American Medical Association Guide To Talking To Your Doctor

The last time you visited your doctor, did you . . . * hesitate to ask a question-and leave without the answer you needed? * not understand your doctor's explanation of your illness or its treatment? * wish you could be more in control of your healthcare? You can take control. The more you know about your healthcare needs and the more actively you work with your doctor, the better healthcare you will receive. In this concise, easy-to-understand book, the American Medical Association-the world's most prominent organization of physicians-demystifies the relationship between patient and doctor and guides you in building an ongoing dialogue with your healthcare provider. Using nontechnical language and a reassuring tone, the American Medical Association Guide to Talking to Your Doctor explains: * What your doctor needs to know about you and what he or she looks for in an examination * How to understand a diagnosis and discuss treatment options and goals * When and how to ask for a second opinion * How to speak for a child or older person in your care * How to discuss sensitive subjects such as sexuality, drug dependence, depression, and family violence * Your rights and responsibilities as a healthcare consumer * Where to go for more help and information Encouraging, authoritative, and thorough, the American Medical Association Guide to Talking to Your Doctor empowers you to communicate better with your doctor so that you can work together to achieve a common goal-your good health. For more than 150 years, the American Medical Association has been the leading group of medical experts in the nation and one of the most respected health-related organizations in the world. The AMA continues to work to advance the art and science of medicine and to be an advocate for patients and the voice of physicians in the United States.

The Long-Awaited Revision of the Bestselling Family Health Guide "This completely updated fourth edition of our bestselling health reference is comprehensive, easy to understand, and even more user-friendly than the previous editions. We’re excited to provide our patients with an invaluable resource to help them become more involved in their own health care. We think this is a book that belongs on the bookshelf in every home." –AMA President John C. Nelson, MD, MPH The American Medical Association is the nation’s premier health authority–an organization that both patients and doctors look to for state-of-the-art medical information and guidance. Now, for the first time in 10 years, the AMA has updated its landmark medical reference–a book that belongs in every home. This new edition of the American Medical Association Family Medical Guide has been thoroughly revised to bring it up to date and make it more accessible than ever before. Opening with a brand-new full-color section that walks you through key health issues, it follows with several new and expanded sections on everything from staying healthy and providing first aid and home care to diagnosing symptoms and treating hundreds of different diseases and disorders. This classic guide is the definitive home health reference for the twenty-first century–an indispensable book to keep you and your loved ones healthy. Authoritative guidance on hundreds of diseases and the latest tests, treatments, procedures, and drugs New or greatly expanded coverage of genetic testing, sexuality, learning disabilities, preventive health, infertility, pregnancy and childbirth, substance abuse, home caregiving, and first aid A host of new and updated features–including full-color spreads on important health topics, Q&A sections, first-person case histories, and newly designed symptoms flowcharts New chapters on diet and health, exercise and fitness, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress, genetics, complementary and alternative medicine, staying safe and preventing violence, cosmetic surgery, and preventive health care A new section on health issues at various life stages 64 pages in full color and almost 1,000 illustrations and photographs

At some time, most families will need to provide home care for an aging family member who is ill or disabled. While home caregiving provides many benefits, it takes careful planning, support, and patience. The American Medical Association Guide to Home Caregiving provides the information you need to take the best possible care of an elderly, ill, or disabled person in a home setting. Written by experts from the American Medical Association, the book explains such essentials as how to: * Plan and arrange a room to adapt to a loved one's needs * Give medications, maintain hygiene, monitor symptoms, deal with incontinence, provide emotional support, and relieve boredom * Choose a home healthcare provider * Pay for home healthcare, including Medicare and Medicaid, and long-term care insurance * Care for a person with Alzheimer's disease or a terminal illness * Choose between alternative living arrangements such as assisted living facilities or nursing homes * Take care of yourself, the caregiver With advice that touches both the physical and the emotional aspects of caregiving, this supportive, practical handbook will help make the experience as successful and rewarding as possible for you and your loved one. For more than 150 years, the American Medical Association has been the leading group of medical experts in the nation and one of the most respected health-related organizations in the world. The AMA continues to work to advance the art and science of medicine and to be an advocate for patients and the voice of physicians in the United States.

More Than 3 Million American Medical Association Books Sold. American's most trusted medical authority shows you how to prevent and treat heart disease. When you or someone you love is diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, it's important to know the facts, which can help save a life. In the American Medical Association Guide to Preventing and Treating Heart Disease, you will learn everything you need to know about heart disease to ensure a long, full, and active life. Authoritative and up to date, the American Medical Association Guide to Preventing and Treating Heart Disease explains the most common forms of heart and blood vessel disease and lays out practical strategies to get you on the road to better health. The book also provides up-to-date information on women and their unique heart disease risks and symptoms as well as information on hart6-healthy eating, including the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute's DASH diet. Even if heart disease runs in your family, you can still lower your risk of developing it by following the simple guidelines found in this comprehensive resource. For every 3 pounds you lose, there is a corresponding drop of about 2mm Hg in your diastolic pressure, and by bringing down your blood pressure to healthy levels, your risk of stroke can be reduced by 35 to 50 percent. If you have already had a heart attack or a stroke, this book offers vital practical information on preventing another one. Highlighting prevention, lifestyle changes, testing, and treatments, the American Medical Association Guide to Preventing and Treating Heart Disease provides you and your loved ones with the essential tools you need to reclaim a healthier life.

The Long-Awaited Revision of the Bestselling Family Health Guide "This completely updated fourth edition of our bestselling health reference is comprehensive, easy to understand, and even more user-friendly than the previous editions. We're excited to provide our patients with an invaluable resource to help them become more involved in their own health care. We think this is a book that belongs on the bookshelf in every home." -AMA President John C. Nelson, MD, MPH The American Medical Association is the nation's premier health authority-an organization that both patients and doctors look to for state-of-the-art medical information and guidance. Now, for the first time in 10 years, the AMA has updated its landmark medical reference-a book that belongs in every home. This new edition of the American Medical Association Family Medical Guide has been thoroughly revised to bring it up to date and make it more accessible than ever before. Opening with a brand-new full-color section that walks you through key health issues, it follows with several new and expanded sections on everything from staying healthy and providing first aid and home care to diagnosing symptoms and treating hundreds of different diseases and disorders. This classic guide is the definitive home health reference for the twenty-first century-an indispensable book to keep you and your loved ones healthy. * Authoritative guidance on hundreds of diseases and the latest tests, treatments, procedures, and drugs * New or greatly expanded coverage of genetic testing, sexuality, learning disabilities, preventive health, infertility, pregnancy and childbirth, substance abuse, home caregiving, and first aid * A host of new and updated features-including full-color spreads on important health topics, Q&A sections, first-person case histories, and newly designed symptoms flowcharts * New chapters on diet and health, exercise and fitness, maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress, genetics, complementary and alternative medicine, staying safe and preventing violence, cosmetic surgery, and preventive health care * A new section on health issues at various life stages * 64 pages in full color and almost 1,000 illustrations and photographs

Showing patients how to take control of their own health care, this guide reveals how to navigate the maze of prescriptions and tests and offers advice for those who act as medical advocates for their children, aging parents, or others.

More Than 3 Million American Medical Association Books Sold From America's Most Trusted Health Authority, the Ultimate Guide to Understanding, Preventing, and Managing Type 2 Diabetes Millions of Americans have type 2 diabetes, and millions more are at risk of developing the disease. The good news is that it is both preventable and treatable. In the American Medical Association Guide to Living with Diabetes you'll learn everything you need to know to prevent type 2 diabetes, take control of it if you already have it, and reduce your risk of life-threatening complications. This book provides clear, easy-to-understand explanations of what type 2 diabetes is, what causes it, and how to determine if you are at risk. You'll find a detailed, easy-to-follow program for preventing diabetes by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and reaching and maintaining a healthy weight. If you are living with diabetes, this invaluable guide offers in-depth explanations of the recommended lifestyle changes that can help you manage the disease, stressing the importance of rigorous testing and control of your blood sugar to avoid complications. You will learn about the available medications for treating diabetes and about alternative and complementary therapies. The book also includes sections on gestational diabetes and the increasing threat that type 2 diabetes poses to at-risk children. By following the recommendations and guidelines in the American Medical Association Guide to Living with Diabetes, you can reduce or eliminate the symptoms, avoid or minimize the risk of serious complications, and become more physically fit, energetic, and alert. In fact, there's no reason you can't be healthier than you've ever been.