10 Intelligent Questions to Ask Your Health-Care Provider

What to ask your healthcare provider | Dr. Shaun Parson Plastic Surgery and Skin Center, Scottsdale, Arizona

10 Intelligent Questions to Ask Your Health-Care Provider

Confused what to ask your healthcare provider? See our top 10 questions that you might want to ask us.

“I am middle-aged and relatively active, but my sore knee slow me down. Should I get stem-cell injection to heal my knee?”
A recent study concluded that stem-cell therapy may be a valid treatment for chronic knee osteoarthritis, and many professional athletes are opting for it.

“Should I add high-intensity intervals to my workout routine?”
New research show that exercising at maximal heart rate for short bursts (30 seconds to 7 minutes) appears to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke more than exercising at a steady rate.

“My cholesterol is under 200 on a statin, I exercise regularly, I do not smoke and am not diabetic. Should I have my Lp(a) level measured?”
The American College of Cardiology has identified an independent cardiac risk factor called lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a).

“If there is a family history of disease should I have my DNA sequenced?”
Researchers have identified 11 new genes linked to Alzheimer’s disease, doubling the previous number of associated biomarkers.

“I am planning a heli-skiing trip this winter. Should I consider drinking beetroot juice regularly before I go?”
Several new studies have shown that consumption of nitrate-rich beetroot juice before exercise can enhance performance, reduce fatigue, and possibly help alpinists acclimate to higher altitudes.

“Should I be worried about my chronic insomnia? How can I change my lifestyle to improve my sleep?
Several studies have liked insomnia to a shorter life span, and now recent research has found possible connections between insomnia and Alzheimer’s disease.

“I smoked in college, but that was years ago. Is there any way for me to check my lungs for any possible damage?”
Computed tomography (CT) scanning of the lungs was just approved by Medicare for lung cancer screening in high-risk individuals.

“My aging parents have macular degeneration. Should I start taking eye vitamins now?”
According to research by the National Eye Institute, formulations of vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, zinc, and copper may reduce the risk of vision loss in people with intermediate dry macular degeneration,. If a person has advanced-stage macular degeneration in one eye, this combination of vitamins may reduce the risk of developing vision loss in the other eye.

“I am 51 and entering menopause; I hear that HRT may be beneficial to me. What is the bottom line of HRT for women?”
The Women’s Health Initiative results changed the way hormone replacement therapy (HRT) was prescribed, but the study looked at post-menopausal women who were on average 69 years old.

“Should men consider hormone replacement therapy for both testosterone and estrogen?”
A recent study published by Massachusetts General Hospital researchers revealed that declining levels of estrogen as well as testosterone are responsible for loss of virility as men age.

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