Showing posts from February, 2017

30 Different Types Of Doctors And What They Do

30 Different Types of Doctors and What They Do April 14, 2014 by Lexis Clark Different Types of DoctorsWhen you think of a doctor, what image comes to mind? For most of us, the connotation of “doctor” brings forth the visual of a man or woman in a white lab coat, chart in hand, smiling as he or she enters the room to complete your annual check-up. However, that particular doctor, the family physician, represents only one of the countless areas in which medical professionals work. In fact, there is a specific type of doctor for almost every major system located in the human body. Listed below are just thirty of the dozens of examples: To learn more about the complex jargon doctors are often littering throughout their sentiments to patients, take a look at this course on the basics of medical terminology! 1. Audiologist Audiologists specialize in ear related issues, particularly with regard to hearing loss in children. These doctors work with deaf and mute children to assist in their learning to communicate. They typically work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, audiology clinics, and occasionally in schools. 2. Allergist Allergists work with a wide variety of patients who suffer from issues related to allergies, such as hay, fever, or asthma. They are specially trained to treat these issues and assist patients in dealing with them and what to do when they are encountered. 3. Anesthesiologist Anesthesiologists study the effects and reactions to anesthetic medicines and administer them to a variety of patients with pain-killing needs. They assess illnesses that require this type of treatment and the dosages appropriate for each specific situation. 4. Cardiologist Cardiologists specify in the study and treatment of the heart and the many diseases and issues related to it. They assess the medical and family history of patients to determine potential risk for certain cardiovascular diseases and take action to prevent them. 5. Dentist Dentists work with the human mouth, examining teeth and gum health and preventing and detecting various different issues, such as cavities and bleeding gums. Typically, patients are advised to go to the dentist twice a year in order to maintain tooth health. 6. Dermatologist Dermatologists study skin and the structures, functions and diseases related to it. They examine patients to check for such risk factors as basal cell carcinoma (which signals skin cancer) and moles that may eventually cause skin disease if not treated in time. 7. Endocrinologist Endocrinologists specify in illnesses and issues related to the endocrine system and its glands. They study hormone levels in this area to determine and predict whether or not a patient will encounter an endocrine system issue in the future. 8. Epidemiologist Epidemiologists search for potential diseases that may crop up and cause a great deal of problems for a population and look for vaccinations for current terminal diseases, such as cancer and HIV/AIDS. 9. Gynecologist Gynecologists work with the female reproductive system to assess and prevent issues that could potentially cause fertility issues. Female patients are typically advised to see a gynecologist once a year. Gynecological work also focuses on issues related to prenatal care and options for expectant and new mothers. For more information on how to ensure that your infant is growing and developing properly, check out this course on nutrition for babies and toddlers! 10. Immunologist Immunologists study the immune system in a variety of organisms, including humans. They determine the weaknesses related to this system and what can be done to override these weaknesses. 11. Infectious Disease Specialist Infectious Disease Specialists are often found in research labs and work with viruses and bacteria that tend to cause a variety of dangerous diseases. They examine the source of these organisms and determine what can be done to prevent them from causing illnesses. 12. Internal Medicine Specialist Internal Medicine Specialists manage and treat diseases through non-surgical means, such as anesthetics and other pain-reliving drugs. They work in many different healthcare facilities and assist other physicians in finding the most appropriate means of treatment for each individual patient. 13. Medical Geneticist Medical Geneticists examine and treat diseases related to genetic disorders. They specialize in disorders that are hereditary in nature and work to find ways to prevent already-present diseases from passing down to the next generation through reproduction. 14. Microbiologist Microbiologists study the growth infectious bacteria and viruses and their interactions with the human body to determine which could potentially cause harm and severe medical conditions. They also seek to find immunizations for diseases caused by these organisms. 15. Neonatologist Neonatologists care for newborn infants to ensure their successful entry into a healthy and fulfilling life. The focal point of their examinations is on premature and critically ill infants who require immediate treatment at the risk of fatal consequences. 16. Neurologist Neurologists work with the human brain to determine causes and treatments for such serious illnesses as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Dementia, and many others. In addition to research on the brain stem, neurologists also study the nervous system and diseases that affect that region. 17. Neurosurgeon Neurosurgeons operate on the human brain and body to treat and cure diseases affecting the nervous system and brain stem. They work to alleviate symptoms from serious brain illnesses that cause patients a great deal of physical and emotional pain. 18. Obstetrician Obstetricians work in a particular area of gynecology that focuses on neonatal care and childbirth. They also perform other operations related to the female reproductive system including c-sections, hysterectomies, and surgical removal of ovarian tumors. To learn more about neonatal care and the proper way to care for a newborn infant, take a look at this course on bringing your new baby home! 19. Oncologist Oncologists focus on the treatment and prevention of cancer in terminal and at-risk patients. They offer such treatments as examination and diagnosis of cancerous illnesses, chemotherapy and radiotherapy to destroy cancer cells in the body, and follow-up with survivors after treatment successes. 20. Orthopedic Surgeon Orthopedic Surgeons treat ailments concerned with the skeletal system, such as broken bones and arthritis. These doctors are often found in emergency rooms since accidents that result in broken bones are often unintentional and demand immediate treatment. 21. ENT Specialist ENT Specialists concentrate in areas related to the Ear, Nose, and Throat, and sometimes even ailments related to the neck or the head. Children often seek treatment from ENT specialists for surgery in the above areas, and adults see these doctors for sinus infections. 22. Pediatrician Pediatricians work with infants, children, and adolescents regarding a wide variety of health issues, ranging from the common cold to severe conditions. They make their work environments highly “kid-friendly”, often featuring a range of toys and bright colors. 23. Physiologist Physiologists study the states of the human body, including emotions and needs. They particularly focus on the functions of the human body to assess if they are working correctly and attempt to determine potential problems before they become an issue. 24. Plastic Surgeon Plastic Surgeons perform cosmetic surgery to enhance the physical attributes of a patient or amend a physical issue that the patient finds unsatisfactory. The ultimate goal of professionals in this field is to “correct” improper human forms. 25. Podiatrist Podiatrists work on and study ailments that afflict the feet and ankles of patients. They are often referred to a “foot doctors” and treat such afflictions as athlete’s foot, calluses, nail disorders, and other foot injuries and infections. 26. Psychiatrist Psychiatrists, who occupy a more prevalent place in the research field than the medical field, study behavior and mental processes. They often work with patients in one-on-one sessions to alleviate mental illnesses and behavioral disorders. 27. Radiologist Radiologists diagnose and detect physiological ailments through the use of x-rays and other such imaging technologies. Through the use of these technologies, they scan the victim’s body for hazardous cells, such as cancer cells, and look for fractures or breaks in accident victims. 28. Rheumatologist Rheumatologists, similar to Allergists, diagnose and treat allergies, as well as autoimmune disorders. However, unlike their Allergy-focused neighbors, these doctors also treat joint and tissue problems and diseases that afflict the immune system. 29. Surgeon Surgeons can be found at the operating table, performing a wide variety of surgeries from head to toe. Subsets of surgeons include such areas as general surgery, neurosurgery, cardiovascular surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, ENT surgery, and oral surgery. 30. Urologist Urologists specialize in issues related to the urinary system, such as urinary tract infections. They also treat and study afflictions of the kidneys, adrenal glands, bladder, and male reproductive organs. These health care professionals put a lot of time and effort into getting degrees in these specialized areas, so the next time a kid tells you they want to be a doctor, make sure to ask, “which kind?” For more information on the tough process these doctors went to in order to reach their current position, check out this course on how to get into medical school. Also, if you have any questions about what doctors do, take a look at this blog post on interview questions for healthcare professionals! Filed Under: Health and Fitness, Students

Childhood Vaccinations—Vital to Our Children’s Health

Josephine P. Briggs, M.D.

Director's Page

Josephine P. Briggs, M.D.

February 16, 2017

People turn to complementary and integrative health approaches to seek better health and well-being. Several studies have found an association between use of complementary health approaches and positive health behaviors such as getting regular exercise, not using tobacco products, and following a healthy diet. Use of these approaches also has been associated with higher rates of vaccination for influenza, pneumococcus, and hepatitis B among adults. Unfortunately, however, this may not be the case for vaccinations in children.

A 2010 NCCIH-funded study in the Maternal and Child Health Journal showed that children in Washington State who received care from complementary health providers were substantially less likely to get recommended immunizations and were more likely to be diagnosed with a vaccine-preventable disease. The investigators note that their findings do not provide an explanation for the association. It is possible that the study’s results reflect a tendency of some vaccine-hesitant parents to seek out complementary health professionals, but it might also reflect advice from these providers, or there may be another explanation. Nonetheless, as a physician and Director of NCCIH, I find these results troubling.

It is very difficult for most Americans to remember that polio and diphtheria regularly killed or permanently injured thousands of people in the United States every year, as recently as the last century. In fact, polio has been eradicated in the United States and diphtheria is very rare because of vaccinations. However, these diseases have not yet been eliminated worldwide and could easily return to the United States. The Washington State study is especially troubling in light of reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that there has been a resurgence of certain vaccine-preventable diseases in the United States in recent years. There is a concern about the return of both measles and whooping cough. Since 2010, the CDC has seen between 10,000 and 50,000 cases of whooping cough each year in the United States, with cases reported in every state.

There continues to be a lot of misinformation about vaccine safety on the Internet and elsewhere, and I encourage you to get the facts about vaccines. The CDC has reliable information on vaccines, based on scientific studies, and addresses questions about vaccine-preventable diseases, how vaccines work in the body, and safety concerns. The bottom line is that that vaccination is one of the best ways parents can protect infants, children and teens from 16 potentially harmful diseases. Vaccine-preventable diseases can be very serious, may require hospitalization, or even be deadly - especially in infants and young children. I fully support the CDC’s current evidence-based recommendations for pediatric vaccinations, and I urge parents to safeguard their children by following these recommendations. I also urge all health care provider organizations—including complementary health organizations—to raise vaccine awareness among their members, and enlist them in efforts to help increase adherence to childhood vaccinations.

It is essential that we recognize the extraordinary success of childhood vaccination, and that we look to the abundant scientific evidence that documents the safety and vital role of vaccines in the health of our Nation.

You probably know all about the health benefits of eating like a Greek islander. Research has proven the Mediterranean diet can do wonders for your heart, brain, mood, and waistline. But maybe you're a little tired of the same-old kebabs and tomato-cucumber-feta salad. Enter Live to Eat: Cooking the Mediterranean Way (amazon.com; $30), the latest cookbook from chef and restaurateur Michael Psilakis. It's filled with dozens of fresh recipes, made with healthy fats and nutrient-rich produce, that will make you want to move to Greece (seriously). To give you a taste of how Psilakis combines simple ingredients to create mouthwatering dishes, we pulled three of our favorite recipes from his book. Scroll down to learn how to make a citrus salad with yogurt, tzatziki sauce with warm pita and crudités, and a juicy Greek-style turkey burger.

Citrus Salad With Greek Yogurt

Serves: 4

1 ruby red grapefruit, segmented with its juices

1 Cara Cara or other navel orange, segmented with its juices

1 key lime, segmented with its juices

16 oz. Greek yogurt

Sea salt

Fresh ground black pepper

1 Tbsp. honey

8 mint leaves roughly chopped

Combine the grapefruit, orange, and lime segments and their juices in a bowl.
Spoon the yogurt into each of four dessert bowls.
Divide the citrus mixture and juice among them and season with salt and pepper.
Drizzle the honey over and garnish with the mint.

Cucumber Yogurt Dip With Crudités and Warm Pita

Serves: 4 to 6

Cucumber dip (tzatziki)

Makes: 5 ½ cups

3 cloves garlic, peeled

½ cup white vinegar or white wine vinegar

4 cups Greek yogurt

1 large English cucumber, ends trimmed, peeled, and halved lengthwise, seeds discarded and flesh cut into ¼-inch dice

3 Tbsp. loosely packed chopped fresh dill

2 tsp. kosher salt

¼ tsp. fresh ground black pepper

Combine garlic and vinegar in a blender and puree until smooth.
Combine the yogurt and garlicky vinegar in a bowl. Using a whisk, gently work the liquid into the yogurt until it is fully incorporated.
Fold in the cucumbers, dill, salt, and pepper. Transfer to a container with a tight-fitting lid. (The dip will keep for up to 1 week in the refrigerator.)

NOTE: Be sure to remove all of the seeds from the cucumber; they release water, which will make the dip too loose.

Crudités and warm pita

2 rounds whole wheat pita

1½ cups Cucumber Yogurt Dip (see above)

1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil

Pinch fresh ground black pepper

2 pounds mixed fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery, broccoli, grape tomatoes, and peppers, cut into matchsticks or bite-sized pieces

Warm the pitas in a microwave or toaster for a crunchier texture. Alternatively, to add a smoky flavor, place directly over a gas flame until very lightly charred in places. Flip over and repeat on the other side. Stack the pitas on top of each other and cut into eighths.
Put the dip into a serving bowl, drizzle the olive oil on top, and season with the pepper. Serve with the vegetables and pita.

RELATED: 22 Mediterranean Diet Recipes

Greek Turkey Burgers

Makes: 4

Extra virgin olive oil, for rubbing

¼ cup milk

2 slices whole wheat bread, crusts removed

1 lb ground turkey

1 tsp. (heaping) Garlic Puree

Kosher salt

Fresh ground black pepper

¼ cup Cucumber Yogurt Dip

4 whole wheat English muffins, split and toasted

½ lemon

8 (¼-inch-thick) slices beefsteak tomato

8 thin-sliced red onion rings

½ cup packed arugula

3 Tbsp. loosely packed chopped mixed herbs (dill, parsley, mint)

Line a small tray with parchment paper and rub it all over with olive oil.
Combine the milk with ¼ cup water in a large shallow bowl. Add the bread, using your hands to soak it. Squeeze out any excess liquid.
Combine the bread, turkey, and garlic puree in a medium bowl. Mix with your hands until just combined. Handle it as little as possible. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ½-inch-thick patty, place on the tray, and rub olive oil over each.
Preheat a gas grill or grill pan over medium heat. Season both sides of each patty with salt and pepper, then grill until soft to the touch for burgers that are just cooked through.
Spread the dip on 4 of the English muffin halves. Top with a patty followed by a squeeze of lemon juice, 2 slices of tomato, red onion, arugula, herbs, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and the muffin top.

Souls Wrapped in Skin- Reintroducing New Foods, Dealing with IBS, & Listening to My Body!

Hello, beautiful friends! Thank you for all of the love on the new site layout — I am so overjoyed about it. I cannot even handle how much I feel it represents my heart and soul now, and the direction that my brand is moving. If ya couldn’t tell from the branding, I feel the brand (and myself!) moving in a very spiritual, ethereal, calming / zen vibes, soul-level-depth kind of direction. Quite a far cry from the vegan food blog I started in 2013! (But always love that too.) Speaking of vegan food blogs… my journey with food has been such a, well, JOURNEY over the years. Being plant-based again has drastically helped to improve my health issues over the last few years as I have been dealing with Lyme, co-infections, mold, parasites, hormone issues, and more. In fact, I even came up with the term intuitively plant-based (I am sure I did not invent it lol- but have been calling myself that for a while now) and have been following that for the last couple of years. Although I shied awa...

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