Changing a bandage after surgery is not difficult. However, it is important that the dressing change be done correctly in order to protect an incision andprevent infection. Unless your surgeon has given you specific instructions on when to change your bandage, plan to do it daily or more often if it is visibly dirty or wet.If it’s difficult for you to do this on your own, ask for help. Science Photo Library / Getty Images...

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhen to ChangeFinding a New DoctorSwitching DoctorsTransferring RecordsStarting Anew Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents When to Change Finding a New Doctor Switching Doctors Transferring Records Starting Anew You have the right to switch healthcare providers, but it can be difficult to know how to change doctors in a way that ensures there are no breaks in your care. There are many reasons why you might want to change, including problems with communications, long wait times, cost and convenience, or changes in your health that fall outside of the scope of a provider’s practice....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhere to StartAge of the DoctorLength of PracticeHospital AffiliationsInvolvement in ResearchPersonality and Attitudes Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Where to Start Age of the Doctor Length of Practice Hospital Affiliations Involvement in Research Personality and Attitudes One important step inchoosing the right doctoris to do a background check on that physician. You can research a doctor’s credentials to be sure he or she is competent to take care of you....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhy It’s ImportantCheck Your SourcesCheck CertificationCheck Rating WebsitesCheck LicensureCheck for MalpracticeIf a Doctor Isn’t ListedSummary Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Why It’s Important Check Your Sources Check Certification Check Rating Websites Check Licensure Check for Malpractice If a Doctor Isn’t Listed Summary Board certificationis important as it confirms that adoctor of medicine or osteopathyhas completed training in a particular medical subspecialty and has the credentials, qualifications, and expertise to treat your medical condition....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsX-RaysBarium SwallowCT ScanUpper GI EndoscopyEsophageal ManometryEsophageal pH MonitoringSelf DiagnosisClassificationDifferential DiagnosisNext in Hiatal Hernia GuideHow a Hiatal Hernia Is Treated Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents X-Rays Barium Swallow CT Scan Upper GI Endoscopy Esophageal Manometry Esophageal pH Monitoring Self Diagnosis Classification Differential Diagnosis Next in Hiatal Hernia Guide Diagnosing a hiatal hernia involves imaging studies like X-rays, CT scans, and endoscopy. Although severe hiatal hernias might be evident for self-diagnosis, most are much too small to be felt and a healthcare provider will need to run tests....

Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Breast Anatomy Breast Self-Exams: Do They Work? General Tips If You Find a Lump Frequently Asked Questions It’s important that every woman knows how to do a breast self-examination (BSE), as it can help in early detection of breast cancer, such as lumps, nipple changes, and more. Being familiar with what is normal for you will make it easier to recognize any new developments....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsHow to CheckFrequencyWhy You Can’t Feel StringsWhat to Do NextLong StringsFrequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents How to Check Frequency Why You Can’t Feel Strings What to Do Next Long Strings Frequently Asked Questions When you have anintrauterine device (IUD)placed, your healthcare provider will walk you through how to check your IUD strings each month. These are the two plastic threads that hang from the device....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Medical Malpractice?How Do I Find Complaints?Background SearchesMaking Decisions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents What Is Medical Malpractice? How Do I Find Complaints? Background Searches Making Decisions Malpractice suits may be filed if a patient experiencesinjury, harm, or death due to inappropriate medical care. In 2023, there were 10,172 medical malpractice payment reports filed with the Health Resources and Services Administration in the United States....

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsMeasuring Heart RateInterpreting ResultsWhen to See a Healthcare ProviderFrequently Asked Questions Table of ContentsView All View All Table of Contents Measuring Heart Rate Interpreting Results When to See a Healthcare Provider Frequently Asked Questions Your heart rate is the number of times your heart beats in one minute. While heart rate normally increases with activity, your resting heart rate (the number of times that your heart beats in one minute while you are sitting at rest) is an indicator of yourheart function....

Although the thought of sitting in a dentist’s chair makes some people anxious, the potential cost also drives many away. If you have an offer of dental insurance through your employer—or you can afford to purchase it for yourself—you’ll want to choose a plan that covers the dental care you and your family will need now and in the future. This article will explain how to compare dental plans, and the important points to keep in mind when you’re selecting a dental plan....

Facial fillers, also known as dermal fillers, are used to temporarily make a person’s face appear rested, rejuvenated, and younger. These injections can plump thinning lips, give eyebrows a lift, enhance cheekbones, erase under-eye circles, and smooth smile lines. Dermal fillers can be injected in less than an hour and require little to no downtime afterward. Side effects can include mild bruising, swelling, or redness at the injection site, but serious side effects—including skin or other tissue damage or vision loss—can occur....

Key TakeawaysSome studies suggest long-term exposure to chemical ingredients in some sunscreens can be toxic and more research is ongoing.Experts say sunscreen sold in the U.S. is safe and effective at preventing skin cancers.Compared to Europe, the U.S. has relatively few approved active ingredients for use in sunscreen, which limits alternative options. Key Takeaways Some studies suggest long-term exposure to chemical ingredients in some sunscreens can be toxic and more research is ongoing....

Choosing the best soap for your face can be confusing. Should you pick a bar soap or a liquid soap? A foaming solution or a non-foaming solution? Or should you go with a facial cloth? Not too long ago, the only choices that you had in terms of facial cleansers were bar soaps and cold creams. Now, entire store aisles are devoted to various facial-cleansing options. These tips may help you figure out which kind of soap is best for your face....