November 2007

Seen below are pictures taken by Bert Parent at the November 20th Chapter Meeting at Providence Hospital in Columbia.
Dr. Keith Bridges, MD, spoke on "How to Make the Most Out of Your Doctor Visit."

Useful topics suggested by Dr. Bridges are summarized at the bottom of this page. That is to get you to see the pictures first. 

Dr. Bridges addresses a rapt audience.

Chapter President Faye Efird presents Dr. Bridges with a gift. 

View of the room while Dr. Bridges is making his presentation. 

Following are some individual shots taken (with the use of various lenses) during the meeting. 

A summary of important points made by Dr. Bridges, taken by Bill Malouche, follows.

• Develop a relationship with your primary care physician so he/she understands who you are and what you are.
• Bring a list of medications and supplements that you take with you for each Dr’s visit to include how long you have taken each, who prescribed the medication, the dosage, and when you take each one. You should also carry this list with you in your purse/wallet.
• Make a list of symptoms for your current ailment/illness to include when it started, how often it occurs, what makes you feel better or worse.
• Let Dr know of other recent hospital and Dr visits.
• Let Dr know your medical history to include if you have any allergies to any medication and your habits such as smoking, drinking, exercise, etc
• Let Dr know family medical history. Example given was that if one of your relatives died from a heart attack at age 65 would be relevant if you are under 65 but not as relevant if you are over 75.
• Prepare a list of questions in order of priority to include preventive measures you can take.
• Insure that you have a follow up appointment and any specialist appointments if required before you leave.
• Generic drugs are slightly different. Check with your Dr if medical insurance changes you to a generic.
• If you are over 65, you should get a pneumonia booster shot every 10 years.
• Some useful websites: http://www.webmd.com/, http://www.drkoop.com/