Early Warning Signs of Kidney Disease You Should Never Ignore
A lot of
people have been forced to spend their life fortunes on renal replacement
therapies, such as dialysis, and very expensive drugs while waiting endlessly
in line for a kidney transplant which may never materialize before the disease
becomes fatal and the ultimate end comes, that’s even without considering the
pains and social alienation associated with the disease.
However,
you don’t have to wait to come down with a kidney disease before you know that
there are some of your habits that damage the kidneys which you should stop
right now – this goes to say that prevention is better than cure.
The second
part of the management strategy of kidney diseases is early detection and
treatment – these are the best tools for slowing or halting the progression of
kidney disease.
The kidneys
are very vital organs in the body – they don’t only remove toxic wastes from
the body, they also remove excess fluids from the body, regulate blood pressures,
maintain the levels of vital nutrients such as calcium, potassium, sodium and
phosphate; and also produce red blood cells and contribute to bone strength.
Kidney
disease occurs when there are certain conditions in the body which leads to
damage of the kidneys, which make them ineffective in performing their vital
functions.
Below are
early warning signs of kidney diseases which you should never ignore:
Feeling more
tired than usual – When the kidneys are functioning properly, they produce a
hormone, called erythropoietin, which helps produce red blood cells. Red blood
cells help transport oxygen throughout the body, which is vital for energy. If the
kidneys are not working as they should, they are not able to produce the proper
hormones, and the number of red blood cells decline, leading to a reduction in
oxygen flow through the body and loss of energy. This may also cause feeling of
dizziness, headaches and inability to concentrate.
Changes in
urination – This include changes in urine output which may range from urinating
more frequently, including waking up during sleep to urinate, to urinating less
often. And when you do urinate, there are other things that might be wrong such
as a change in urine color, usually turning darker, or passing blood in urine.
High blood
pressure –The relationship between high blood pressure and kidney disease is a
vicious cycle: high blood pressure causes damage to blood vessels within the
kidneys making the kidneys unable to remove to properly remove sodium and
fluids from the body. With the buildup of excess sodium and fluids in the body,
blood pressure is raised even further, which then causes even more damage to
the kidneys.
Swelling of
face, hands and/or feet – When the kidneys are under stress, they are not able
to effectively rid the body of fluids and toxins. These fluids and toxins then
gradually accumulate in dependent parts of the body which usually manifest as
facial swelling and puffy eyes upon awakening, or swelling of the ankles and
feet.
Nausea or
vomiting – With the build-up of toxins in the body, with the inability of the
kidney to get rid of toxins, the body naturally will want to get rid of these
toxins by other means: and one of these is by vomiting or feeling of wanting to
vomit (nausea).
Severe
itching not related to a bite or rash – Another way the body tries to get rid
of accumulated toxins in the blood is by pushing them into the skin. These
cause severe itching.
Shortness of
breath or feeling that you can’t catch your breath – This is due to
accumulation of fluid in the lungs, due to the inability of the kidneys to get
rid of the excess fluid in the body, which makes breathing very difficult.
Ammonia
breath and metallic taste – When the kidneys are not functioning properly, the
level of urea in the blood increases. This urea is broken down to ammonia in
the saliva causing urine-like bad breath called ammonia breath. It is also
usually associated with an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth and loss of
appetite due to a change in the way foods taste.
Pain in the
back or sides – Some cases of kidney disease may cause pain. You may feel a
severe cramping pain that spreads from the lower back into the groin if there
is a kidney stone in the ureter.
If you have
any of these symptoms, please speak to your doctor about the health of your
kidneys to reduce your chance of getting severe kidney problems.
What You Must Know About Lumps in the Breasts
Finding a lump in your breast may leave you
with cold sweat. But here’s a reassuring fact: it usually isn't cancer.
If it’s not cancer, what could it be? Here
is how to figure out what’s up – common breast symptoms and what to do about
them.
SOFT LUMP – A soft, smooth, round lump (like a grape) that moves a little
when you press on it and may cause pain when touched, it may be small or large,
could be a cyst, or sac filled with natural fluid. It is caused by hormone
changes around your period. As much as 30 percent of women between 35 and 50
get soft lumps in their breasts at one time or the other.
Get
an ultrasound to see if the lump is filled with fluid or solid (and possibly
cancerous). Your doctor can insert a needle to drain fluid and relieve pressure
if the cyst is painful (although it may come back). Taking the Pill may lower
the incidence of cysts.
Fluid
leaking from both nipples could be milky
discharge. It could be caused by a thyroid or pituitary gland problem. Other
obvious causes are pregnancy, birth control pills, or nipple stimulation.
Talk
to you doctor, if it’s a gland problem, it’s usually treatable with
medications.
SOFT MASS – A soft, lumpy mass about 1 to 4 inches wide, accompanied by
tenderness in one or both breasts before your period could be symptoms of
fibrotic changes going on in the breasts. It is caused by fluctuations in
estrogen and progesterone, which can thicken breast tissue. The problem affects
more than 50 percent of women and often comes and goes until menopause.
Reduce
pain by taking paracetamol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen, or by wearing a
supportive bra. Limiting fat and caffeine in your diet may help too. Talk to
your doctor if symptoms persist.
HARD MASS – A hard solid mass that has irregular or jagged sides, as opposed
to smooth edges, which usually won’t move or “give” when you push it could be
cancerous tumor. Nobody knows for sure what causes it though age and family
history are risk factors, and studies have shown that having 2 alcoholic drinks
per day ups your risk by 10 percent.
The
best thing to do is to call your doctor and get a mammogram.
HARD LUMP – A hard, round, clearly-defined lump (which could be very small or
up to 5 inches wide) that can be moved under the skin without any pain could be
a fibroadenoma. It is caused by changing hormone levels. These benign tumors
are as common as cysts, bit they are not unusual among women in their 20s and
30s.
Get
a mammogram. A biopsy is probably unnecessary, according to the latest
research, but check with your doctor. Surgical removal is an option if the
tumor is large.
Though, if you find a lump in your breast, chances are it may not be serious, you should always talk to your doctor about changes in your breasts. Meanwhile you should cultivate habits that help prevent breast cancer.
3 Tricks To Improve Your Memory
Yet chances are... you might just be sabotaging your mind's best efforts to perform at its peak!
Here are 3 brain training tips that experts recommend to develop your brain to the fullest capacity:
1. Learn your learning style - Are you a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner?
... By knowing which category you fall into, you'll be able to hone your learning skills - absorbing information faster and more naturally than when you feel as though the process is forced.
2. Prioritize uninterrupted sleep - It might go without saying, but it's always better to get a good night's rest than not.
...Your brain is particularly affected by the amount (or lack) of uninterrupted sleep you get each night.
3. Don't skip breakfast - again... this goes without saying but a proper nutritious breakfast not just fight away hunger pangs but gives your brain the required energy to improve concentration
and improve focus.
... It's important what you choose to eat as this can backfire -so you'll want to have the habit of eating healthier/brain-friendly foods!
That's just some of the basic essential "common-sense" tips to developing your brain...
9 Symptoms Women Should Never Ignore
However, there are some subtle symptoms which are pointers
to serious underlying conditions that every woman should know and should never
ignore. These include –
Extreme fatigue – If you find that you're exhausted and
can't get your energy back with rest, exercise, and a healthy diet, you should schedule
an exam with your doctor. Extreme fatigue can
signal an array of different issues, including depression, thyroid conditions,
diabetes — even congestive heart failure or cancer. As a woman, it’s crucial
for all women to pay attention to their bodies so they can tune in to any
potential problems.
Abdominal pain – A little abdominal pain once in a while is
probably not a big deal but when the pain become persistent and located in one
specific part of the abdomen, then you should not ignore it and you need to see
your doctor immediately. It could be a symptom of appendicitis, a stomach ulcer, or a problem
with the gallbladder and not just “a painful gas”.
Chest pain – Anytime you feel pain or pressure in your
chest, you should not take it lightly; though it may not be a heart attack but
it may be a sign that you have a coronary heart disease. So whenever you have
pain or pressure in your chest, you should see a doctor immediately, you should
never take chest pain lightly.
Palpitations – This is the undue awareness of the heartbeat.
Palpitations may be a sign that there is insufficient oxygen in your blood, a
disease of the valves of the heart or hyperthyroidism (a condition in which the
thyroid gland produces excessive hormones) – all of these are not conditions
you should ever joke with as they can be rapidly fatal, so you should see a
doctor immediately to check the health of your heart.
Painful sex – If sex hurts, pay attention: Your body could
be trying to tell you something. Painful sex can signal a number of
gynaecological problems, including a vaginal infection, changes in your
hormones, or a condition such as endometriosis. So if you find that intercourse
is uncomfortable or just plain painful, schedule a visit with your doctor to
identify the cause.
Severe headaches – There may be more to persistent, painful,
hard-to-relieve headaches than migraines. It could be a symptom of a stroke, severe
high blood pressure, an infection in the brain, a tumour, or an aneurysm. So,
if can’t seem to get a lid on your headaches, you should see a doctor as soon
as possible.
Breast lump – You should learn how to do a self-breast
examination, and do it every month just after your period. If you feel a
suspicious breast lump, schedule an appointment with your doctor, promptly, to
examine your breasts and determine the cause of the lump.
Shortness of breath – Shortness of breath is a common
symptom of cardiac disease and can even indicate an impending heart attack,
especially when it is associated with fatigue, dizziness and other symptoms. So
if you find that you are short breath, you should seek medical attention
immediately.
Difficulties with sleep – Sleep disturbances, especially difficulty
breathing at night, may also be a symptom of a cardiac event (like a heart
attack), a weakened heart muscle, or even asthma. So if you are having troubles
with your sleep, you should talk to your doctor about what could be keeping you
awake at night.
10 Habits That Can Weaken Your Immune System
Here are a
few bad habits that can sabotage your immune system and reduce your body to
fight germs and diseases:
Smoking –
Cigarettes damages your first line of defense, the linings of your mouth
and your nose, which are actually part of your immune system, making you more susceptible
to cold and flu. Smoking can also cause your immune system to attack your lung
tissues, worsening chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder, or COPD, an
incurable respiratory condition. This is another reason why you should consider
giving up cigarette.
Lack of sleep – Getting adequate sleep helps the body to be
rested and prepared to fight infections, and lack of sleep increases your
chances of developing many conditions such as depression, diabetes, and
obesity. You can fight off infection while asleep! You should average about 7
to 9 hours of sleep every night, and you can then look forward to its benefits
on your health.
Too much alcohol – Drinking too much alcohol can wear away
the linings of your mouth and oesophagus, making it easier for viruses and
bacteria to enter your body and make you sick. Women who drink alcohol should
limit their intake to one drink per day, while men should have no more than two
per day.
Too much stress – Stress, whether from work, personal
commitments, or other sources, can weaken the body’s immune response and make
you more likely to come down with cold, flu, and other viral infections. To
de-stress and stay healthy, try exercising for 30 minutes a day or practicing
deep breathing — both can diminish the effects of stress on your body and boost
your immune system.
Bad eating habits – Eating foods with too much sugar or not
enough fruits and vegetables can impair your immune function. It can also cause
you to be overweight, a condition that makes you more susceptible to disease.
For optimal immune system, your diet should include plenty of fruits,
vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat milk.
Risky sexual behaviours – Unsafe sexual behaviours can put
you at greater risk for human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, a condition that
weakens the immune system and hampers the body’s ability to fight infections.
Having multiple sexual partners and vaginal, oral, or anal sex without using
condoms increases your risk of becoming HIV-positive.
Lack of exercise – Regular exercise can bolster your immune
system by enhancing its ability to create antibodies and T-cells, which are
white blood cells that help the body fight disease. As little as 20 minutes of
walking five days a week can help your immune system perform at its best.
Not getting vaccines - If you want to avoid illnesses like
the flu, shingles, and other preventable diseases, conquer your fear of needles
and go get a shot. One of the easiest ways to avoid certain illnesses is by
getting vaccinated against them.
Keeping to yourself – People who keep to themselves are more
likely to suffer from depression, and people with depression are more likely to
have imbalances in certain immune-system substances. These imbalances can
increase the risk of developing illnesses like heart disease and insulin
resistance. So socialize and keep yourself healthy, and if you think you are at
risk of depression, talk to your doctor.
6 Ways You Can Prevent Diabetes
Diabetes
causes much more than just a small increase in sugar level; in fact, it’s a cause
of major morbidities such as nerve, kidney, eye and heart damage, and making a
few simple lifestyle and dietary changes can help you avoid these serious
health complications associated with diabetes.
Engage in regular
physical activities – You need at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, 5 days a
week to enjoy the benefit of regular exercise; and if you can make it 1 hour a
day, it’s even better. With exercise, you reduce your risk of diabetes by as
much as 50%. Studies have revealed that exercise also lowers blood sugar and
keeps it down for several hours after the exercise which also contributes to
preventing diabetes.
And you even stand a chance of staying healthier as
exercise have been proven to also enhance your immune system by getting your
lymph system moving, it helps build muscle and bones, improves heart and lung
efficiency, reduces stress, burns fat, raises your metabolism and generally
keeps your body young.
Shed some
weight - Studies have shown that overweight adults reduced their risk of
diabetes by 16 percent for every kilogram (2.2 pounds) of weight lost. Also,
those who lose at least 5 to 10 percent of initial body weight and exercise
regularly reduced the risk of developing diabetes by almost 60 percent over 3
years.
No smoking -
Smoking is not only associated with the development of diabetes but it also
contributes to heart disease and causes lung cancer. Carcinogens in cigarettes
have also been proven to have destructive effects on the pancreas (the body
organ that produces insulin), thereby reducing the amount of insulin produced
by your body; stop smoking today and enjoy a better glucose control.
Cut back on
fat and sugar – Processed and fried foods are particularly unhealthy and the
fats and carbohydrates found in them undermine your health. Saturated fats have
been shown to contribute to heart disease and type 2 diabetes. So you should
ensure that you get less than 7% of your total fat intake from saturated fats
and less than 200 milligrams of cholesterol in your daily diet. Also, avoid
eating foods made with sugar, bleached (white) flour and other refined
carbohydrates such as white rice and dry cereals in order to help in preventing
diabetes.
Foods rich in fiber have more benefits in the prevention of diabetes.
Fiber will go a long way in preventing diabetes because it helps to buffer high
amounts of sugar or carbohydrates in your diet, keeping your blood sugar even
rather than having it gyrate wildly up and down. Foods high in fiber include
fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, nuts and seeds, oatmeal or oat bran.
Say goodbye
to alcohol - Alcoholic beverages contain refined carbohydrates that are quickly
absorbed into the body so they contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes
by quickly raising blood sugar to unhealthy levels thus overworking the cells
that regulate blood sugar. Besides, alcohol have been shown to increase the
risk of stroke and kidney disease; so beside preventing diabetes, you will be
doing yourself a world of good by putting a lid on alcohol consumption – if you
must drink at all, drink water!
Get support
– Family support is very essential in the prevention (even in management) of
diabetes. Friends, relatives and support groups can help stick to your new
healthy lifestyle which may not be too interesting initially.
Diabetes
can be very devastating when complications set in, so prevent it as much as you
can.
10 Health Mistakes that Everyone Makes
How is our health affected by our everyday routines?Driving with the windows down, forgetting to floss, and over-exercising can have more serious consequences than you may think, and just a few simple changes to your daily routine could potentially save your life. Here are 10 of the most common health mistakes that everyone makes:
Health mistake 1: Driving with the windows down
We feel pretty content cruising up the motorway with the wind blowing through our hair on a warm day, but we never spare a thought for our poor lungs as we breathe in the harmful pollutants emitted by cars. A study from the University of Southern California has found that spending a mere six per cent of our day driving in the car with the windows down exposes us to around 45 per cent of the pollutants that we encounter in 24 hours – that's a lot of pollutants to come into contact with in such a short amount of time. In cities, driving with the windows down poses an even higher threat to your health. Instead of winding the windows down during a traffic-ridden commute, try letting some fresh air in before you start your journey and save having the wind blowing through your hair for your voyage through the countryside.
Health mistake 2: Carrying a heavy handbag
You've packed your makeup, baby wipes, phone, purse and keys. And your camera too (were you planning on taking pictures of anything interesting during your trip to the chemist?) Oh, good to see you brought the old batteries from the remote – never know when you might need them. Those broken headphones could come in handy – thank goodness they found their way in there too. Erm, ladies (and gentleman, if you're quite partial to carrying a 'manbag') do you really need all this stuff? Surely these 'essentials' could be cut down a bit? Lugging a heavy load around can really take its toll on your health by causing back spasms, disc degeneration, neck problems, arthritis, and poor posture. Spring clean your handbags and manbags, and possibly consider trading them in for a smaller version.
Health mistake 3: Spending too long exercising
It's pretty common to think that the more time we spend on the exercise bike, the better. The truth is, too much of a good thing can be counterproductive and that goes for exercise too. Working your body too hard can lead to abnormal hormonal changes (which can trigger weight gain), a weaker immune system, muscle damage, shin splints, and knee, foot, or back problems. Whilst it's important to reap the benefits of exercise for a healthy lifestyle, don't go overboard; expecting abs like Arnold Schwarzenegger on week two of your workout routine isn't going to happen and it isn't going to be healthy.
Health mistake 4: Scrimping on sleep
You've crammed everything you can possibly fit into twenty four hours and more, when suddenly you look at the clock and it's way past the time you hoped to go to bed and closer to the time you need to get up for work. Scientific research has proven that we look less attractive when we've had little sleep, but droopy eyelids and pasty skin are the least of our worries when it comes to our habit of scrimping on sleep. No matter how healthy you are, how much you exercise, or how much you weigh, getting too little shut-eye can seriously affect your health. Scientists studied 5,600 people of a healthy weight and size for three years and found those who skipped sleep quadrupled their risk of stroke and heart disease. Fix a specific time to go to bed and stick to it.
Health mistake 5: Avoiding the scales
In many households across the world, the scales are the one piece of equipment gathering more dust than the treadmill. A common way to gloss over our weight problems is to avoid going on the scales altogether; we go by the mantra “If I don't see that I've gained weight, then I don't have to believe it”. If you feel like you've gained weight, it's best to face the facts to see how much you've gained so you can do something about it before it gets out of hand. Everyone's weight naturally fluctuates so don't panic if you've gained a couple of pounds here and there, but if you gain more than five pounds, you should probably reign in your eating habits. Checking your weight on a regular basis allows you to nip it in the bud if you discover a weight problem – losing the odd few pounds is much easier than trying to shed a stone.
Health mistake 6: Silent worrying
You worry about the meeting at work, you worry about putting the bins out, you worry that you might forget to feed the cat, and it's really getting you down. Whilst stress can be positive in helping to keep you alert and avoid danger, too much of it can be detrimental to your health. Endless worrying eventually leads to distress which causes headaches, high blood pressure, an upset stomach, chest pain, and sleep deprivation. Whilst it's natural to worry when you have a deadline looming, panicking too much about petty things needs to be sorted. When you're worrying, ask yourself a few simple questions and answer them as honestly as you can. Will you still be worrying about this in a couple of week's time? Can this problem be easily resolved? If you can't let it go, tackle the problem head on until it is resolved. If you can learn how to control your worrying, you're well on your way to a happier, healthier lifestyle.
Health mistake 7: Stopping medicines suddenly
Most of us are guilty of this one; we're feeling much better and stop taking our medication, but suddenly end up feeling a whole lot worse. How often do you consider the health risks of this? Depending on the medicine you are taking, going 'cold turkey' can cause all sorts of health risks which range from mild, to moderate, or serious. Discontinuing your medicine suddenly can cause mild headaches, rapid return of the illness that you were treating, and seizures, to name only a few. Abruptly stopping certain medications can be life threatening, so keep taking it until your doctor tells you to stop, and when you do get the 'all clear' take medical advice when you're discontinuing them.
Health mistake 8: Forgetting to floss
Flossing is a key component when it comes to oral hygiene, but it's a step that many of us skip because we don't feel much different whether we floss or not. It's worth changing your routine though, because plaque between the teeth can be more serious than you may think. If the bacteria finds its way into the blood stream it can cause chronic inflammation and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and premature birth. The cosmetic implications of not flossing are another obvious concern; unless you would like to lose all your teeth in favour of some rapper-style gold ones, it's recommended that you floss at least once a day to stop your pearly whites from being weakened by plaque and eventually falling out. It looks like we need to start brushing up (get it?) on our dental hygiene routines for the good of our health.
Health mistake 9: Skipping breakfast
Skipping your breakfast and then continuing with your day is like trying to drive your car with a very low tank of fuel – it will feel fine to start with but eventually slow down and cut out. Not only will you feel less active and sluggish, skipping breakfast – whether it is due to lack of time or fear of putting on weight – is linked with a higher risk of diabetes and can lead to obesity as your body stores up more fat to use as fuel throughout the rest of the day. Eat breakfast to feel happier, more functional and, most of all, healthy.
Health mistake 10: Drinking water from the warm tap
“Throw salt over your left shoulder”, “say 'white rabbits' at the start of each month”, “never drink water from the warm tap” – you'd be forgiven for thinking that the latter statement was an old wives' tale like the others, but scientists suggest that drinking water from the warm tap could cause lead poisoning. Lead can enter some water systems – normally homes that were built before 1930 – from corroded plumbing work, but drinking high levels of it can have potential health risks, particularly in children where it can lead to brain damage. Although scientists emphasise that the risks of lead poisoning are small, it's recommended that you use the cold tap for preparing baby formula, drinking, and cooking.
Nigerian Youths Selling Their Kidneys in Asia for $30,000
When they come back less one kidney with a fistful of dollars they don't remove their under shirts when they make love and you will find them drinking bottled water while they buy Moet champagne for their friends.
You too may have the opinion as this, "At least is better ...if they do this without hurting no one ...they use what they have to get what they don't have...to me is better than money rituals ...." but before you take to this new venture, you should at least read these:
10 Common Habits That Damage the Kidneys
Early Warning Signs of Kidney Disease You Should Never Ignore
Hospitals May Be Hazardous to Your Health
Do you know
our big, complex, modern health care system can sometimes make you sickler? Believe
it or not, it’s the terrifying truth!
The numbers
are frightening – more than 100,000 people a year are dying from medical errors
and millions are being injured. From ERs to operating rooms, even well-baby
nurseries, the figures are comparable.
Common medical
mistakes ranges from surgery on wrong patient or wrong body part, surgical
materials left in a patient, artificial insemination with the wrong sperm or egg,
harm from malfunctioning equipment, getting your medication late, getting
someone’s else medications….the list goes on and on.
Why Are Hospitals So Risky?
Hospitals have
always been dangerous places but there’s now a perfect storm for factors that
is putting too many patients at risk. These include:
- 1. Hospitals acquired infections are now on the rise – The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria like methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has transformed hospital-acquired infections from manageable risks to major killers. More than 1.7millions patients are affected yearly and more than 99,000 of them die.
- 2. Nurses are spread too thin – People are likely to make mistakes when they are multitasking, distracted, and tired – and the sad reality is that, nurses today are always in that situation. The high turnover and vacancy rates in nursing mean you’re more likely than ever to have an overstretched nurse at the other end of the call button attending to you.
- 3. Doctors are working shorter shifts – Studies have found that patients are 5 times more likely to have an “adverse event” – any injury caused by medical care – when covered by a doctor who didn’t know them.
- 1. Look for the right hospital. If your child needs a procedure, seek out a children’s hospital or one that have a dedicated children unit. In a truly dedicated children’s hospital or department, there won’t be potential dangers like adult medications and adult devices around. When kids and adults are together, the chances of mix-up of the two goes up. Besides, in a kid specific facility, it’s more likely that a whole team – surgeons, anesthetists and nurses – will be trained in the unique challenges of pediatric care. The same principle applies to other special care you might require.
- 2. Is it high tech. Look for a hospital that is investing in technology that cuts errors such as the use of a CPOE – Computerized Physician Order Entry – system, which reduce drug errors; bar code on drugs to lower dispensing mistakes; smart IV pumps for delivering intravenous medications accurately; and “smart monitoring”, a computer that alert staff when help is needed.
- 3. Do backgrounds check. Find out what your friends, family, co-workers, and neighbors think of area hospitals.
- 4. Be friendly – but not too friendly. Stay congenial with the hospital staff, but save the chitchat until after the staff have administered your medications or checked your vitals. Even little interruptions can be distracting enough to cause a slipup.
- 5. Insist on hand washing. It’s a must before any provider puts in or removes an IV or a catheter, gives you medication, or changes a dressing. Before you are touched, the first question should be, “Did you washed your hands?”
- 6. Ask questions. Anytime something is being done for you – a nurse hanging medication (for an IV), an orderly wheeling you out for a test – you should understand why. If you don’t, ask to speak with a physician.
- 7. Ask for a relative to be with you. One simple way to lower your risk of medical errors is to bring a family member or friend with you, to the hospital, to act as your advocate. NEVER! NEVER! go into the hospital, even for a minor procedure, alone.
In case of
an error was committed in your medical management, steps you can take include:
You should
do this not because you are being vindictive or get someone punished but
because you are trying to prevent the same error occurring to another person
and this is the best way you can do that.
