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Going to the doctor for preventive care can help add years to your life. That is because many diseases may be prevented and treated when detected in the early stages. For example, the five-year relative survival rate for breast and prostate cancers is 100 percent when detected in the early stages.

A preventive checkup usually begins with the physician taking a medical history during which the patient can discuss new health concerns and give an update on any existing conditions. It is helpful to write down any questions that need to be addressed so nothing is forgotten. Lifestyle and habits also should be discussed, as well as all medications currently being taken, allergies, previous surgeries and vaccinations. The physical examination part of a checkup includes recording weight, cholesterol level, temperature, blood pressure and pulse. 

Depending on your age and sex, certain routine tests or procedures may be recommended, such as cholesterol, blood pressure or bone density tests, breast or prostate cancer screenings, and colorectal or pelvic exams. Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake is offering a free Women's Health Tests & Screenings slideguide that lists recommended health exams and preventive care tips for women. Call 866-764-3627 for your handy pocket guide today.

Patients should choose a doctor who addresses their health care needs and provides quality care. Other factors to consider include the physician’s office location and hours of service, insurance accepted, training and accreditation, languages spoken, privileges at hospital of choice, and overall approach to patient care. For more information about selecting a physician or for a free referral to an experienced physician on the medical staff at Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake, call 800-877-2525 or visit DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/Physician.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake
214-324-6100

www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

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When you’re not feeling well, you may reach for some type of medicine whether it’s an over-the-counter medicine like aspirin for fever or a prescription medicine from your doctor.

There are things you can do to ensure that you are using medicines safely. All medications have benefits, but they also have potential risks. Here are some ways you can understand the benefits and risks of the medications you take.

  • Keep a list of all medicines that you take. This list should include any prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal remedies. Include information about how much of the medicine you take and how often you take it. Be sure to list medicines that you only take when needed. For instance, if you take an over-the-counter allergy medicine during pollen season, write that down. Take this list with you each time you visit your doctor so that you can discuss the medicines with your doctor. You also may want to keep this list with you in your purse or wallet in case you need emergency medical care.
  • If you use more than one pharmacy, make sure that each pharmacy knows what medicines you are on. The pharmacist can help look for potential interactions with your medicines that might lead to unwanted or even dangerous side effects.
  • Ensure your doctor and pharmacist know of any allergic reactions or severe side effects you have to medications. You should make sure this information is entered into your patient records and include it on your medication list.
  • Read the label carefully and follow the directions. This is especially important if you are getting up during the night to take a medication or giving medicine to your child.
  • Make sure you understand exactly how you should take each medication. Ask your doctor if the medication is taken at specific intervals (such as every eight hours). Find out if you need to take the medicine on an empty stomach or with meals. Ask what you should do if you miss a dose of the medication.
  • Don’t take someone else’s medicine or take medicine that is past its expiration date. You should check your medicine cabinet and dispose of any medicines that are past their expiration date.
  • Use antibiotics wisely. Antibiotics work against bacterial infections not viruses. Don’t expect your doctor to prescribe an antibiotic for every cold or sniffle. If you are given a prescription, you must take all of the medication exactly as prescribed. Don’t stop taking the medicine just because you feel better. Improper use of antibiotics is helping bacteria become resistant to different types of drugs, which makes them harder to treat.
  • Store medicines properly. Some medicines must be kept refrigerated. You should keep medicines in a cool, dry location – which usually means the bathroom is not the best place to store medicines. It’s also important to keep medicines away from small children.
  • Think about medication safety even if you are in the hospital. Ask what medicines you are being given. Make certain the nurse checks your nametag and compares it to the medicine you are given. If a medication that you normally take looks different, ask why. It may be a generic. Remind the hospital staff about any allergic reactions you may have had and be sure to tell the nurse and your doctor if you seem to be experiencing any side effects.

By working together, you and your health care team can help ensure that your medications will work for you. If you’d like to learn more about medication safety, go to The Institute for Safe Medication Practices at http://www.ismp.org.

http://doctorshospitaldallas.staywellsolutionsonline.com/InteractiveTools/Quizzes/40,PrescriptionQuiz

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake
214 324-6100

www.doctorshospitaldallas.com

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The image of the old family doctor who treated the grandparents, parents and children has become a thing of the past. In today’s mobile society few people keep the same doctor throughout their lives. We are on the move – across town, the state or even the country. We change jobs and insurance plans, which may mean changing doctors.

Choosing the right doctor for you and your family may be one of the most important decisions you make. The doctor-patient relationship should be a partnership that involves open, honest communication. You should work together with your doctor to make the best health care decisions for you and your family.

Before looking for a physician, it may first help to think about what you want and need.

  • Do you need a primary care doctor who can provide care for you and your children? Or would separate physicians for the adults and for the children be better?
  • Do you have special health needs that should be addressed?
  • Are you looking for a doctor who takes a personal interest in patients or one with a more business-like approach?
  • Do you prefer a male or female doctor?
  • What age range should your doctor be in?
  • Where should your doctor’s office be located?

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake offers free a physician referral service that is designed to match your needs and preferences with doctors in your area. We can match callers and doctors based on a wide range of criteria, including area of specialization, office locations, health insurance, physician age and board certifications. With more than 500 experienced physicians on our medical staff, we can help you find the right doctor for you and your family. For a free physician referral, call 800-887-2525 or visit DoctorsHospitalDallas.com/Physician.

Doctors Hospital at White Rock Lake
214 324-6100

www.doctorshospitaldallas.com