It’s hard to find someone you can trust especially with regard to the health of the family. How would I know if the doctor I entrust our health with here in New Jersey is the best doctor?

Gloria

Elizabeth, NJ

It is so important that you get a good doctor to entrust your family’s health with. Here are some pointers on how you can find the best doctor in New Jersey for you:

You have to check first if the doctor has a good reputation with the American Medical Association or AMA. You can search for it using their name and field and it would provide information on which school they attended; where they did their residency; and which hospital they are associated with. Then, you also have to check if they are certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) which is a group that guarantees that the physicians listed with them have a commitment in maintaining their field of specialty up to date.

The Internet is also a good source on how to check if your doctor is a good one. You can search online if they have already written books or if they have already been sued. Normally, all information that you need about a certain doctor can be found online. You can also check there if your doctor is well respected by their peers. There is a site that acknowledges the best personnel in 10 professions and this includes doctors.

Finally, you can ask the people you know especially your family and friends about the doctors that they have used and find out if they are satisfied with the service they got. If you don’t have confidence in your doctor, you won’t ever go along with what they say and follow the advice they tell you.

Tags: advice, best doctor, doctor

A doctor in Ohio has just diagnosed me with polycystic ovaries. Does that mean there are numerous cysts in my ovaries, as the term “poly” implies? And I found it even weirder that I have been prescribed the metformin. Isn’t that a diabetic pill?

Karen

Columbus, OH

Hi, Karen. There really is no need to worry about having numerous cysts in your ovaries. Yes, you are right about “poly” meaning “many.” This medical condition also goes by the names: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (or PCOS) or the Stein-Leventhal syndrome.

The polycystic ovarian syndrome is a disorder of the endocrine system characterized by the following: amenorrhea (lack of menstrual period), oligomenorrhea (irregular menstrual periods), anovulation (absence of ovulation), hirsutism (excessive body hair typical of males), seborrhea (excessive production of oil in the glands) which results to acne, and obesity.

Its effects, though, are quite serious, so early detection and medical care are vital to this condition. If you have the polycystic ovary syndrome, you are prone to diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia (disorder of triglyceride and cholesterol metabolism), increased risk of cancer, and increased possibility of infertility.

Now, to get to your question on the cysts. The normal cycle for women is — follicle, ovulation, menstrual period, right? In polycystic ovaries, what happens is the follicles do not mature into an egg, hence the absence of ovulation. And since no shedding of the egg (menstruation) occurs, there is dumping of these follicles on the ovaries. In truth, this should have been named polyfollicular ovaries, instead.

Another interesting fact about this condition is it can be treated by metformin, a known diabetic drug that addresses insulin resistance, a condition that is also present in most PCOS cases. Go to a gynecologist who specializes in endocrinology in Ohio to know more.

Tags: Diseases, Medication

What are the symptoms of goiter, and what are the differences between goiter and hyperthyroidism? If I think I have it, what kind of doctor should I look for in Pennsylvania?

Lukas

Philadelphia, PA

Goiter and hyperthyroidism are actually the same thing. Goiter, along with Graves’ disease, is just one of hyperthyroidism’s most common causes. Hyperthyroidism, as the term already implies, occurs when there is overproduction of hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine or what we call the T3) in the thyroid gland.

These two hormones dictate metabolic rate, and thus an excess of them results in an abnormality in the rate of metabolism, such that the manifestations show marked increase in bodily functions — increased rates in the functions of the nervous system, the circulatory system and the digestive system.

In this condition, all the systems of the body are abnormally fast. The symptoms include: tachycardia or increased heart rate, arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, anxiety attacks, irritability, hyperactivity, sensitivity to heat (because of increased metabolism), fatigue (because every process in your body is working double time), profuse sweating, polyuria or increased frequency of urination, polydipsia or increased fluid intake or increased thirst, nausea, shortness of breath, and diarrhea. In spite of the increase in appetite, the most apparent effect of hyperthyroidism is weight loss because your nutrient intake cannot cope with your body’s doubled up processes.

You may want to see an endocrinologist in Pennsylvania to have your thyroid stimulating hormones checked, and to have yourself treated early if you do have one.

Tags: Diseases, Health Care

I’m a female living in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I desperately want to lose weight and I can’t decide between Atkin’s and Fit for Life. Which is the better option?

Isabel

Sioux Falls, SD

The Atkin’s Diet is a diet advocating very low (if at all) carbohydrate intake. The objective of this diet is to deprive the body of carbohydrate, the main fuel of the body, so that it will use up the stored fat in the muscles and eventually even the protein, hence the weight loss. Fit for Life has a different approach, though. It does not keep you from eating carbs. You just can’t have carbs and protein at the same time. Now, if you ask me which is a better option, I’d say Fit for Life because a prolonged use of fat as an energy source leads to acidosis. This process affects mental ability and produces ketone bodies which in turn give you acetone breath. But, you see, I can’t even say it’s a better option. It’s just the lesser of the two evils. It is still best that we follow the proper weight loss program when we want to shed off those extra pounds. If you want it expedited, supplement it with a strict exercise regimen. There really are no shortcuts, you know. What took you years you build will not take a day to lose. Eat right. Live healthy. Better yet, see your doctor or nutritionist in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

I’m 14 years old and my face is ridden with pimples all over. I’ve been going back and forth to a dermatologist here in Syracuse, New York but the pimples have yet to disappear from my life forever. My friend says I should avoid eating peanuts. Is that true?

Karen

Syracuse, NY

My dear, do not push yourself too hard. Pimples, whether we like it or not, are part of a stage in a person’s life called puberty. It’s that stage where changes are rampant, and so, oftentimes, because a lot is taking place all at the same time, your bodily functions become imbalanced. Like in this case, the production of sebum by the sebaceous glands. Overproduction of sebum tends to make your skin oily, thus blocking the pore. This sebum also triggers the formation of bacteria, which in turn make way for the dreaded, horrifying, nightmare-causing zit. As for the going to the dermatologist, I suggest you do not overdo it. Have your regular checkup, yes. Go there to have regular cleaning. But I would say once every two months is okay. You could be spending too much on that dermatologist in Syracuse, New York. Because the truth is, it won’t go away even if you visit the doctor every day. You are still at the peak of your puberty, so just wait and see what happens when your hormones have settled. Whoever told you peanuts makes your face grow pimples, you can tell her to start reading reliable literature. Like I already said, it’s bacteria that cause pimples. In the meantime, all you have to do is practice good hygiene and clean your face as needed. You’ll live. Don’t worry.

My partner has decided to get plastic surgery in a clinic here in Fort Wayne, Indiana but I’m concerned for his safety. What do I know I’m choosing the right plastic surgeon?

Adrienne

Fort Wayne, IN

You are right to be concerned about the doctor or surgeon who will perform plastic surgery on your partner, there have been too many incidents of malpractices resulting to patients experiencing complications, infections and sometimes, even death.

Depending on the type of plastic surgery to be performed, credible surgeons there in Fort Wayne, Indiana may or may not be abundant, therefore narrowing down on the list of specialist you can choose from. Before choosing a surgeon, get recommendations either from people you may know who have had similar surgery or from message boards over the internet. Hospital and Doctor’s offices can also recommend the best plastic surgeons or clinics for your partner. Skill and experience is of course paramount, however you and your partner should also consider the surgeon or clinic’s location, availability in case of any post-surgery concerns, if they have a valid state license to practice and good bedside manners in taking care of his/ her patients. Also insist on a list of their prior patients for your reference.

Make sure to have options; don’t limit yourself to one choice of doctor or clinic. Get as much free consultations as you can from those you think are most qualified for the procedure. A good surgeon will make sure you know all the facts and risk involved in the type of surgery your partner wants to get and will not push you into a decision.

Tags: doctors, health care, plastic surgery

I have been seriously thinking of liposuction to reduce my weight and I will start to find a doctor near Appleton, Wisconsin soon. What should I ask the doctor about Liposuction?

Cecil

Appleton, WI

Getting Liposuction is truly a big decision to make. You want to have as much information as you can, preferably from a reputable and experienced doctor, before undergoing this procedure. While the number of incidences and deaths resulting from this surgery has significantly decreased over the years, there are still risks involved. If you’re sure that dieting and exercise isn’t working then you may be able to convince a doctor that you need Liposuction.

First, look for a doctor or physician near or in Appleton, Wisconsin that is licensed, ask for his/her credentials and a list of prior patients for recommendations. Also ask how many times the doctor has done this procedure. A good doctor knows how to set your expectations properly and will make sure you understand what you’re going into without rushing you into an operation date or making you uncomfortable. Next, discuss what kind of preparations you will need to complete such as lab tests or a complete physical examination to see if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. You want to also get someone who is easily accessible to you for regular consultation, especially after-surgery. Ask what kind of medications you will need, if the operation will be done in a clinic or hospitable, any side effects or physical pains to be expected and how long it will take you to fully recover.

Finally, discuss the cost and payment terms, you don’t want a doctor that is only out to make a quick buck by charging too cheap but you may still negotiate for a better rate if their services seem to be too expensive.

Tags: doctors, health care

Another doctor here in Durham, North Carolina just confirmed that I am diabetic. From now on, I wanna be watchful on what I eat. What are the tips that you could give me on making diabetic recipes?

Leo

Durham, NC

The foremost important thing to note is not all that the diabetics have the same requirement. What as diabetics suits one could or could not suit other diabetic. So it is very essential to know the important ingredients of the diabetic recipe. As for some diabetic, it might be necessary to lower down the calorie intake, and for some other, lowering down the fat content in his diabetic recipe may be the prime goal.

Everytime you eat, you should know the constituents of the diabetic recipes. You must well understand how you could make changes in your meal plan so let me give you few tips on managing the diabetic recipes. First is that you can try to prepare meal in a way that the portion size remains the same in every meal. Then you could also stir fry vegetables in a very small amount of oil and a plenty of seasoning. Also, it would be better to add boiled meat or fish with no excessive butter on it. You could also have plain potatoes and you can top it with a very small amount of margarine. You have to avoid fried foods, it would be better to bake, roast or grill them. By doing all this, you could still enjoy life in Durham, North Carolina with all your favorite recipes by following the aforementioned tips.

Tags: diseases, health care

I feel like I gained so much wait since we moved here in Portland, Maine late last year. I wanna burn some fats, would it be okay if I just go on very low calorie diets for me to burn fat?

Deedee

Portland, ME

Sure you can turn into a fat burning machine and have the same weight that you had before you move in Portland, Maine but you will be making a mistake if you go on very low calorie diets when you want to burn fat. This could actually wind up doing more harm than good. If you do not give your body enough calories, it could go into “starvation mode.” Basically, this means that your body begins to think you’re starving so it slows down your metabolism to try to conserve energy. It does not matter if your brain knows that you could get more food anytime you want because your body just reacts to what it senses which is that you are not getting enough calories.

When your metabolism is slowing down, it means that it would be harder to lose weight no matter how little you eat and much easier to put your weight back on if you decide to go off the diet and go back to eating normally. So instead of going on a very low calorie diet, focus on eating small, healthy, balanced meals 5-6 times a day that would give your body the nutrition and energy that it needs. To break down your eating into small meals and to give your body the proper nutrition, would help to boost your metabolism and make burning fat a whole lot easier.

Tags: health care

Hi, we live in Wilmington, Delaware and I am a very young mom but my daughter would even be a younger mom than I was when I had her. What could be the hindrances to health care in teen pregnancy when it comes to financial matters?

Crissy

Wilmington, DE

One of the hindrances to health care for pregnant teen is income, or say, the lack of it. Health care is undoubtedly expensive for many adults, and even a teen with working parents might not have access to health insurance. If a parent has to decide between rent and food or health insurance, the health needs are often overlooked. There could be a rise in teens seeking out health care for themselves and their unborn child.

Along with insufficient health insurance and low income parents, pregnant teens could face lack of transportation to a medical care facility. A lot of income families in Wilmington, Delaware have one car, and no support system to turn to in times of need. Medical care is often not available within a reasonable distance or there could be no gas for the second car. Even if there would be transportation available, a parent could not be able to get time off from work to take the pregnant teen to the doctor, provided the parent is aware of the pregnancy in the first place.

Tags: elderly health care, health care, teen pregnancy