What to Ask your Doctor at a Check-Up

First of all, there is certain information that you will want to provide your doctor, such as your medical history – including any current or past health conditions. Also discuss your family medical history. Additionally be sure to discuss any allergies you have, paricularly to medications.And speaking of medicaations, be sure to bring a list of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins and herbs you're taking. Before your visit, brainstorm any uestions you may have for your doctor. Some things to ask yourself are: Am I having any health issues or symptoms that I'm concerned about? How long have these symptoms been occuring? Have they changed over time? During your visit use your list of questions as a guide because when you're there more questions may come to mind. Also ask about immuniations and screenings you might need, just as routine and also pertaining to any symptoms you may be having. If there is an issue, ask about treatment options and follow-up visits. Also ask about self-care and any dietary or other restrictions you may need to follow becuase of your condition. A trip to the doctor can be intimidating, but it need not be if you are prepared ahead of time and have an idea of what you want out of the visit. Remember, you are a consumer and the doctor is there to serve your needs so don't be afraid to speak up and ask questions.

How to Find the Right Doctor

Sometimes it isn't easy to know where to go when you need medical help. While some have been lucky enough to have the same doctor for many years, others face the daunting task of find a new practitioner, for whatever the reason. Here are some tips on what to do. Firstly, ask for references. Talk topeople you know and trust. Call local hospitals and medical schools and ask for referrals. Secondly, call around several different places and speak to their doctors. Don't just stop at the very first doctor you find, look around and consider your choices before making a choice. Also, ask the doctors for their credentials. Make sure the doctor has credentials and is licensed. You can call your state's medical licensing board and ask for a background check on the doctor. Be sure that the doctor takes your insurance plan. Be specific and ask if it covers visits, medications, etc. And lastly, trust your gut -- it's usually right. You'll know when you've found the right fit for you.

PROSTATE CANCER: Causes and Prevention

Prostate cancer only affects men. But before we get into causes and prevention -- what is a prostate? The word "prostate" comes from Medieval Latin prostate and Medieval French prostate. The ancient Greek word prostates means "one standing in front", from proistanai meaning "set before". The prostate is so called because of its position - it is at the base of the bladder. This explains why one of the symptoms of prostate cancer is frequent urination. Anyway, back to the prostate. The prostate is an exocrine gland of the male reproductive system, and exists directly under the bladder, in front of the rectum. An exocrine gland is one whose secretions end up outside the body e.g. prostate gland and sweat glands. It is approximately the size of a walnut. There are thousands of tiny glands in the prostate - they all produce a fluid that forms part of the semen. The epithelial cells in the prostate gland produce a protein called PSA (prostate-specific antigen). The PSA helps keep the semen in its liquid state. Some of the PSA escapes into the bloodstream. We can measure a man's PSA levels by checking his blood. If a man's levels of PSA are high, it might be an indication of either prostate cancer or some kind of prostate condition. So what causes prostate cancer? Nobody is really sure of what the specific causes are. There are so many possible factors, including age, race, lifestyle, medications, and genetics, to name a few. Age is certainly a factor -- men over 50 are much more suseptable. Also, Studies indicate that the two faulty genes - BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 - which are important risk factors for breast cancer and ovarian cancer, have also been implicated in prostate cancer risk. Prevention of prostate cancer lies in diet, it appears. A review of diets indicated that the Mediterranean diet may reduce a person's chances of developing prostate cancer. Another study indicates that soy, selenium and green tea, offer additional possibilities for disease prevention - however, a more recent study indicated that combination therapy of vitamin E, selenium and soy does not prevent the progression from high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) to prostate cancer. A diet high in vegetable consumption was found in a study to be beneficial. In addition to diet and nutrients, the single most important preventative is early detection and all men over 50 are urged by doctors to get their prostate tested.

RAW FOOD DIET SAID TO BENEFIT SKIN

The Raw Food Diet promotes the consumption of uncooked, unprocessed, and organic foods in the diet. A raw food diet consists of foods which have not been heated above a certain temperature. The temperature varies depending of how strict the raw food afficionado is. Raw foodies eat raw fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, eggs, fish, meat and unpasteurized dairy products. The Raw Food Diet is a healthy lifestyle with many benefits, one of which is that it's purifying properties clear the skin, offering more youthful and clear skin. Food that is processed, as well as fatty foods can overtax the liver and digestive organs, clogging your colon and capillaries. This process leaves behind metabolic waste that pushes outward through the skin, causing pimples, age spots, and whiteheads and an overall look of unhealthy skin. Eating the Raw food way -- all natural, "clean" foods do not taxt the body in this way, instead cleansing the live and other organs and ultimately producing a bright, fresh complexion. Here is a demonstration of how the Raw Food Diet benefits your skin: