Tell Your Doctor The Truth!

When people go to their doctors for a regular check up or physical, the doctor tends to ask questions which make people nervous or respond with a white lie. Although to many these may just be another white lie, these minor lies can go a long away in affecting your health and future. Recent studies done by The Cleveland Health Clinic explained that the information people are giving to their physicians is how they decide medicine dosage and how to accurately diagnose symptoms.alcohol-meds-190x155

Dr. Neides who spoke about the study done by the Cleveland Health Clinic, he explained, “At the same time, patients must provide accurate, honest information to their physician, he says. Many patients worry about being judged about their alcohol intake. But they should put those fears aside, he says.” Many patients are embarrassed about what their doctors might think of them if they tell them the truth of how much they are drinking or even smoking on a weekly basis.

The study went into depth about how physicians base the amount of a patients drinking habits goes into understanding what medicine they should receive, but if they are not telling the truth, they could severely injure or even die from the wrong medicine dosage. They mentioned in the study, “If you take aspirin and drink, your risk of stomach or intestinal bleeding is increased. Alcohol used with large doses of acetaminophen, a common painkiller, may cause liver damage. Alcohol used with some sleeping pills, pain pills, or anxiety/anti-depression medicine can be deadly.”

Doctors and study suggest telling the truth since it will only better the health in the future and decrease the amount of timely deaths due to wrongful medicine intake. If the number can drop from 10,00 of patients who take medicine with alcohol to a more reasonable number or even cut that in half, great strides would be made.

For more medical and health updates, please visit Scott Filler‘s official website.

Tips to Flu Season

With the seasons changing, comes the yearly Flu epidemic. This year is no different, Flu season is in full effect, and here are some ways to prevent the bug, or for the unlucky ones, recover as quick as possible.

1. Wash your hands

We always tell the children to wash their hands when we often forgot to. This simple task can and will keep you protected and is always a good habit to have in general! 

2. Vitamins, Vitamins, Vitamins

It is important to get your essential vitamins this season, and then some. It will be very easy to feel groggy and tired this winter due to the flu and cold weather. One of the best ways to get out of this rut is to take extra vitamins throughout the day to help boost your immune system and give you that extra kick to get you through the day. The essential vitamins you should try to get a little extra of as Vitamin A, C, D. These will help your body recover from any air-born virus you may catch and essentially be a key factor in not catching the flu virus.

3. Anti-viral herbs (home remedies)

You may not need a doctors note for one of these, but they can truly be a big help in your bodies fight against the flu this Winter. These remedies usually contain many nutrients which are essential to your body when recovering from any sort of illness or just remaining healthy. Which ever family remedy you have, taking it is not a bad idea.

4. Elderberry Syrup

The best way to recover from the flu or any virus is to never get it in the first place. The best kept secret for that is Elderberry syrup, which helps your body fight against viruses before they strike. It can also be taken if you feel a cough or cold coming, if caught early enough, the syrup could potentially stop the virus in its tracks.

5. Get the Flu Shot

The fifth and by far most important tip, get the flu shot. Many people believe they don’t need the shot, but everyone who has access to one, should get one. Many people may be squeamish and are afraid of needles and getting a shot, but the pinch of pain is worth not being sick in bed for weeks.

For a full list of tips, please visit: Chris Kresser 

Measuring Medicine

scottfiller_pillsIn a recent article by Fox News, imprecise measure measurements on certain medications could do more harm than good for you and your family and lead to potentially dangerous dosing mistakes. Results of this study have been posted in Pediatrics Magazine. In these results, experts say that people should use droppers and syringes for precise measurements rather than using spoons. In this study, 300 parents were involved with their children- mostly younger than 9 years old. The young children were treated for various illnesses in New York City hospitals and were sent home with prescriptions for liquid medicines.

Parents were afterwards contacted about the method they used to give their children the medication.  They later came in and demonstrated to doctors how they gave their children the medication. According to the results of the study- “50% were more likely to give their children incorrect doses than those who measured out with more precise devices- such as a dropper.”

Incorrect doses include too much and too little of the medication- and both can be equally as dangerous. Underdosing may not effectively treat an illness and can even lead to medication-resistant infections. On the other hand, overdosing on medication can cause illness and can be life-threatening. About one third of the parents gave the wrong dose and 1 in 6 used a kitchen spoon rather than a more precise device. According to the author: “Outreach is needed to promote the consistent use of millimeter units between prescriptions and bottle labels.”