MAKING AN APPOINTMENT WITH A DOCTOR

The relationship between you and your doctor should be one of open communication and complete trust -- a two-way street of listening and discussion. Things you need to know.

1. Don't wait until you are sick to pick a doctor. You may be rushed and possibly too sick to make a good decision.

2. It's actually a good idea to have a friend or family member present during doctor's visits so they can take notes or help you remember what the doctor said.

3. If you are worried you will forget something important from a doctor's office visit, bring a tape recorder with a blank tape and fresh batteries to your next appointment. A cell phone with recording capability will also work.

4. Bring any X-rays or pathology reports to a doctor's appointment. If these tests were performed at a hospital or clinic that does not release files directly to you, make sure they will send that information to your doctor's office prior to your visit so he can review it ahead of time.

5. Prior to an appointment with your doctor, prepare your questions, bring the list with you and write down your doctor's answers during your appointment. This ensures you will remember all the questions you had, and you will get the most from your appointment.

6. When booking a doctor's appointment, always try to get the first appointment of the day. At that time, things haven't had a chance to become backed up, and you'll spend less time waiting.

7. A doctor’s time is limited: the average office visit is estimated to last 15 minutes.

8. If you have a lot to discuss during a particular visit, tell the office receptionist so he or she can help. You may also consider asking if you can have two consecutive appointments. Finally, befriend the office nurses and the administrators -- they can make your life much easier when dealing with the doctor.

9. In addition to any questions you may have and past lab results, you should also bring a baggie filled with every medication, vitamin, herb or whatever else you take regularly (in the original bottles or containers) and a copy of your health profile to your appointment.

10. A health profile is one or more forms that lists pertinent health information: current and past medical problems, family health history, as well as current medications or supplements.

11. The best way to start a doctor's appointment is by providing a concise background of your symptoms. Although you may need to discuss several issues, it's best to start with just one.

12. You should tell your doctor if an explanation, description or word is unfamiliar. Ask your doctor to explain it in more simple terms.

13. You may have several more questions at each doctor's visit, but these three should always be asked: How is my overall health?; Are there any tests I should have based on my age or for other reasons?; Do you have any recommendations about lifestyle modifications I should make?

14. It's crucial to be honest about your medical history and compliance (or not) with the doctor's treatment or prescription. Doctors can act only on what they're told. If you're not honest, Doctors will not be able to treat you properly; Doctors will not be able to diagnose your condition properly; Doctors will think the treatment or prescription they suggested for you is not working.

15. If you don't feel comfortable with your doctor, he's probably not the best doctor for you. In order to work, a doctor-patient relationship has to be open and trusting.

16. If your doctor isn't providing the right kind of care, find another one. Physicians provide a service, and if you're not happy or comfortable with it, it is your right to seek better care elsewhere.

17. Some people are told they have "white coat hypertension." This means the patient's blood pressure may be elevated at the doctor’s office or clinic, but not at home or at other times.

18. Some patients take their prescription medicines only as long as the doctor's white coat remains vivid in their minds. About half of patients who need drugs long-term stop taking their medications within six months of their last doctor visit. This is called "white coat non-compliance."

19. Patient non-compliance happens when the patient does not take prescription medications as directed by the doctor. Reasons may include cost, a fear of becoming addicted to the medication and side effects, as well as forgetting to take medications on time.

20. You should always ask for a copy of your test results. There may be a time you need them and the doctor's staff can't be reached.

THE CATFISH SENSE OF TASTE.

The catfish has over 27,000 taste buds.

There  are really lots of amazing things in an animal kingdom. For sure, your ideas about these animals are somewhat limited, unless you take a major study about animals. Catfish is actually one of those interesting animal that you can study. They are diverse group of ray-finned fish. They are also considerable commercial importance; many of the larger species are farmed or fished for food.

Catfish have many taste bud’s that are located over their entire body. The area with the most taste buds is the barbells, which are their whiskers. These whiskers surround the mouth can have as many as twenty-five buds per square millimeter. That is why the catfish can seek out food in the darkest and dirtiest of water. Because of their many taste buds, it is always wise to use live bait such as suckers, sunfish, herring, minnows and even shad when fishing for a catfish. There are channel catfish that can also sense one part per one hundred million amino acids in water. Since the catfish has four barbells, you can imagine the sensitivity of their sense of taste. Smell and taste is high in the catfish. I have heard of some catfish biting at ivory soap, but I would not recommend this as bait. Live fish will work the best for catching catfish. Underwater conditions that are muddy will still result in catching a catfish. That might be another reason why catfish prefer nighttime feeding. They can smell and taste their food so far away and with no sight of it needed that they can sneak up on anything. Although the channel catfish has so many taste buds, you still need to make the presentation appealing. Try live bait on a jig and you should catch a catfish in no time. They do have strange taste preferences, but that is the nice thing about fishing for the big catfish.

COMBATING BAD BREATH

Having bad breath every once in a while is a fact of life. But constant bad breath can be a sign of something more serious. Learn tips on how to keep your breath smelling sweet—and when it could be time for a checkup.

1. The primary cause of bad breath is odor-producing bacteria on the back of the tongue. The bacteria comes from the food you eat. If practicing good dental hygiene doesn't solve your bad breath problem, see your doctor or dentist.

2. If you don't brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in the mouth, collecting bacteria. Food that collects between the teeth, on the tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odor.

3. Always brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Use floss once a day to clean between teeth. Don't forget to brush your tongue, too.

4. Certain foods like garlic and onions can affect the air you exhale. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, its odors can be transferred to the lungs, and then exhaled. Odors may persist until the body eliminates the food.

5. It is normal to have bad breath in the morning. Changes that occur in your mouth while you sleep cause morning breath for most people. While you sleep, your mouth becomes dry, so dead cells stick to your tongue and inside your cheeks. When bacteria feed off these cells, the result is a foul odor.

6. People usually can't smell their own breath. Unless you have eaten a certain food that has a very strong odor, you generally become accustomed enough to your own body odors not to notice them.

7. Schedule regular dental visits for a professional cleaning and checkup, and let your dentist know if you've had any surgery or illness since your last appointment. If you're concerned about having bad breath, keep a log of the foods you eat and make a list of medications you take, and share these with your dentist.

8. Chewing gum helps create more saliva in your mouth, but it is not a remedy for bad breath. A better alternative is drinking more water to thoroughly cleanse and wash your mouth.

9. Breath mints, which offer a temporary fix for bad breath, usually contain sugar, which can lead to tooth decay — and that in turn can lead to more bad breath.

10. Sage is a natural remedy for bad breath. Sage contains essential oils with antibacterial properties that eliminate the causes of bad breath instead of just masking it. Sage is especially beneficial if you have gingivitis.

11. Dry mouth caused by sinus infections, some prescription drugs, smoking, dieting and lung infections can cause bad breath.

12. Kidney disease, liver failure and diabetes can cause your breath to have a strange odor.

13. Chlorine dioxide is an ingredient in some mouthwashes. It is effective against bad breath because it destroys the bacteria that cause unpleasant odors.

14. Your dentist may recommend that when you brush your teeth, you also brush your tongue to remove excess plaque.

15. Gum disease can cause gum tissues to pull away from the teeth and form pockets that may need to be cleaned out to remove the bacteria and plaque inside. If you're experiencing bad breath because of gum disease, your dentist can either treat the disease or refer you to a periodontist, a specialist in treating gum tissues.

16. Most toothpastes will freshen your breath. But when choosing a toothpaste, always look for the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance, which ensures that the product inside has been thoroughly evaluated to be safe and effective.

17. If your dentist determines that your mouth is healthy, you may want to see your family physician or a specialist to determine the cause of severe bad breath.

18. A tongue scraper can help get rid of plaque and bacteria that builds up on your tongue and causes bad breath. Start at the back of the tongue and lightly pull the scraper forward.

19. Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if the bristles become frayed. A worn toothbrush will not do a good job of cleaning your teeth.

20. Foods like meat, alcohol and large evening meals in general cause acid-inducing bad breath. If bad breath from acid reflux persists, see your doctor or dentist to rule out a more serious medical or dental condition. Antacids are often used to treat acid reflux.

TIPS FOR BETTER SEX

Sex does more than feel good -- it relieves stress, strengthens your immune system, helps you stay fit and much more. Learn ways to spice up your love life (and boost your health at the same time) from sex therapists Ian Kerner and Sari Cooper.

 

1. It's important to boost your partner's sense of sexual self-esteem, says sex therapist Ian Kerner. An easy way to do this is to give your partner a morning kiss or a hug. It's a simple way to let them know that they're still sexy to you.

2.  Kerner says the best way to break out of a sex rut is to simply have sex. If you just go for it and start kissing and connecting, you'll discover how much fun it is. Being in a sex rut lowers testosterone levels in both men and women, which affects the sex drive. So it's important to stay out of those sex ruts as much as you can.

3. To feel more comfortable with your body, look in the mirror, find one thing about your body that you like and compliment yourself. If you do that every day, you'll have a host of positive statements to replace the negative self-talk that can get in the way of enjoying sex.

4. No studies suggesting a child who accidentally sees their parents having sex will be psychologically damaged. What can be damaging to children is having unhappy parents, divorced parents or parents in sexless marriages. So make time for sex -- even if the kids are home.

5. The best time to communicate with your partner about your sexual needs is when you're outside the bedroom. Doing this brings your partner's defensiveness down. Another way to communicate with your partner is to each write down the things you've always wanted out of your sexual relationship and switch papers. Then meet and talk about it. Just be sure not to laugh, because you don't want your partner to feel embarrassed.

6. It's never a good idea to fake an orgasm. Instead, have a candid conversation with your partner about what's not working, so that your sexual needs will be met.

7. Hugging your partner for 30 seconds or more a day boosts oxytocin levels (aka, the "cuddle hormone"). This is especially important for women. Oxytocin plays a role in facilitating a sense of trust, connection and bonding with your partner.

8. Watching movies with "good" sex scenes, reading erotica, taking a sensual bath. All of these can boost your libido and help you stay engaged with your partner. What other relaxing, feel-good activities put you in the mood?

9. The male sexual brain responds directly to visual stimulation -- a woman's body, lingerie, watching sexual positions. Men also like to know that their partner is enjoying sex -- and they like for her to take charge during intercourse.

10. It can be hard to fit sex into your busy life, so many couples develop the art of the "quickie." This can include touching, connecting, hugging and even sharing a sexy text. All of these acts help build up sexual anticipation throughout the day and help a couple maintain intimacy.

11. Foreplay is incredibly important because it helps couples reach orgasm. Both the male and female orgasm involve two things: vasocongestion (blood flow into the genitals) and myotonia (muscular tension throughout the body). Foreplay helps these happen, leading to that critical threshold.

12. A lot of sex is mental, and according to Kerner, your brain is actually your biggest sex organ. If your mind isn't "into" sex, your body may not kick into gear. Kerner suggests sharing a sexy fantasy with your partner or reading some erotica to get your mind in the mood for sex.

13. According to sex therapist Sari Cooper, if you feel aroused while saying dirty words while looking in a mirror, you might want to talk to your partner about incorporating this kind of play into your sex life.

14. Couples plan dates, so why not plan sex? When you plan sex you have time to look forward to it and time to think about the things you want to do with your partner. The anticipation makes for a better experience.

15. Women are most able to acheive orgasm when they're very relaxed. The parts of a woman's brain associated with stress, anxiety and high emotion deactivate during the process of arousal. The closer a woman gets to orgasm, the more she goes into a trance-like state. If you create an environment that facilitates relaxation, orgasm happens.

16. According to Kerner, the best sexual position for a man with a smaller than average penis is the woman-on-top position. This provides extra clitoral stimulation because she is pressed against the man's pelvic bone.

17. According to Kerner, the best sexual position for a man with a larger-sized penis is side-by-side. This position gives the woman a degree of sexual control so that it doesn't cause painful intercourse.

18. Just as nutritionists recommend a well-balanced diet consisting of foods from the different food groups, Kerner recommends a well-balanced sex life that includes various types of sex. There is sex for emotional intimacy, sex for the sake of sex, sex that taps into the power of imagination and sex that plays with various senses. To keep your sex life healthy, try to engage in these different types of sex.

19. According to Cooper, the one thing couples should never do during sex is compare each other to previous partners. Everyone is different, and what pleased one partner in the past may not do the same for a different partner.

20. Women like kissing more than men. According Cooper, this is because kissing gets the oxytocin flowing in a woman's body, which allows her to feel relaxed and bonded with her partner.

FAQS ABOUT INFERTILITY.

1. A couple must be trying to get pregnant (that is, having regular, unprotected sex) for at least one year before it's considered infertility.

2. Infertility affects 15 percent of the population, or about one of every six or seven couples.

3. Approximately 50 percent of otherwise healthy reproductive age women will get pregnant in the first three or four months of trying to make a baby. About 70 percent of women will be pregnant by six months.

4. Fertility peaks in a woman is mid-twenties, when her menstrual cycles are most regular and ovulatory. Fertility is slightly decreased before age 20 and after age 30. Women over age 37 are much less fertile.

5. Current recommendations are that a woman 35 years old or younger can try for a year before seeing a fertility specialist, but if she is aged 35 to 40, she should only try on her own for six months. Women over 40 should see a doctor after only three months.

6. There are usually signs to show that a woman is ovulating. Some women feel a brief period of sharp pain on one side of the lower abdomen (the side where the egg was released) when they ovulate. Slight spotting may also occur near the time of ovulation, and cervical mucus becomes stringy.

7. Extremes of weight — both under and over — reduce fertility. This is true in both men and women.

8. Birth control pills do not lead to infertility. However, ovulation problems may not be apparent until a woman stops taking the Pill.

9. It is necessary for a woman to make certain lifestyle changes during pregnancy. Cutting back caffeine intake, taking prenatal vitamins and reducing stress all can boost women's fertility. Exercising and avoiding tobacco and alcohol can be helpful to men and women.

10. Women should start prenatal vitamins with folic acid at least 3 months before trying to conceive.

11. Soaking in a hot tub can make a man less fertile. The high temperature in a hot tub slows or halts sperm formation, and may harm sperm that have already been made, lowering the chances the man can conceive a child.

12. The unfertilized egg only lives for about 24 hours, while sperm can live in the female reproductive tract for days. So if you are trying to conceive, making love before and around the time of ovulation is more effective than after.

13. In the U.S., IVF (in-vitro fertilization) costs $15,000 per cycle, on average, and additional cycles may be needed 60 percent of the time or more.

14. Studies have shown that the radio-frequency electromagnetic waves emitted by cell phones may increase oxidative stress and decrease sperm motility, contributing to decreased fertility. Men trying to conceive should avoid carrying cell phones in their pockets.

15. A review of studies found that men taking antioxidants were four times more likely than men not taking supplements to get their partner pregnant and see a successful live birth. No one antioxidant seemed to be better than another.

16. Roughly 25 percent of all recognized pregnancies result in miscarriage, but less than 5 percent of women will experience two consecutive miscarriages, and only 1 percent experience three or more.

17. "Ovarian reserve" is the medical term for the number of eggs a woman has left. Blood levels of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Estrogen, Inhibin B and Antimullerian Hormone (AMH) have been used to estimate the remaining egg pool (ovarian reserve).

18. There does not appear to be a maximum length of time that frozen embryos can be stored. Live births have been reported using embryos that have been frozen for almost 20 years.

19. Side effects from fertility treatment like mood swings, bloating and headaches can make women feel anything but in the mood, often leading to reduced sexual satisfaction and tension in the relationship.

20. The time that menstruation begins does not affect ovulation or pregnancy. An earlier or later start does not correlate to infertility, and doesn't predict when a woman will reach menopause.