Good Lifestyle

According to a 2018to studyEach year, more than 600,000 patients undergo treatment ranging from breast cancer projections and pre-operation laboratories to elective surgery - they do not need, which increases up to $ 282 million worth of dollars. Many people tend to think "why not?" When their doctor suggests a test, surgery or other procedure, but there are so many reasons to resist.

Not only can this additional drug visit, a surgical procedure or can a doctor put a tooth in your finances, it could also compromise your health. We have asked some of the best health experts in the nation for advice on how to avoid useless medical treatment and what they had to say was an extreme eye.

A second opinion has never hurt anyone, especially if you have elective surgery, explains Bethesda, MD InternistMatthew Mintz, MD. "Some surgeries are" emerging ", which does not mean that surgery could be a mortal life, such as an appendicectomy of acute appendicitis. However, most surgeries are" elective ", which means that the delay of Surgery will not necessarily kill you, "he says. Examples include replacements of hip and knee, spine surgery, hysterectomies, etc. "Sometimes patients are afraid of having a second opinion because they do not want to offend their surgeon," he continues. "Good surgeon is not threatened with a second opinion, and some will even recommend it." You may also want to consider getting a second opinion from a non-surgeon. "For example, meniscal repairs are quite common. They are generally effective and have a minimal risk," he says.

A screening test is a test that seeks early illness in patients without symptoms, for example, mammograms and colonoscopies. Obtain appropriate screening tests are essential for longevity and health. However, more tests are not necessarily better, says Dr. Mintz. "False positives occur naturally and can cause unnecessary concerns, additional tests and even unnecessary procedures," he explains. Although false positives are inherent in all screening tests, they are worse when they are too early, too late or too often. "For example, while there is a controversy about obtaining mammograms between 40 and 50 years, women should not get mammograms before 40 cases," he continues. "Even if you heard about a woman who had breast cancer before 40 years, he is very rare and probably did not have been diagnosed with a mammogram."

In these same lines, the scanning of the entire body is much more likely to produce false positives that will lead to useless or worse tests, says Dr. Mintz. "There are several companies offering" virtual doctors ". These are expensive, not covered by insurance and not only unnecessary, but because of false positive tests, could be harmful."

Almost everyone gets sick - especially for a nasty season of cold and influenza as we live this year. Whether it is a sore throat or bronchitis, most diseases of the upper respiratory tract are caused by viruses. And, Dr. Mintz emphasizes, viruses are not affected by antibiotics. "Most viral diseases take over a week to solve," he explains. "So, sick people for more than a few days and are not improved with countertop drugs, can go see their doctor and ask antibiotics." Although there are certain conditions that guarantee antibiotics, most people do not need it. "The disadvantage of taking antibiotics is not only the side effects of drugs, but also the fact that they can affect healthy bacteria in your gut and can cause problems on the road," he continues. In addition, the overuse of antibiotics leads to resistance in many bacteria. "This means that antibiotics we need to treat bacterial infections can no longer be effective."

To what extent do you know your doctorate and your doctor's record and hospital? Before seeing a medical expert, you should do your homework in advance, urges the expert well-beingKelly Bryant. "I work with two populations who tend to have a number of unnecessary medical procedures: pregnant women and the elderly and active", she explains. "With regard to either, it is imperative that you know the reputation (and if possible, the statistics) of your practitioner and, if so, the hospital where they practice."

For example, many pregnant women assume they will be one to avoid useless or cesarean induction-when the practice has 50% cesarean section or the induction rate of 90%. "If your doctor is reluctant to disclose these numbers and you are looking for a natural birth, which you have to pause. Similarly, if you encounter a chronic musculoskeletal problem, such as lower back, knee or hip pain, it is important to know your doctor's reputation. "If you do not want surgery, do not take your friend recommendation for the best orthopedic surgeon want to practice surgery! She's. "Look for people who have had a big, a non-surgical treatment, if that's what you want. »

At the end of the line? "Do not wait to be the exception to the rule. You are not likely to change the way your practical medicine at the doctor, in order to find a doctor who practices medicine the way you want to treat. »

When Vetting your doctor, always make sure they have conflicts of interest. "Is it a certain type of relationship with a particular laser company, medicines or a processing protocol? "Points outNiker Sonpal, MDNYC Internist and Gastroenterologist.

Avoid regular medical exams is never a good idea. Not only can the health problems slide through the mesh of the net and possibly aggravate, but your doctor can also help you with prevention methods, explains Dr. Sonpal. "Get regular checks so that the problems do not degenerate," it exhorts.

The beauty of the Internet is that you have so many medical resources at your fingertips. "Visit the Mayo Clinic website for accurate, objective and carefully gross info information that details typical treatment for affections / diseases," suggests Dr. Sonpal. Besides,The wise choiceis another resource. "They have an initiative that aims to shed light on unnecessary medical treatments. »

The baby aspirin can prevent heart attacks and stroke, explains Dr. Mintz. Up to a recent date, they have been recommended for most adults, especially seniors. However, recent data suggest that this profit is still there, that the risks they cause it that can lead to stomach and hemorrhagic blows are not-offset by the benefits. "New recommendations suggest a more limited use of baby aspirin only high-risk patients," he says. "So, even if you took an aspirin baby a day for years, ask your doctor if it is still needed. »

There are countless offers on the Internet and elsewhere that might seem healthy, but are useless, potentially dangerous, and could be seriously dangerous for your health. "Purifies, colonics, and all that says" detoxifying "are at the top of the list, but there is much more," says Dr. Mintz. You should also check with your doctor about vitamins or supplements you could take. "Simply because you can buy it at a pharmacy shop or at the grocery store without a prescription does not mean it is beneficial to you or even safe," it recalls.

And live your happiest and healthiest life, do not miss these60 Secrets Nurses do not want you to know.