Self-Care
Self-care is the ability to treat common medical problems yourself without having to seek professional medical care. Visiting a physician or hospital can be costly, time consuming (for you, other patients, and for the medical provider), and many times unnecessary. For certain ailments, self-care can be attempted first to solve minor medical issues relatively cheap and quick. Todays digital world make it easier to seek out medical advice from nurses and doctors from home first before having to visit a doctor or hospital.
When determining if a trip to your physician is necessary for a medical problem, you should ask the following questions:
1.) How severe is it? If the symptoms are severe, such as an intense pain, or if you have a major injury such as a broken limb, you should seek medical attention. If the symptoms cause moderate pain or simply are uncomfortable, self-care may be an option.
2.) Is it unusual? If you experience something unexpected like a lump, have a change in vision, numbness, rapid weight loss, blood loss or rashes, you should see your medical provider. However, if you have leg pain after squatting, develop a rash after hiking in the woods in shorts, or can understand why symptoms are occurring, self-care may be an option.
3.) How long has this been going on? For persistent symptoms such as minor pain or fever...if they have lasted for more than 5 days, you should consider seeking medial advice.
4.) Does it keep happening? Recurrent symptoms should be checked out by a doctor. Recurrent headaches or pains can be evaluated and screened for possible medical conditions.
Self-Treatment Options:
1.) Patience.
Many times the body just needs time to repair itself. Drug interaction isn't always necessary. Rest can be a very effective (and inexpensive) treatment. During this time you
should monitor and record symptoms to track any changes.
Self-care is the ability to treat common medical problems yourself without having to seek professional medical care. Visiting a physician or hospital can be costly, time consuming (for you, other patients, and for the medical provider), and many times unnecessary. For certain ailments, self-care can be attempted first to solve minor medical issues relatively cheap and quick. Todays digital world make it easier to seek out medical advice from nurses and doctors from home first before having to visit a doctor or hospital.
When determining if a trip to your physician is necessary for a medical problem, you should ask the following questions:
1.) How severe is it? If the symptoms are severe, such as an intense pain, or if you have a major injury such as a broken limb, you should seek medical attention. If the symptoms cause moderate pain or simply are uncomfortable, self-care may be an option.
2.) Is it unusual? If you experience something unexpected like a lump, have a change in vision, numbness, rapid weight loss, blood loss or rashes, you should see your medical provider. However, if you have leg pain after squatting, develop a rash after hiking in the woods in shorts, or can understand why symptoms are occurring, self-care may be an option.
3.) How long has this been going on? For persistent symptoms such as minor pain or fever...if they have lasted for more than 5 days, you should consider seeking medial advice.
4.) Does it keep happening? Recurrent symptoms should be checked out by a doctor. Recurrent headaches or pains can be evaluated and screened for possible medical conditions.
Self-Treatment Options:
1.) Patience.
Many times the body just needs time to repair itself. Drug interaction isn't always necessary. Rest can be a very effective (and inexpensive) treatment. During this time you
should monitor and record symptoms to track any changes.
2.) Self-Medication.
Over the counter drugs can help to treat symptoms. OTC drugs are typically medications that once needed a prescription, but are now considered safe by the FDA to use without having a physician write a prescription. 60% of all medication sold are OTC medications.
3.) Non-Drug Options.
Many times, certain exercises, self massage, heat packs, and behavior modification can relieve issues. Things such as headaches, joint or muscle pain can be treated with rest, increased water intake, massage, and through correct movement. Online, you can even seek medical advice from nurses and medical professionals to help determine if something is minor, or if you need to make an appointment.
Sites that help with self-care:
http://www.selfcareforum.org
http://www.mobilitywod.com
https://www.yogatuneup.com
3.) Non-Drug Options.
Many times, certain exercises, self massage, heat packs, and behavior modification can relieve issues. Things such as headaches, joint or muscle pain can be treated with rest, increased water intake, massage, and through correct movement. Online, you can even seek medical advice from nurses and medical professionals to help determine if something is minor, or if you need to make an appointment.
Sites that help with self-care:
http://www.selfcareforum.org
http://www.mobilitywod.com
https://www.yogatuneup.com