The 4 most important things to expect from your next physical

Here’s the truth: most of what you know about the annual physical is wrong. A physical matters in ways you may not expect and knowing what to ask and what’s important can make a big difference in your health.

So regardless of what you’ve been told, here is what really matters and what you should expect from your physical:

Most of the physical isn’t actually physical.

In fact, the non-physical parts matter just as much, if not more in some cases. The list of must-check physical issues is actually pretty short: blood pressure, weight, height, cholesterol, and maybe a blood sugar test depending on your specific risk factors or family history. That hammer reflex thing? Utterly useless if you aren’t having unusual or new symptoms.  And the eyes/ears/nose/throat/neck/belly check? They provide little value in determining your overall health status.

No, you don’t need all those blood tests.

It’s true that your provider may order some blood tests, but more testing is not always better. You may be asking, “what’s the harm?” Well, the harm can be pretty significant, actually. The truth is most of the tests available aren’t 100 percent accurate. That means the possibility of a false positive can be a major problem. It’s crucial to understand that you don’t need every blood test under the sun to prove your healthy status.

What matters most is what’s important for your health.

We do have certain guidelines that recommend what we should cover during the physical, but a good provider is one that tailors those parameters to you and your health goals. Building a trusting relationship with a primary care provider who knows you well is possibly the biggest benefit of the time spent in an annual physical. Ideally, you want this relationship to be a long-term one. Even if you don’t see this person often, you want to make sure he or she is someone you trust, who listens to you, and with whom you feel comfortable collaborating.

Cancer screening, cardiovascular risk assessment and immunizations are musts.

These parts of the physical are the high-value items, but many people are surprised to find they don’t necessarily have to be annual. For most women getting a mammogram every other year is fine and despite what many men believe, prostate screening may not even be something they need at all. Once you’ve built that trusting relationship with your provider, they will help guide your choices and keep you up to date on all the important stuff.

Whether you haven’t been to a doctor in years or you’re ready to establish a relationship with a provider, be sure the care you’re getting is customized to fit your needs. Your actual health is more important than checked boxes or outdated guidelines.

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The top 4 most shocking medical stories

This catalogue of medical oddities, miraculous recoveries, open questions and unsolved mysteries is so complex and fascinating, that millions of books and articles have been written about them.

While oddities are not particularly desirable, miracles make us happy and strengthen our faith. 

Unfortunately, many medical mysteries remain unsolved. They are similar to an intriguing puzzle, but with most of the pieces missing. They make us realize how much we still need to learn about something we thought we knew so well: the human body.

Here is the top 4 list of the most shocking medical stories that are both captivating and unbelievable!

Miraculous Recovery after Falling 47 Stories

The Moreno brothers, Alcides and Edgar, were working on a window-washing platform attached to a skyscraper in New York, when the platform collapsed. The 16-foot-long aluminium swing to the roof failed and sent Alcides and Edgar Moreno falling 47 stories, Edgar didn’t survive, but Alcides cheated death.

The doctors performed at least 16 surgeries, after Moreno broke his ribs, both legs and his right arm, plus he badly injured his spine. The medical staff described the victim’s recovery as “miraculous” and “unprecedented.” Doctors predicted that Moreno’s recovery would be complete in one to two years.

Teen Survives 118 Days Without a heart

D’zhana Simmons is literally a walking, talking medical miracle. The brave teenager lived for about four months without a heart, as she a waited a new, functional heart to replace the damaged one. 

Simmons suffered from dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), meaning her weak and enlarged heart wasn’t pumping blood efficiently. The surgeons performed an initial transplant, but the heart malfunctioned and had to be quickly removed. Meanwhile, D’zhana was kept alive by a custom-built artificial blood-pumping device.

Allergic to H2O

Whether it’s taking a hot bath, brushing your teeth, cleaning the house, or simply quenching your thirst, water is an essential part of our daily routine. We just cannot live without water! That is why it is a wonder to us that people can be allergic to water.

Alexandra Allen developed a one in 230 million skin disorder – Aquagenic Urticaria. If her skin comes in to contact with water, itchy red welts, lumps and blisters appear all over the body. Showering is a really painful experience for her. Alexandra cannot drink water, coffee or tea, she cannot even eat fruits because they trigger the burning rash on the skin and make her throat swell up, but her body seems to tolerate Diet Coke.

Giving Birth to a Mummy

Zahra Aboutalib delivered a child she’d been carrying for almost half a century. This shocking yet fascinating story began in 1955 when Zahra went into labour. She was rushed to a hospital, but after watching a woman dying on the operation table during a Caesarean section, Zahra fled back to her small village outside Casablanca. After the pains were gone and the baby stopped kicking, Zahra considered him a “sleeping baby”. “Sleeping babies” are, according to Moroccan folk belief, babies that can live inside a woman’s womb to protect her honour.

When Zahra was 75, the excruciating pains occurred again. Doctors performed an ultrasound test and discovered that her “sleeping child” was actually an ectopic pregnancy. What is even more amazing is how Zahra survived and how the dead foetus was accepted by the body just like another organ. 

Generally, this doesn’t happen. If not discovered in time, the growing foetus will eventually strain and burst the organ that contains it. Under these circumstances, the mother has few surviving chances. After nearly five hours, the surgeons successfully removed Zahra’s calcified foetus.

The world of medicine is full of tales of the bizarre from the rarest and mysterious diseases to the oddest medical anomalies. Every so often, doctors encounter a patient with a problem so unusual that tests the limits and mysteries of the human body.

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How to use an AED machine the right way!

An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) is a medical device that gives the heart an electric shock when someone’s heart has stopped and they go into cardiac arrest.

The great thing about an AED machine is that you can use it on children over one year old and adults of any age.

Ambulances have them on board, but using an AED in the minutes before an ambulance arrives can double someone’s chances of survival. So it is up to you to think quickly and find the nearest AED.

If you would like access to an AED at all times, why not buy one for your home or office? Supply Doctor’s online medical supply store has a wide range of AED machines to choose from, plus even a training manikin to practice on! Take a look today and place your order.

Many public places keep an AED as part of their first aid equipment. Places such as shopping centres, train stations, airports, offices and schools. If you don’t have access to an AED and you haven’t purchased one for yourself yet, then it is time to call the emergency personnel and do ordinary CPR until the ambulance arrives.

So, how do you use an AED device? An AED device is pretty simple to use, and you can use it with no training at all. The machine will analyse someones heart rhythm and then use visual or voice prompts to guide you through each step.

     ´        First, make sure someone has called for an ambulance, and if an AED isn’t immediately available, give CPR until someone can bring you an AED.

     ´        As soon as you’ve got an AED, switch it on! It will immediately start to give you a series of visual and verbal prompts informing you of what you need to do. Follow these prompts until the ambulance arrives or someone with more experience can take over.

     ´        Take the pads out of the sealed pack. Remove or cut through the clothing and wipe away any sweat from the chest.

     ´        Remove the backing paper and attach the pads to their chest.

     ´        Place the first pad on their upper right side, just below their collarbone as shown on the pad.

     ´        Then place the second pad on their left side just below the armpit. Make sure you position the pad lengthways, with the long side in line with the length of their body.

     ´        Once you have done this, the AED will start checking the heart rhythm. Make sure that no one is touching the person. Continue to follow the voice / visual prompts that the machine gives you until help arrives.

What to expect at your baby’s 12 month check-up

Taking your baby to regular doctor’s check-ups is so important for them. However it can be a bit scary and you’ll probably want to prepare for what the doctor will ask you… For reliable, affordable home medical equipment to use on your baby, such a thermometers or scales - contact Supply Doctor today!

Here’s what to expect at your baby’s 12 month check-up:

What the doctor will do

~ Weigh and measure your baby

You'll need to undress your baby completely for weighing. The doctor weighs your baby, measures length and head circumference, and plots the numbers on a growth chart. The chart enables you and your doctor to track your baby's rate of growth.

~ Do a complete physical

Heart and lungs: Uses a stethoscope to listen for any abnormal heart rhythms or breathing problems.

Eyes: Checks for signs of congenital eye conditions and other problems. Your doctor may also check for blocked tear ducts and discharge.

Ears: Looks for signs of infection and observes how your baby responds to sound.

Mouth: Looks for signs of infection and any new teeth, among other things.

Head: Checks the soft spots (fontanels) and the shape of your baby's head.

Body: Checks your baby's reflexes and muscle tone, and examines his skin for rashes and paleness. Pale skin is a sign of iron-deficiency anaemia which babies are at high risk for between 9 and 24 months.

Belly: Presses gently on the abdomen to check for a hernia or enlarged organs.

Genitals: Opens your baby's diaper and checks for signs of infection.

Hips and legs: Moves your baby's legs around to look for problems in the hip joints.

~ Give your baby their shots

An assistant may administer the vaccines. This is usually done at the end of the appointment so you can have some privacy afterward to comfort your baby.

~ Address any other concerns

The doctor will order a blood test for iron-deficiency anaemia and assess your child's risk of lead exposure and order a blood test to screen for it, if necessary.

The doctor will address any other concerns (such as questions about vitamins and treating falls, cuts and scrapes), ask you some questions and help you understand what's normal at this age.

This doctor visit worksheet can help you prepare for your child's next appointment. You may want to read through the questions and jot down answers beforehand. Download a printable version of the doctor visit worksheet to take with you.

4 reasons why regular doctor’s visits are vital

The rising cost of healthcare combined with busy work schedules means that many people put off regular doctor’s check-ups. But the hard truth of the matter is that regular doctors' visits can mean the difference between life and death.

It is essential that you have regular medical, eye and dental check-ups if you want to live a long and healthy life. Doctors are able to spot issues early on as well as offer practical advice on healthy living. Not convinced? Read on for information on some of the many ways doctors' visits are so important.

  v  Prevention is better than cure

Regular check-ups will provide doctors with a way to spot any health issues early on. Check-ups incorporate several tests, including preventative screenings and physical examinations, to check patients' current health and risks. If any problems are found, your doctor will provide information on treatment plans and ways that you can prevent health issues in the future. 

Popular health checks include:

      ®     Cervical smear tests (Pap tests) for women

      ®     Blood pressure tests

      ®     Cholesterol level checks

      ®     Body mass index (BMI) and obesity tests

      ®     Diabetes checks

If you have any more specific health concerns, then your doctor will be able to advise you on these and conduct the proper checks.

If you’re a doctor or you simply want some reliable medical equipment at home – Take a look at Supply Doctor’s online medical supply store! 

  v  Cut healthcare costs

For many, the thought of a large doctor's bill is enough to put off scheduling a check-up. However, there are several ways that you can find great savings on health care. Check-ups could also save you plenty of money in the long run as they help to minimize the risk of potential health issues that will lower the risks for surgery or more extensive medical care in the future. 

  v  Dental care

As well as appointments with a doctor, you should also schedule visits to the dentist. It can be a tricky task knowing how often you should visit the dentist. While many say that visits should be made every six months, those with dental problems may need to have their teeth checked more regularly.

Good oral health plays an important role in the overall health of your body. After all, inflammatory gum disease can lead to tooth loss, while bacteria build-up in the mouth has been said to put you at increased risk of heart disease. In addition to having regular appointments with the dentist, you should maintain a good oral care regime that includes frequent brushing and flossing.

  v  Eye care

While doctors are able to provide some information about eye issues, it is important for people of all ages to schedule vision and eye care tests. Optometrists and eye doctors can check for glaucoma and provide vision reports and possible glasses or contact lens prescriptions, should you need them. 

People between 50 and 65 should have eye checks at least every two years, while those over the age of 65 should have a test every year. People with increased risk of having eye issues should talk to their eye doctor to see how often they should visit.

You can lower your chances of developing health issues in the future by maintaining a healthy diet; exercising regularly; having a good oral health routine; and booking regular medical, dental and eye check-ups.

Shocking surgical items that have been left inside patients!

Other than removing the wrong kidney or something like that, the worst thing a surgeon could possibly do is leave something inside of you that doesn’t belong there! While this is rare, almost 800 patients have had surgical instruments left inside of them, leading to readmission, additional surgeries, abscesses, intestinal fistulas, obstructions, visceral perforations and even death.

Studies have estimated that this happens once in every 5500 to 7000 surgeries, and a typical hospital has about two of these incidents each year.

It is not surprising that these mistakes are expensive ones. In 2007, the average price of removing one of these items was $63 631 plus let’s not forget the lawsuits which can run from about $2 million to $5 million.

The most common item that is left behind is usually a surgical sponge, those small squares of gauze that are used to mop up blood. Traditionally, nurses keep track of sponges by counting them before and after surgeries. But sponges can be hard to find when they are soaked in blood and tucked away out of sight; they are often left in the abdomen, pelvis and thoracic cavity.

In the past, hospitals used X-rays and bar codes to help detect lost material, but the best detection system is radiofrequency! Each piece of gauze has a tiny chip sewn into a pocket and operating room personnel can use a wand to detect whether a sponge has been left inside.

A recent study found that this technology helped locate 23 sponges left behind in nearly 3000 patients over 11 months.

However, sponges are not the only items being left inside patients. Equipment like sponges, towels, needles, instruments, retractors and other small items and fragments of tools have been found in patients.

In one of the most shocking cases, 16 objects were left in the body of a German patient named Dirk Schroeder. After a routine prostate cancer surgery, Schroeder experienced poor recovery and intense pain. It took several weeks for doctors to discover that objects had been left inside his body. These included a needle, a six-inch roll of bandage, a compress, swabs and even part of a surgical mask.

It seems like it is time for stricter, more standardised counting systems that involve all member of the hospital team, including surgeons, nurses, techs, anaesthesiologists, and radiologists.

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These minor signs will determine if your child has an allergy or a cold

It can be quite a difficult for parents to tell whether their child has a cold or allergies, luckily there are ways to distinguish between the two.

Pay attention to minor details. Runny, stuffy or itchy noses, sneezing, coughing, fatigue and headaches can all be symptoms of both allergies and colds, but when parents pay close attention to minor details they will be able to tell the difference.

Children who have springtime or fall allergies have much itchier noses; they often have fits of sneezing and usually rub their noses in an upward motion. Children who have allergies also complain about an itchy, scratchy throat or itchy eyes, whereas with a cold, they don’t.

Tips for Seasonal Allergies

If your children have seasonal allergies, use these tips to help ease the symptoms:

> Keep home and car windows closed and change air conditioner filters every month.

> Have children wash their face, hands and hair after they’ve been outside. It’s also a good idea to flush their eyes and ears with a non-prescription saline solution.

> After children have been outside, they should change their clothes. The clothing should be washed to remove pollen and other allergens.

> Limit children’s outdoor activity in the early morning when the pollen counts are higher.

> Make sure children are taking their allergy medicine daily during pollen season.

Parents can’t always tell whether kids have a cold or an allergy, but paying close attention to minor details may help.

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