uses a fiberoptic scope that is passed through a 4 ½ inch incision and the surgeon works on all sides of the heart by viewing a video image. This less invasive procedure would be less expensive and requires a much shorter hospital stay. |
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Many surgeons prefer not to
operate on teenagers until they have completely stopped growing. The actual procedure usually takes between one and two hours. Rhinoplasty can be performed under local or general anesthesia depending on what procedure you and your surgeon have decided upon. The skin of the nose is separated from the bone and cartilage and then is sculpted to the desire shape. Many times the incisions are made on the inside of the nose and it depends on each particular surgeon and what needs to be exactly done. You will experience facial discomfort for the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours. It is common for your face to feel swollen and to have a headache. It is usually recommended to stay off of your feet for the first 24 hours and get proper rest. By applying cold compresses, swelling and aching will be reduced to a minimum. Slight bleeding will occur and blowing your nose is a no-no for the first week. |
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The arthroscope is inserted through a very tiny 1/4" incision into the joint. The incision is called a portal. Other portals in the immediate area are used for the insertion of other medical instruments used in the surgical procedure. An Arthroscopic Surgeon can correct and diagnose a variety of problems such as ligament tears, arthritis and other joint-related problems. The portals leave very little scars and many times are unnoticeable. |
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Laparoscopic surgery is preferred since
abdominal muscles are not cut. This results in a much quicker recovery
and sometimes requires only one night in the hospital. However, an open
surgery is sometimes required due to problems. They call this an open
surgery because it requires an incision that is 5 to 9 inches long in
the abdomen. This is considered a major surgery with up to a one-week
stay at a medical facility.
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A vasectomy makes men sterile by keeping the sperm out of the fluid that is discharged through the penis during sex. The sperm are the male's reproductive cells in men. When sperm meet with a woman’s egg, pregnancy results. The sperm passes through tubes called vas deferens to other glands and mixes with seminal fluids to make semen. A vasectomy blocks the vas deferens so the semen does not contain sperm. Without the sperm a pregnancy can not occur. Men consider a vasectomy for the following reasons:
This simple surgical procedure takes about twenty minutes to perform. Your family doctor or local hospital can assist you in finding a surgeon to perform this procedure. Most men will recover with little to no time off work. Many of theses procedures are scheduled on a Friday and the patient can return to work the next Monday morning. |
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The actual procedure is fast and
virtually painless. First, anesthetic eye drops are put in your eye.
After a few moments the eye drops will start numbing the nerves of the
eye. A suction ri At that point the suction ring and the microkeratome are removed. The next instrument used is the excimer laser. This laser uses a cool ultraviolet light beam to precisely remove very minute pieces of tissue from the cornea to actually reshape it. A properly shaped cornea will focus light into the eye and onto the retina, resulting in clear vision. The last step is folding back the cornea into its original position. The eyes heal very quickly and vision will improve immediately. When opting for this procedure, finding a Physician is very important. Even with the highly technical and sophisticated excimer laser and microkeratome, the Physician is still the most important part of the procedure. Therefore, choosing a Physician should take a lot of thought and consideration. Many consumers can be fooled by the clever advertisements they hear on the radio or see on TV. For instance, it is common for vision correction facilities to advertise that they have performed over 20,000 procedures. Although this may be true, it does not mean that the Physician performing your surgeries has done all 20,000 procedures. Therefore, find out how many surgeries the actual doctor performing your surgery has done. We suggest that he or she has done a minimum of 300. We also suggest asking your family Physician or friends for any recommendations when searching for the right surgeon.Also, feel free to ask your Physician questions; Most healthcare professionals don’t mind. Here are a few questions you may consider asking:
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What is an Allergy?
An allergy is a reaction of the body to foreign substances such as dust, pollen,
insect bites, drugs, animal fur, animal excretions, smoke, plants, feathers,
cosmetics, chemical pollutants, and various kinds of foods. It is estimated that
over 40 million Americans suffer from some type of allergies. It is common for
people to think that they have a cold or flu, only to find out that they have an
allergy. Many times the symptoms are very similar.
Symptoms generally include watery
eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion, itchy skin, rash and upset stomach. Most
allergies are reactions to substances that are generally harmless. When your
immune system reacts to an allergen that has been absorbed into the body, the
body now treats the allergen as a harmful invader and causes the white blood
cells to produce antibody molecules called Immunoglobulin E (IgE). When this
series of events happens it causes the body to release Histamine, which can
cause allergic symptoms such as watery eyes, sneezing and itching.
Diagnosis of Allergies
Allergies are diagnosed from the patient's medical history, skin and patch tests
to help identify the allergen. Physicians inject common allergens just below the skin in separate
sections to see which substance is causing redness and swelling . This test
determines which allergens the person is sensitive to.
Physicians inject common allergens just below the skin in separate
sections to see which substance is causing redness and swelling . This test
determines which allergens the person is sensitive to.
Mold
Allergies
Mold allergies are very common. The sources of mold in the home are found where
there is moisture. Common places are in damp basements, closets, refrigerator
drip pans, house plants, air conditioners, humidifiers, garbage pails, shower
stalls, toilets, old foam rubber pillows, and plumbing leaks. Humidity promotes
the growth of various molds.
Weight control
is an important part of our culture. We are reminded daily in our society that
being overweight is not "in" or fashionable. Just look at TV or any
type of media advertising and you will soon see that being thin and in good
shape is what is popular.
Your primary goal should be to have a healthy body. Healthy bodies come in
different shapes and sizes. Weight control is just a part of having a healthy
body. Other factors include your diet, nutrition and the amount and kind of
exercising you are getting. Displayed later on in this chapter is a height/weight chart that will
serve as a guideline. When you see your family doctor, they
will check your height, weight, and blood pressure, blood lipids, (cholesterol,
triglycerides), and blood sugar (for people with diabetes). All of these involve
medical conditions related to weight. Proper weight control and weight
management can help provide for a healthy body. Obesity is basically a
medical condition that signifies the excess storage of body fat. It is normal
for the body to store fat tissue under the skin and around joints and organs.
Fat is essential for good health because it provides energy when the body
demands it and provides insulation and protection for vital organs. It is the
accumulation of too much fat that poses the health problems of obesity. These
health problems include diabetes, hypertension, stroke, heart disease and
arthritis. The United States has one of
the highest percentages of obese adults. It is estimated that over 36% of adults
in America are obese. Obesity is most common among minorities, especially
minority females. Over 50% of African-American and Mexican-American women are
obese. Over 20% of children between the ages of 6 to 17 fit in the obese
category. A primary concern of obesity
is the risk of developing disease. Obese people are twice as likely to develop
high blood pressure and over 70% of heart disease cases are linked to excess
body fat. Obese women are twice as likely to develop breast cancer and 40% more
likely to develop colon cancer. Close to 80% of Type II or non-insulin dependent
diabetics are obese. Obesity is partially
determined by genetic makeup. Research has revealed that basal metabolic rate
and the size and number of a person's fat cells help in determining the amount
of weight loss that is possible. When calories from food intake equal the amount
of energy that the body requires to function the weight remains the same.
However, when more calories are consumed than the body needs, the body will
store the extra calories, resulting in weight gain. Diets are the most common
treatment for obesity. There seem to be countless diets that are promoted and it
is recommended that your weight control diet be supervised by a your family
doctor. Most health care professionals will recommend a diet that consists of
1200 - 1500 calories per day. People who are over 40 pounds overweight may
require a more aggressive approach and may be put on a restricted diet of 500 to
800 calories per day. There many types of weight
loss medications on the market today but there are also many side effects that
include insomnia, anxiety and irritability. Your family doctor can evaluate your
particular condition, health issues and can recommend weight-loss
medications under the right circumstances. Used correctly, they can be very
effective in the treatment of overweight people. Exercise should be an
important part of your weight management plan. Calorie reduction alone is not a
complete plan will not result in long-term weight loss. Regular exercise is a
long-term plan for continuing weight reduction. Exercise will also improve some
of the medical conditions associated with obesity which include high cholesterol
levels, high blood pressure and diabetes. A long-term exercise plan
sometimes requires lifestyle and behavior modification, which can be hard for
many obese people to accept. Successful weight management plans require strong
discipline to control eating urges and to implement exercise plans. New habits
need to be learned and many old bad habits need to changed, such as food types
consumed and unproductive eating habits. When choosing an exercise
program, the person should consult their family doctor. The exercise program
will be designed around the person's work capacity, which will be determined by
your doctor. Exercise tests using the treadmill or stationary bicycle are the
most common ways to determine and measure work capacity. Once your work capacity
has been determined, an exercise program can be recommended. The formula will
include what your training heart rate should be and how much intensity should be
expended during your workout. An exercise program can be
the most important part of your weight management program because it will give
you so many other added health benefits. Many studies show a direct correlation
between physical fitness and mental achievement. The following
charts provide healthy weight ranges for different body sizes and builds: MEN
Diet
Exercise
WOMEN
Height
Small Frame
Medium Frame
Large Frame
4' 10"
102 - 111
109 - 121
118 - 131
4' 11
103 - 113
111 - 123
120 - 134
5' 0"
104 - 115
113 - 126
122 - 137
5' 1"
106 - 118
115 - 129
125 - 140
5' 2"
108 - 121
118 - 132
128 - 143
5' 3"
111 - 124
121 - 135
131 - 147
5' 4"
114 - 127
124 - 138
134 - 151
5' 5"
117 - 130
127 - 141
137 - 155
5' 6"
120 - 133
130 - 144
140 - 159
5' 7"
123 - 136
133 - 144
143 - 163
5' 8"
126 - 139
136 - 150
146 - 167
5' 9"
129 - 142
139 - 153
149 - 170
5' 10"
132 - 145
142 - 156
152 - 173
5' 11"
135 -148
145 - 159
155 - 176
6' 0"
138 - 151
148 - 162
158 - 176
Height
Small Frame
Medium Frame
Large Frame
5' 2"
128 - 134
131 - 141
138 - 150
5' 3"
130 - 136
133 - 143
120 - 134
5' 4"
132 - 138
135 - 145
140 - 153
5' 5"
134 - 140
137 - 148
144 - 160
5' 6"
136 - 142
139 - 151
146 - 164
5' 7"
138 - 145
142 - 154
149 - 168
5' 8"
140 - 148
145 - 157
152 - 172
5' 9"
142 - 151
156 - 160
155 - 176
5' 10"
144 - 154
151 - 163
158 - 180
5' 11"
146 - 157
154 - 166
161 - 184
6' 0"
149-160
157 - 170
164 - 188
6' 1"
152-164
160 - 174
168 - 192
6' 2"
155-168
165 - 178
172 -197
6' 3"
158-172
167 - 182
176 - 202
6' 4"
162-176
171 - 187
181 - 207
Pregnancy
begins when a male's sperm fertilizes a female's egg and it implants in the
lining of the female uterus. Pregnancy affects the female's hormonal patterns
and this results in one of the first signs of pregnancy, a menstrual period.
Other symptoms include breast swelling and tenderness, fatigue, frequent
urination, nausea, mood swings and weight gain.
A normal pregnancy lasts approximately forty weeks, or 280 days, after the beginning of the last menstrual period. Sometimes a woman goes into labor before the expected date of birth, resulting in a premature birth. Approximately seven percent of pregnancies result in premature births. Births are considered premature when the baby is delivered prior to 37 weeks of pregnancy.
There are three stages of
pregnancy, referred to as trimesters. Since there is forty weeks of pregnancy
they are divided into three equal parts.
First
Trimester
The first 14 weeks of pregnancy are referred to as the first trimester.
The first signs of the pregnancy may be nausea, tenderness and increased size in
the breasts, and color of the areola.
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2 weeks |
The sperm and egg join in the fallopian tube. |
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3 weeks |
The
unborn baby is only one-sixth of an inch long but is rapidly developing. |
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4 weeks |
The
menstrual cycle has stopped. |
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5 weeks |
The
embryo is the size of a raisin. |
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6 weeks |
On the
26th day the heart begins to beat. |
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7 weeks |
Hands
and feet are shaped like little paddles. |
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8 weeks |
Unborn
baby is now called a fetus. |
|
9 weeks |
Organs,
muscles and nerves begin to function. |
|
10 weeks |
The
fetus weighs 1/3 ounce. |
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11 weeks |
Major
organs are fully formed, including liver, kidneys, intestines and lungs. |
|
12 weeks |
The
brain is fully formed and baby can feel pain. |
Second Trimester
The second trimester is filled with tremendous growth and development. The mother should
start to feel better and have more energy.
|
13 weeks |
Baby now has unique fingerprints. |
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|
14 weeks |
Muscles lengthen and become organized by |
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15 weeks |
Baby now has taste buds. |
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16 weeks |
Fetus weighs six ounces and is 5 ½ inches long. |
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|
17 weeks |
Circulatory
system and urinary tract are working. |
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18 weeks |
Fetus now weighs 6 ounces. |
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19 weeks |
With ultrasound the baby's sex can now be determined. |
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20 weeks |
Baby
can hear. |
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21 weeks |
Fetus
now has a white sticky coat |
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22 weeks |
Fetus
is now 7 ½ inches long. |
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23 weeks |
Fetus
is 8" long. |
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24 weeks |
Baby practices breathing by breathing in amniotic fluid. |
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25 weeks |
Fetus weighs 1-1/4 pounds. |
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26 weeks |
Fetus makes breathing movements. |
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27 weeks |
Fetus
weighs 2 pounds. |
Third Trimester
During the final trimester the mother will probably gain 9 to 13 pounds and will probably feel tired and need to rest more frequently.
|
28 weeks |
Baby can open his eyes and suck his thumb. |
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29 weeks |
Fetus weighs 3 pounds. |
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|
30 weeks |
Brain growth is now very rapid. |
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31 weeks |
Baby’s lungs and digestive tract are near maturity. |
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32 weeks |
Baby
weighs 4 pounds. |
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33 weeks |
Fetus
is 18" long. |
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34 weeks |
Baby weighs 5 pounds. |
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35 weeks |
Baby
is now 19.5" long. |
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36 weeks |
Baby weighs 6 pounds. |
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37 weeks |
Baby is 20" long. |
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|
38 weeks |
Pregnancy is considered full term from this point on. |
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39 weeks |
Baby is 7-½ pounds. |
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40 weeks |
Baby
is full term. |
Attention Deficit Disorder is a syndrome that is a neurological disorder. ADD has a subgroup which includes hyperactivity, (ADHD). Approximately 5% of the population is affected by this disorder. Boys with ADD tend to outnumber girls by a ratio of 3 to 1. Some of the symptoms ADD/ADHD are as follows:
Talks excessively
Often interrupts
Often loses or misplaces things
Is easily distracted
Has a hard time following instructions
Bounces from one activity to another
Has poor listening skills
Has difficulty in paying attention
Has difficulty remaining seated
Blurts out answers to questions
Cannot sit still; fidgets and squirms frequently
Is forgetful
Is unable to concentrate
Is impulsive
Has difficulty in organizing tasks
Makes careless mistakes
Has difficulty waiting in line or for their turn in a game
There are different theories on the causes of ADD/ADHD, but there has not been one conclusively proven. The primary theory seems to be that the disorder is genetic/hereditary. Experts feel that there is the strongest correlation with this theory as evidence supports. Other theories are that the afflicted person had experienced head trauma either before, during or after birth. Women that had experienced labor for over 13 hours were twice as likely to have a child with ADD/ADHD. Other theories include food allergies and neurobiological brain differences.
Recent studies and evidence appear to indicate that ADD/ADHD is a permanent condition, although it is believed that some children will outgrow the hyperactivity portion of ADHD. Untreated, the potential long-term effects are staggering, as these statistics show:
Over 75% of people with ADD get divorced
Over 50% stay behind a grade
Over 46% get suspended
Over 10% get expelled
Over 2½ million school kids have
ADDThere are medications that have been used to treat ADHD. These medicines do not cure the disorder, they temporarily control the symptoms. There are three medications in the class of drugs known as stimulants that seem to be the most effective in both children and adults. They are Ritalin, Dexedrine (or Dextrostat) and Cylert. Many people treated with these see dramatic results quickly. These drugs improve the person's ability to focus, work and learn. These medications may also increase the person's physical coordination, with improvements noticed in handwriting and sports.
Ninety percent of children improve with one of the three drugs mentioned. It is generally advised that if one doesn’t work, the others should be tried. Before your Physician changes the drug type, they will try adjusting the dosage. If your child falls into the ten percent that fail to respond to stimulants, there are other medications that can still be effective.
Other treatments include psychotherapy. This type of therapy gives a patient a chance to discuss different ways to handle their emotions and self-defeating behavior patterns. The therapy's objective is to make the patient understand how they can change, some alternate ways to handle their emotions, and to help them gain control of symptomatic behavior.
CT
(CAT) Scan
Computed Axial Tomography
A CAT-scan uses x-rays to create images of the body. The primary difference between an x-ray and a CAT-scan is that an x-ray is a two-dimensional image, as opposed to the three-dimensional CAT-scan image. The CAT-scan imaging technology and expertise of the radiologist can study several three-dimensional slices of the body. The images represent slices of the body and are approximately one centimeter per slice. The benefit of this is that a radiologist can not only see if there is a tumor in the body, but can also determine the depth and size of the tumor.
Another benefit of a CAT-scan is that the information generated is sent to a computer, as opposed to a standard x-ray on a flat piece of film. The data collected and sent to the computer can then be enhanced and viewed three-dimensionally.
CAT is an acronym for Computerized Axial Tomography. The term computerized indicates a series of various images that is combined into one three dimensional image by means of a sophisticated computer. The term axial indicates a series of cross-sectional x-ray images made along a specified body axis. The term tomography refers to a method for obtaining sectional views of the body that eliminate the x-ray shadows of the body structures before and behind the desired section.
When a patient is having a CAT-scan, they are placed on a table where the large coil of an x-ray tube is then rotated around the desired body part of the patient. Electrical sensors record the emerging rays as a pattern of electrical impulses that are fed into a computer and processed into a final single image. The image is stored in the computer and can be put on disc and viewed on a monitor.
A CAT-scan takes anywhere from fifteen minutes to one hour to perform. There is no pain and very little discomfort. CAT-scans have a reputation of being a simple and safe way to see inside the body.
MRI
Magnetic
Resonance Imaging
MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, a technology developed after CT scanning. This technology incorporates computer-controlled radio waves and very big magnets. These large magnets create a magnetic field so strong that it is over 25,000 times stronger than the earth’s magnetic field. Once operating, the machine creates the magnetic field, sends radio waves into the body, and measures the response of its cells. This measurement determines how much energy is being released from the cells. The data from these responses is routed to the computer where a three dimensional picture of the body is created.
EBT
Electron Beam
Tomography
Electron Beam Tomography is different than a CT scan or MRI. This type of technology uses an electron beam that is focused on a tungsten target located beneath the body. EBT scans are very fast and can be taken in a 100 millisecond exposure time. The advantage of this is that no body motion such as a heart beat can interfere with the clarity of the image in a CT scan or MRI. This type of technology uses an electron beam that is focused on a tungsten target located beneath the body. EBT scans are very fast and can be taken in a 100 millisecond exposure time. The advantage of this is that no body motion such as a heart beat can interfere with the clarity of the image.
EBT scans can detect blockages of blood flow by looking for the amount of calcium in the blood vessels. This technology can detect lung cancer, tumors and other medical disorders.
PET
Positron Emission
Tomography
Positron Emission Tomography is yet another technology utilizing electronic detection of short-lived positron emitting radiopharmeceuticals. It is a non-invasive procedure that can quantitatively measure metabolic, biochemical and functional activity in living tissue. PET can measure chemical changes that occur before visible signs can be detected on other imaging techniques.
PET is a nuclear medicine technique that uses a radioactive tracer and hundreds of radiation detectors, with the assistance of a powerful computer to identify the biochemistry of internal organs. Patients are injected with minuscule amounts of radioactive tracers. The patient receives approximately the same amount of radiation as the would with a standard x-ray. The patient is then scanned with a special camera called the PET Scanner. The images are created three-dimensionally for viewing. These images are used to determine tissue function, rapidly growing tumors and to determine if prescribed treatments such as chemotherapy are working.
PET imaging is also used for the detection of colon cancer, lung cancer, heart disease, and even neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.
3D stands for "three-dimensional". A 3D Ultrasound exam will create a three
-dimensional image. 4D presumably stands for "four-dimensional". 4D is similar to 3D, with the exception that the fourth dimension, representing time, gives live-action images of the unborn child. 3D and 4D Ultrasound use sound waves to create images. This technology is safe for the mother as well as the unborn fetus.The 3D/4D method works similarly to radar; Ultrasound uses sound waves to look inside the body. When the device is placed upon the body it projects sound waves and the returning echo generates an image. This is a safe and non-invasive procedure that does not require any exam preparation. The procedure lasts approximately 30 to 60 minutes; the time variance is due to many factors including the position of the baby in the womb.
Expectant mothers have Ultrasounds performed at various times throughout their pregnancy. At around 16 to 25 weeks the ability exists to see more of the baby at once, and view the amazing development that has already taken place. From 25 to 36 weeks, babies tend to build more fat, resulting in the ability to see more facial features. Image quality varies, depending on the baby’s position, size and movement.
IBS, also known as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Spastic Colon, has become one of the most common digestive disorders. IBS is considered a disorder of intestinal movement and sensation. In fact, the muscles in the colon do not perform normally and begin to spasm.
IBS leads to pain and discomfort, gas, bloating, irregular bowel movements and a host of other digestive symptoms. Many of the symptoms experienced include the following:
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The pain and discomfort experienced by people who have IBS varies in magnitude from slight discomfort to serious pain.
There are many possible reasons for IBS. The colon may be more sensitive than normal and reacts unfavorably to foods, medication, caffeine and alcohol. There are other factors that can intensify the symptoms of IBS such as stress, emotional ups-and-downs and menstrual periods in women.
In order for a Physician to diagnose IBS, questions must be asked about symptoms, medical history, etc., and performing a physical and rectal examination is likely. After these initial tests the doctor may want additional tests which could include X-Rays, blood tests, checking for blood in a stool sample, flexible sigmoidoscopy to examine the rectum and lower colon or a colonoscopy to examine the lining of the colon.
Treatments include making dietary changes, stress management and medication. There are certain foods that will increase the odds of irritation which includes spicy foods, foods with a high fat content, onions, cabbage, dairy foods, caffeine and alcohol. There are also foods that can reduce that chances of irritation-causing spasms, and they include fruits and vegetables, whole grain and high-fiber foods, and increasing water intake.
Mammograms are known as "the picture that can save your life". Breast cancer is the second most common cancer in women and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women aged 40 to 55. Breast cancer facts are startling:
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Every 3 minutes, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer |
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Every 13 minutes a woman dies from the disease |
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The American Cancer Society predicts that more than 192,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year |
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More than 40,000 women will die this year from breast cancer |
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50% of women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 65 |
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Breast cancer can happen at any age |
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Early diagnosis is key to surviving this disease |
No matter what their ages, all women need to take care of their breasts. As a person gets older the chances of getting breast cancer increase. Cancer can appear at any time, so it is important to be checked each year. If any kind of lump is detected or any other type of change in the breasts are noticed, it is recommended that a doctor be seen right away.
Mammograms are a relatively simple procedure. A patient stands in front of a machine while the technician places a single breast between two plastic plates. The plates press against the breast and make it flat. Better image quality is possible when the breast is flat, although it may cause a few minutes of discomfort.
The Mammogram consists of two low-dose x-rays. One x-ray is taken from the top of the breast and the other from the side. It only takes a few seconds for this important test, and it is crucial to have one done by the age of 40 since doctors need to establish a "baseline", or record of the breast’s normal appearance.
Mammograms are performed at many locations. Many hospitals, clinics, imaging x-ray centers, and mobile van units offer Mammograms. A doctor can recommend a location if one cannot be found.
Everybody has blood pressure. Without it, blood can't circulate through the body. And without circulating blood, vital organs—like your brain—can’t get the oxygen and food that they need to work.
Your blood pressure measurements consist of two numbers: systolic and diastolic. The systolic measurement is the pressure of blood against your artery walls when the heart has just finished pumping. It is the first or top number of a blood pressure reading. The diastolic measurement is the pressure of blood against the artery walls between heartbeats, when the heart is relaxed and filling with blood. It is the second or bottom number in a blood pressure reading.
Generally, when you get your blood pressure checked, a reading that is less than 140 over 90 indicates that you don't need to worry. If either or both numbers are equal to or greater than 140 over 90 for an extended period of time, you have high blood pressure, or hypertension.
Hypertension is dangerous because it causes the heart to work extra hard. This strain contributes to heart attacks and stroke. When the heart is forced to work excessively for an extended period of time, it tends to enlarge. A slightly enlarged heart can function well, but a significantly enlarged heart cannot. High blood pressure also causes damage to the arteries, causing arterial disease.
Also, untreated high blood pressure can damage the delicate lining of the blood vessels. Once damaged, fat and calcium can easily build up along the artery wall, forming plaque. The blood vessel becomes narrowed and stiff, and blood flow through the blood vessel is reduced. Over time, decreased blood flow to certain organs in the body can cause damage, leading to:
| 1 | Heart disease, heart attack, and abnormal heartbeat. | |
| 2 | Stroke. | |
| 3 | Kidney failure. | |
| 4 | Peripheral arterial disease. | |
| 5 | Eye damage. |
What causes high blood pressure?
Several factors are known to increase blood pressure, including obesity, heavy alcohol use, family history, high salt intake, and aging. An inactive lifestyle, stress, low potassium intake, low calcium intake, and resistance to insulin may also cause your blood pressure to rise. Risk factors you can't control include a family history of high blood pressure, your race (being African-American increases your risk), and aging.
Getting diagnosed
Because there are usually no symptoms, diagnosing hypertension can be tricky. The most common symptoms are headaches, dizziness, and lightheadedness, but these usually occur only in severe hypertension and are often so mild that they're ignored. If you are obese and has a family history of hypertension, this should raise a red flag for hypertension. The only reliable way of diagnosing hypertension is with regular blood pressure measurements.
Prevention
Doctors usually recommend six lifestyle changes to help prevent high blood pressure. These six strategies are especially important for people who have risk factors for high blood pressure that cannot be changed, including family history, race, and aging.
| 1 | Maintaining a normal weight, and keeping a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 18.5-24.9. |
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| 2 | Exercising for at least 30 minutes a day. | |
| 3 | Reducing your sodium intake to 2,400 mg per day, which is about a teaspoon. |
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| 4 | Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink. | |
| 5 | Getting 3,500 mg of potassium in your diet everyday. | |
| 6 | Eating a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy products, with reduced amounts of saturated and total fats. |
Treatments
The remedy for high blood pressure depends on the severity of the disease and whether you have other health problems, such as heart failure or diabetes, or you are pregnant. Your doctor may want you to try lifestyle changes first, including losing weight, increasing activity, and eating a balanced diet. If your blood pressure is above a certain level, your doctor may prescribe medication along with the lifestyle changes.
Some people may only need lifestyle changes to
control their high blood pressure, while others need medication as well. Either
way, treating high blood pressure usually is a lifelong process.
Osteoporosis is a common bone disease in which bones become thinner and more porous, which can lead to fractures. Osteoporosis affects both men and women and occurs when the body fails to form new bone. During the course of your life, the body needs the minerals phosphate and calcium to build bones. If your dietary intake of these minerals is not sufficient or if the body does not absorb enough of the minerals from the diet, bone production and bone tissue will suffer resulting in brittle and fragile bones. These bones are then subject to fracture.
The loss of bone mass does not occur overnight. It usually occurs gradually over an extended period of time. Most people are not even aware that they have osteoporosis until they fracture a bone. And it's at that time that a person finds the disease is in its advance stages
Osteoporosis is a major health threat for an estimated 44 million Americans, or 55 percent of the people 50 years of age and older. In the U.S., 10 million individuals are estimated to already have the disease and almost 34 million more are estimated to have low bone mass, placing them at increased risk for osteoporosis.
Who is at risk?
Many risk factors for osteoporosis are under our control. Some are lifestyle choices, while others can be the outcome of chronic medical conditions.
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Lack of calcium - A balanced and nutritious diet that provides an adequate intake of both calcium and vitamin D is important in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Calcium is critical to building and maintaining bone strength. You also need vitamin D to help your body absorb the calcium. |
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Medications - If you have asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriasis you may be taking medication that could damage your bones. Long-term use of medications can weaken and damage your bones, particularly the ribs and vertebrae. Your doctor may regularly review your bone density and recommend additional drugs to prevent bone loss. |
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Alcohol - Heavy drinking is one of the most common risk factors for osteoporosis among men. Alcohol interferes with your body's ability to absorb calcium and it reduces your ability to replace old bone with new. |
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Smoking - Cigarette smoking speeds up the rate of bone loss in both men and women. Men who smoke are at a higher risk for hip fractures and two to three times more likely to experience a spinal fracture than those who don't smoke. |
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Dieting - Some diets and fasts do not provide enough nutrition. Insufficient calcium and vitamin D can impact bone health and formation. Before starting a diet, talk to your doctor about how best to achieve your goals without risking your bone or overall health. |
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Being female – 80% of those with osteoporosis are women. |
Prevention
Osteoporosis is preventable. Here are some ways to help prevent osteoporosis:
You can help to avoid the depletion of your bone mass by insuring that you get adequate amounts of calcium in your diet along with vitamin D, which allows your body to absorb calcium. While it is best to get calcium and vitamin D from natural sources— like milk, yogurt, and vegetables—take a multivitamin to supplement you the intake of calcium and vitamin D.
Bones need a challenge to make them strong. Weight-bearing exercises give them that challenge by causing your bones and muscles to work against gravity. In activities like jogging, jumping, tennis or soccer, your feet and legs absorb the impact of your weight against the force of gravity. This stimulates the bones in your hips and spine, and helps to build density and strength in the areas that are most vulnerable to the loss of bone mass.
Doctors today have a valuable tool, bone density testing, to help us gauge the condition of our bones while there is still time to prevent osteoporosis. These painless diagnostic tests can determine the bone mineral density (BMD) of your bones and provide valuable information to help you and your doctor tailor a course of preventive measures.
Bone loss can be increased by several factors from menopause
in women and low testosterone in men to long-term use of corticosteroids for
asthma and rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors can prescribe medication to counteract
osteoporosis. The medication
replaces a hormone in the body, which slows bone loss and may decrease spinal
fractures by as much as 40 percent.
Bisphosphonates are synthetic versions of pyrophosphate, a
salt our body manufactures to help with energy metabolism. Bisphosphonates slow
the bone resorption portion of the bone remodeling process, without lowering the
bone formation. This gives your body a chance to increase bone density.
Estrogen
is a female hormone that, in conjunction with the
hormone progestin, controls the female reproductive cycle. A woman's estrogen
and progestin levels decrease as she ages. Declining levels of estrogen affect
bone density and put women at risk for fractures. By taking estrogen, you can
slow bone loss and even regain bone density.
Calcitonin is a naturally occurring hormone that helps our bodies regulate calcium and bone metabolism. It can slow bone loss and increase spinal bone density. Calcitonin is used for treatment, but not prevention of
, postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Selective
Estrogen Receptor Modulators, or SERMs,
are a new group of drugs that cause estrogen-like responses in certain tissues
of the body, such as reducing bone
loss and increasing bone density throughout the body. SERMs can be used to
prevent and treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women only.
Insomnia
Just as humans have a need to eat and drink, an equally important need is to sleep. Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which a person experiences poor sleep or has trouble sleeping. Over 90 percent of people experience some degree of insomnia at some point in their lives. Insomnia can involve:
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Difficulty falling asleep. |
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Difficulty staying asleep. |
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Waking up too early in the morning. |
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Not feeling refreshed after a night's sleep. |
Poor sleep for any length of time can lead to mood
disturbances, lack of motivation, decreased attention span, trouble with
concentration, low levels of energy, and increased fatigue. About one-third of
the average person's life is spent sleeping. Healthy sleep is vital to the human
body and important for the optimal functioning of the brain and other organs.
The consequences of insomnia include impaired mental function, a
higher risk for accidents, stress and depression, heart disease, and headaches.
There are three types of insomnia:
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Transient, or mild, insomnia -
sleep difficulties that last for a few
days, |
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Short-term, or moderate, insomnia -
sleep difficulties that last for less
than a month, |
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Chronic, or severe, insomnia - sleep difficulties that last for more than a month, that severely impair functioning during the day, and cause strong feelings of restlessness, irritability, anxiety, and fatigue |
Psychological Causes
In many people, insomnia can be the result of:
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Anxiety, a condition in which individuals feel increased tension, apprehension, and feelings of helplessness, fear, worry, and uncertainty. This may be due to the effects that other people at work have on us, financial worries, concerns over relationships outside work or numerous other causes. |
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Stress, or how effectively a person copes with any emotional, physical, social, economic, or other factor that requires a response or change. |
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Depression, a mood disturbance characterized by feelings of sadness, despair, and discouragement |
The physical causes of insomnia include the following:
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Hormonal changes in women. These include premenstrual syndrome, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause. |
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Decreased melatonin. The levels of melatonin, the hormone that helps control sleep, decrease as a person ages. By age 60, the body produces very little melatonin. |
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Medical conditions. These include allergies, arthritis, asthma, heart disease, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, and Parkinson's disease. |
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Pain. Pain and discomfort from a medical illness or injury often interfere with sleep. |
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Genetics. Problems with insomnia do seem to run in some families. |
Mental Relaxation
Since stress and worry, including the worry about not being able to fall asleep, are often at the core of insomnia, many people have found that mental relaxation techniques can help them to feel less anxious and therefore sleep better.
If you are anxious about falling asleep, certain muscles in your body become tense and sometimes painful, interfering with sleep. Physical relaxation techniques can help.
Medication is an effective way to induce sleep.
However, many doctors consider sleeping pills both overused and
dangerous because they can become addictive. They suggest that medication be
used a last option, after other treatments have been tried.
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concluded that
women are seven times more likely than men to develop a thyroid problem.
Age is also another major factor. Women at the age of sixty have a one in
five chance of having a thyroid problem. The post-partum and menopausal
periods are times when a woman is most vulnerable to thyroid disorders.
The angioplasty
procedure is an invasive method of opening blocked arteries that are
restricting and impeding blood flow. When the balloon is inflated, the
plaque blocking the interior arterial wall is compressed and remains
compressed, clearing space so the blood flow volume can increase.
lungs. This is
done so the heart can be carefully stopped and the surgeon can work in a
blood-free environment. The heart-lung machine keeps oxygen-rich blood
flowing through the body. It receives the blood and removes the carbon
dioxide and other waste products, warms and/or cools the blood and adds
oxygen as it pumps the blood through the patient's body. At the
conclusion of the bypass surgery, the heart is restarted and the
heart-lung machine is disconnected.
Each
case is individual and needs to be discussed in detail with your
surgeon.
ng
is then placed
over the center of the cornea. The suction creates pressure in the eye
which is required for the microkeratome to function properly. The
microkeratome is a highly sophisticated instrument that is of paramount
importance in the LASIK procedure. The instrument has an extremely sharp
blade that moves back and forth at a very high speed. It actually shaves
a thin layer of the cornea and folds the cornea back. The part of the
cornea that is uncut acts as a hinge.
