As a family physician, I explore the HEART of HEALTH in my work, recreation, community, and through writing. My blog, Watercress Words, informs and inspires us to live in health. I believe we can turn our health challenges into healthy opportunities. When we do, we can share the HEART of health with our families, communities, and the world. Come explore and share with me.
Here in the United States, we have our most important holiday of the year-Independence Day, but usually just referred to as the 4th of July. Why do I say it is the most important? Because without it, we wouldn’t be a country!
On this day in 1776, the North American colonies of England declared political independence, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Where I live, we just saw the first day of summer, the longest day of the year, come and go. Summer activities are in full swing, with friends either getting back or preparing to leave on vacation.
For July topics we’ll look at summer safety and wellness. We often call winter the cold and flu season, so we could call summer the poison ivy, sunburn, and bug bite season. Unfortunately, it’s also the season for drownings and water sports accidents.
Celebration
Here in the United States, we have our most important holiday of the year-Independence Day, but usually just referred to as the 4th of July. Why do I say it is the most important? Because without it, we wouldn’t be a country!
On this day in 1776, the North American colonies of England declared political independence, and the rest, as they say, is history. Much has happened in the almost 250 years since, and the United Kingdom is now an ally.
An American citizen, former actress Meghan Markle, married into the British royal family. She and Prince Harry have two children, also American citizens, who are in line for the British throne! (Granted, pretty far down.)
Friendship is worth pursuing between people and countries.
Lady Liberty lifting her torch in New York Harbor -photo by Dr. Aletha
Here are links to July’s Timely Topics, or use”search” to find what interests you
We Americans may pride ourselves on not having “socialized” medicine or “national healthcare”, but we do have a health care system that is a combination of public and private funding and administration. And even private healthcare must comply with a myriad of local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
In this post learn how Water can pose health risks beyond drinking, including illnesses from contact during swimming or recreational activities. Drowning is a significant risk, especially for children. Common waterborne illnesses include gastrointestinal and respiratory conditions. Prevention strategies, such as swimming safety skills and avoiding contaminated water, can prevent these dangers.
In this post I share experiences from visiting the Titanic museum and a subsequent cruise, emphasizing enhanced safety measures unlike those on the Titanic. Observations include thorough safety drills, food allergy considerations, hygiene protocols, and various activities available. While the cruise was enjoyable, potential health risks exist, including sun exposure and noise levels.
Don’t forget to take some books along on your vacation for those hours in the airport, on the plane, or poolside.
If you’d rather listen than read, consider a subscription to Audible Plus to access thousands of audiobooks and other media. (affiliate link) .
My Reader Rewards Club is a great way to earn free books and Bibles for yourself, friends, and family! Your journey to earning free faith-based products starts HERE. (When you sign up through these links, I can earn free books too.)
As a member, you’ll have access to inspiring literature, Bibles, special promotional offers, and much more. Earning points is easy—you’ll receive 25 points just for signing up!
exploring the HEART of health
Follow this blog and my Facebook page so you won’t miss new posts and updates to previous posts. Plus health news and tips, and funnies.
The purpose of board certification is to make sure you, the patient, are getting the best care possible from a physician.
Parents and educators in my state have been debating the merits of standardized testing for school children and maybe where you live also. And it’s not just a question for children, adults can be subjected to professional testing also.
After I finished my family medicine residency, I took an 8 hour paper multiple choice written exam to become certified by the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM). The tests were held at several large cities across the United States.
Every 10 years I tested to re-certify. (Originally it was every 7 years) and I always had to travel at least 500 miles to one nearest my home. Eventually the Board transitioned to a computer based exam taken at a local testing center, still 8 hours long.
The purpose of board certification is to make sure you, the patient, are getting the best care possible from a physician. According to the ABFM,
We promise that board certification means that the family physician you choose for your care meets high standards.
American Board of Family Medicine, ABFM
I passed the recertification exam in 2019 for 10 more years!
In 2018 they offered something new- doctors could take the test on their own computer or tablet whenever and wherever they chose, called The Family Medicine Certification Longitudinal Assessment (FMCLA)
Launched in December 2018 as a pilot program, FMCLA quickly earned an overwhelmingly positive reputation as the preferred option for most physicians and was approved for permanent use in April of 2021.
Doctors can answer questions on a computer or tablet any time of day or night.
This exam consists of 25 questions posted quarterly over 3 years, with a 5 minute time limit for each question . Besides being able to take the exam in my pajamas, I can research the answers online if I need to-as long as I can do it in 5 minutes. The rules prohibit me from discussing the questions with another person, based on an honor system that I attest to before beginning each session. Being able to look up information is more like actual medical practice.
More aligned with adult learning principles, this approach allows for use of references and promotes greater retention of new knowledge to be applied in daily practice.
ABFM web site
You can learn more about the value of board certification at this link
While board certification is a voluntary process, many organizations prefer or require the physicians they hire or work with to be board certified.
Take an “exam” designed for patients
I thought I would give you a taste of what I am doing by creating a patient certification exam for you. The rules prohibit me from sharing actual test questions so I have written my own, in simple medical terms, but using a format similar to the questions I answer.
When I answer questions, I get immediate feedback if my answer was right or wrong, with an explanation and a reference. So I have done the same for you. In this case, the reference is from a blog post I have written.
There’s no time limit for each question and for this exam, feel free to discuss your answers with someone else, I encourage you to. Choose the single best answer. Check at the end for the correct answers.
I had fun writing these questions so I hope you have fun answering them. Good luck! I hope you pass.
Question 1
A woman came to her doctor with a skin rash soon after starting to take a new medication. The medication is most likely
An Antidepressant
A blood pressure lowering drug
An anti-inflammatory drug
An antibiotic
Question 2
A 25 year old woman notices that the skin on her face has darkened over the past several months. This condition is called
Line drawing showing cross-section of dermal and epidermal skin layers.
National Cancer Institute
Creator: Unknown Illustrator
This image is in the public domain and can be freely reused. Please credit the source and, where possible, the creator listed above.
Question 3
A mother brings her 8 year old daughter to her family doctor. The child has a cough, runny nose, and mild sore throat. Her temperature is 100.2 degrees. The doctor diagnosed the illness as a cold, or upper respiratory infection and explains this is caused by a virus. She does not prescribe an antibiotic because
The child is allergic to penicillin
The family does not have health insurance
The mother has left over antibiotic from another child at home.
An antibiotic will not help an infection caused by a virus.
watercress words by Dr Aletha 