Frequently asked health questions To ask a health question, you should contact NHS 111 online or by phone, use the NHS website for general health information, or consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website for global health topics. You can also get information by visiting a GP surgery. For a life-threatening emergency, always call 999; […]
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10 Causes of Anaemia – When to Worry, and When to See a Doctor A sickle cell disease (SCD; see below) blood film is a peripheral blood smear examined under a microscope to diagnose and monitor sickle cell disease. Key findings include the presence of characteristic sickle cells, which are crescent or sickle-shaped red blood […]
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10 Spleen Problems – When to Worry, and When to See a Doctor Problems with the spleen are rare. the spleen is a highly specialised and important organ that plays a critical role in the body’s immune system, and removal and storage of blood. But what does the spleen do? It has 3 main functions: […]
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How to take a medical history – using 10 questions This can be done in 1o minutes. Asking questions (or as we call it ‘taking a history’) is a doctor’s most important skill. Full stop. Why? 80% of diagnoses come from the history (10% examination, 10% tests) alone (Hampton et al, 1975). History taking is about […]
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10 Autoimmune Diseases – When to Worry and When to See a Doctor Lupus ‘butterfly’ rash Here’s a list of 10 autoimmune diseases, including what it is, typical symptoms, when to worry, and when to see a doctor. 1. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) What it is: RA is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the […]
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Sleep Hygiene: The Secret to Better Rest A good night’s sleep is something everyone deserves. It’s not just about feeling refreshed, sleep allows neurons to reset and helps consolidate long-term memories. Yet, many people struggle to create the right environment for quality rest. That’s where sleep hygiene comes in. Understanding what it is and how […]
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Where Should You Register With a GP as a Student? Being a student comes with a higher risk of getting ill due to the vast quantities of new people you come into contact with. However, along with physical illness, the transition to being away from home and looking after yourself and the increased workload is […]
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10 Top Tips for Making a Successful Medical Diagnosis Here are 10 Top Tips top help you make a successful medical diagnosis. Making a clear diagnosis is the primary function of all types of doctor. And, 80% of diagnoses, are based on the history alone (Hampton et al, 1975). 1. Listen to the very first […]
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10 Top Tips to Carry Out a Medical Examination Patients like being examined. It makes them feel they have had a complete assessment. So, if in doubt, do an examination – even if brief and focussed. Here are 10 top tips for a doctor to carry out a medical examination. 1. Prepare yourself Look smart(ish) […]
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How to Make a Medical Diagnosis with a Handshake Why is shaking the patient’s hand a good diagnostic practice? The hands provide readily accessible information that may not be available through other history/examination, and they offer clues to a patient’s physical and mental health. A good introduction is vital in medicine. And you should begin all […]
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