“You don’t know what you don’t know.” It might be a tired adage, but it really applies to navigating the medical world. Certainly, you need to understand health information for the best chance of a good outcome. But understanding medical information is harder than most realize. One’s ability to understand health information is formally called […]
When and How to Report Doctor Misconduct
As hard as I try to be the best version of myself possible, I sometimes disappoint myself. It’s safe to assume that everyone has moments they’d like to replay or forget entirely. Humans aren’t perfect. And that includes doctors. It goes without saying that doctors aren’t perfect. Therefore, doctors can make mistakes or behave rudely. […]
Why is Sepsis so Dangerous?
Over 40% of US adults have never heard of sepsis, yet it is the leading cause of death in US hospitals. What is sepsis? How do you get it? And why is sepsis so dangerous? The what, how and why of sepsis. What is sepsis? Sepsis is a serious medical condition caused by an overwhelming […]
How to Sleep Better in the Hospital
I think I’m not alone when I say that I’m not fun to be around when I am sleep deprived. Not only am I grumpy, I don’t feel good. As we all know, sleep is important for our bodies and our minds. And it turns out that sleep is very important for physical healing. But […]
Should You Trust Your Doctor’s Recommendations?
When our doctors recommend a treatment, we assume our doctors have good reasons for doing so. We assume that studies have shown the treatment to help, or even cure, what ails us. Is it possible your doctor might prescribe a medication, treatment, or even surgery if there was no evidence of benefit? Yes! Why does […]
The Dangers of Too Many Tests and Treatments for Patients
By zaggocare on September 9, 2019 in Treatment Decisions, Understanding Your Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Have you ever insisted on a test or treatment when your doctor suggests otherwise? Has your doctor pressured you to get tested, or undergo a treatment, that you didn’t think was needed? The dangers of too many tests and treatments for patients should be of concern to all of us as it can impact our […]
Germs in Hospitals and Doctor Offices – Watch Out!
Germs can be dangerous, causing a wide range of infectious diseases. Some people go to extremes to avoid germs, but for most of us, we just try to be careful, while trying not to think about it. But we can’t escape germs, even in places we think are clean. Did you know doctor offices and […]
Questions Seniors Should Ask Before Surgery
Surgery is scary for everyone. What if something goes wrong? Is it possible you won’t wake up? What if it doesn’t help or makes your condition worse? These questions go through the minds of most people before they agree to a surgical procedure. But, for older patients, there is a higher risk of complications and […]
Tips for Handling Medical Bills
As if dealing with an illness or injury isn’t stressful enough, handling the bills and insurance paperwork can add an additional layer of stress to your life. Maybe the doctor’s office or hospital sent you a bill with a mistake. Or maybe your insurance company unexpectedly denied your claim. No matter your situation, it’s important […]
Benefits of Palliative Care
If you or a loved one are dealing with a serious illness, palliative care might just be the thing you need! Many people have not heard of palliative care or are unsure about the benefits of palliative care. But, it’s worth your time to learn more because the benefits can be tremendous. What is palliative […]