March 2014 Northern Ohio Regional Medical and Health Directory
Health Tips
Choosing a doctor Choosing the right doctor is a critical decision that requires some in-depth research. Very often, individuals make this decision purely by which names turn up on a health insurance plan, while others choose the doctor who is closest to their homes. Although managed care has changed the way many look for and use doctors, this doesn’t mean a person should remain hands-off in the selection process. Narrow down potential doctors by their specialty, academic history, proximity to home, and whether the doctor is board-certified. A doctor who is board-certified has taken several extra years of training and passed a difficult board examination. To remain board-certified, he or she sometimes must complete continuing education and periodic recertification. After the list is made, you can select two or three eligible doctors and make appointments for non-care-related interviews. This way. there is the chance to gauge the doctors’ personality, how well the interaction goes, and how comfortable you would feel in his or her care. The doctor who best meets this criteria is likely going to make the best fit.
Keep the blood flowing High levels of exercise can help to prevent stiffening of the arteries in middle-aged men and women. Researchers at Indiana University studied 21 men and 28 women, 33 of whom were highly active swimmers who exercised vigorously for more than 200 minutes per week. The remaining 16 participants exercised moderately or not at all. The study found highly active middle-aged men and women had significantly less arterial stiffness than those who were inactive or exercised moderately. Among men and women in the inactive group, men had less arterial stiffness than women, suggesting exercise may be more beneficial for women than men with regard to reducing the risk of developing arterial stiffness that can lead to cardiovascular disease.
Michael D. Hablitzel, D.D.S. Mary Ann Nehls, D.D.S.
General Dentistry Cosmetic z Preventative z Restorative 304 Madison Street - Port Clinton - (419) 734-2175
www.westharbordental.com
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