The Best and the Worst Interesting Facts of 2012

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The Least Viewed Interesting Fact of 2012: Checkups

Checkups are important for you and your doctor. During checkups, you take a step towards preventing any diseases or illnesses. You become a master of your own health. If the doctor is like Dr. Carm, then she likes checkups, too. She can get updated information on her patient (and interesting gossip). Doctors care about you—and I’m sure everyone cares about Dr. Carm!

What to expect at you annual exams

Don’t worry you usually don’t have to study, and you don’t usually have to worry about filling in those annoying tiny bubbles on the test sheet. [Dr. Carm hates exams.] Annual exams can include: checking vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory system, and temperature), testicular exam, hernia exam, penis exam, prostate exam, breast exam, pelvic exam, CBC (complete blood test), chemistry panel, and urinalysis.

Your age, sex, and medical history determines which exams you need. In addition to the ones mentioned above, you should also be aware:

-If you are 50 years and older (sorry, can’t lie about your age here), you should go for colorectal cancer screenings. A fecal occult blood test (FOBT) should be performed 1 to 2 years for people 50-80 years old. Other testing such as a colonoscopy can be done every 5-10 years depending on health risks. For those who have a family history of colon cancer or other colon-related diseases (such as crohn’s disease), tests are usually done prior to age 50. Catching colon cancer early is essential for successful treatments.

-Annual mammograms should be done for women starting at the age of 40. Dr. Carm knows one place that suggests women start their annual mammogram testing at age 35.

-Cholesterol testing (lipids) should be done every 5 years after the age of 20.

*Blood tests can vary between individuals depending on their medications and health.

What should you do to prepare for your checkup?

Besides making the appointment [doctors usually hate it if you just stop by for a chat and say, “Oh, while I’m here, could I have my checkup?”], you can make a list of items to discuss or questions to ask. You know your body and should be aware of any changes. Well, Dr. Carm hopes you do. We don’t have any aliens inhabiting any bodies out there, do we??? Never mind, I don’t want to know….

What should you list?

Did anyone in your family (blood related) get diagnosed with a disease (for example, your sister is diagnosed with lung cancer or your father is now on cholesterol medication)?

Has something been bothering you? A pain? A cold that keeps coming back? Changes in diet or sleeping patterns?

Have you started taking any medication or supplements recently? (More than likely this should be over the counter medication/supplements. Dr. Carm does not approve illegal drugs. People are usually crazy enough without them.)

If something is bothering you, write down why (why does it bother you?), what (what kind of concern is it? Can you describe it?), when (when did it start? How long does it last?), where (where does it hurt? Do you get the symptoms in certain places?), and how (how have you been dealing with it?).

Last points

Remember you can’t undo a year’s worth of damage in a week! [Yes, those pesky diets to lose weight that didn't work because you didn't actually follow the diet counts.] Doctors (that aren’t even Dr. Carm) are usually smart enough to notice this, although they might not outwardly mention it. So, speak truthfully to your doctor. They can’t help you if you hide information or lie to them.

If you need a follow up appointment, schedule it and keep it. There’s a reason why your doctor needs this information. Let him/her help you!

Original posting can be found here

The Best Interesting Fact of 2012: Nails

Your nails tell you a lot about your health. Of course, Dr. Carm is talking about your real nails—not the painted or fake ones. Have you ever noticed when you were at the doctor's how he or she either commented on something (like a ring) or examined your hands? This is because he or she was looking for signs of any problems or illnesses.

So, go clean your nails and removed the artificial gunk off for this next posting. 

When looking at these descriptions you want to look near the base of the nail for the coloring. A normal nail should be smooth and clear (meaning you can see the skin underneath the nail—so slightly pinkish.)

Beau's Line Nails

Beau's lines are indentations across the nails. It can be caused by injury or illness that interrupts the growth of the cuticle. It can also be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, high fever, measles, mumps, pneumonia, or zinc deficiency.³

Blue Nails

Bluish nails are a sign that the body is not receiving enough oxygen, which is common in lung infections (pneumonia). In addition, some heart problems cause the fingernails to become blue.²

Club Nails

Club nails are enlarged fingertips with the nails curved around it. This may be a result of low oxygen and various types of lung disease. It is also associated with IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), cardiovascular disease, liver disease, and AIDS.³

Cracked or Split Nails

Dry, brittle nails that crack or split are often associated with thyroid disease. If the nails are also yellow, then this is a sign of a fungal infection.²

Dark Lines Beneath the Nail

Dark lines beneath the nail can be caused by melanoma and should be seen by a doctor immediately.²

Gnawed Nails

Nail biting is often a sign of an anxiety disorder and has also been linked to OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder).²

Pale Nails

Pale nails can be a sign of anemia, congestive heart failure, liver disease, and malnutrition.²

Pitted Nails

A small depression in the nails is common in people who have psoriasis. It can also be related to connective tissue disorders (i.e., Reiter's syndrome), alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease), or inflammatory arthritis.^2,3

Puffy Nail Folds

If the skin around the nails is puffy and red, it may be due to lupus or another connective tissue disorder. Infections are also a cause.²

Separated Nails (onycholysis)

Nails that are loose or separated from the nail bed are sometimes associated with injury or infection. However, it can also be associated with a reaction to a particular drug or product (such as nail hardeners or adhesives). In addition, it can be a sign of thyroid disease or psoriasis.³

Spoon Nails (koilonychia)

These are soft nails that scoop out. The middle of the nail is dented enough to hold a drop of liquid. Spoon nails are a sign of iron deficiency anemia or hemochromatosis (a liver condition that makes your body absorb too much iron from food). It can also be a sign of heart disease and hypothyroidism.³

Terry's Nails

If the tip of each nail has a dark band, it can be due to aging; but more serious conditions can be liver disease, congestive heart failure, or diabetes.³

White Nails

White nails with darker rims are a sign of liver problems (hepatitis). In this case, you might also notice your fingers might also be jaundiced (yellow).²

Yellow Nails

Yellow can be a sign of a fungal infection. If the infection is not treated, it may grow worse causing the nail to become thick and then crumble. Other conditions that cause yellow nails include severe thyroid disease, lung disease, respiratory disease (chronic bronchitis), diabetes, lymph edema, or psoriasis.^2,3

Some Final Facts¹:

• Fingernails grow an average of only 0.1 millimeter (mm) each day, whereas toenails grow 1 mm per month. Individual nail growth rates depend on age, time of year, activity level, and heredity.
• Nails grow faster on fingers — especially on your dominant hand — than toes.
• Women's nails grow more slowly than men's, except possibly during pregnancy.
• Nails grow more rapidly in summer than in winter.
• Nail growth is affected by disease, nutrition, medications, trauma, chronic illness, fever, and the aging process.

Original posting can be found here


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The Best and the Worst Quick Facts of 2012

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The Least Viewed Quick Fact of 2012: Sports-Related Concussions

1.    The definition of concussion is vague and inconsistent among professionals

2.       Accurately speaking, it should be called brain injury—not concussion or head injury

3.       “Mild brain injury” is inaccurate. It’s “subtle brain injury.” Why? Because the effects of the brain injury can be difficult to recognize or observe to those outside the medical profession.

4.       Many injuries are unreported

5.       More medial training is needed. The research included a cited survey of 233 recently graduated chief residents found that approximately 68% reported being less than comfortable managing a concussion sustained by an athlete

6.       Neurocognitive and neuroimaging instrumentation and other evaluation techniques are not sensitive enough to a subtle brain injury.

7.       Athletes need more training in knowing the signs and symptoms of a brain-related injury

8.       Female athletes are more prone to brain injuries than male athletes (this is because they are more likely to seek medical treatment—hence more cases are reported)

9.       An athlete does not have to sustain a blow to the head for a brain injury

10.   It may or may not involve unconsciousness

11.   Prior brain injury has been linked to depression, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and chronic traumatic encephalophy (CTE) [CTE is a degenerative disease that affects the brain and is believed to be caused by repeated head trauma…resulting in large accumulations of proteins that kill cells in regions responsible for mood, emotions, and executive functioning]

12.   Some children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder might actually be suffering from a traumatic brain injury

13.   Brain injury mimics many symptoms of drunkenness

14.   Individual treatments should be used for student-athletes with brain injuries

Brady, D., & Brady, F. (2011). Sport-related concussions: Myths and facts. Communique, 39(8), 32-33.

Original posting can be found here

The Best Quick Fact of 2012: Hippocratic Oath

Hippocratic Oath [Dr. Carm Comments]

I do solemnly vow, to that which I value and hold most dear:

That I will honor the Profession of Medicine, be just and generous to its members, and help sustain them in their service to humanity;  

[If they are nice to Dr. Carm, Dr. Carm will be nice to them]

That just as I have learned from those who preceded me, so will I instruct those who follow me in the science and the art of medicine;

 [Hence, the blog, because Dr. Carm is just that smart!]

That I will recognize the limits of my knowledge and pursue lifelong learning to better care for the sick and to prevent illness;  

[Hmm, Dr. Carm learned everything already so it can be scratched off the list]

That I will seek the counsel of others when they are more expert so as to fulfill my obligation to those who are entrusted to my care;  

[Ha ha ha ha!!! Dr. Carm believes this is vice versa]

That I will not withdraw from my patients in their time of need; 

[Unless Dr. Carm is in the middle of a show or a good book or sleep or eating or daydreaming or....]

That I will lead my life and practice my art with integrity and honor, using my power wisely;

[Dr. Carm always uses her power wisely]

That whatsoever I shall see or hear of the lives of my patients that is not fitting to be spoken, I will keep in confidence;  

[Of course Dr. Carm cannot be bought....but she can be rented if the price is right!]

That into whatever house I shall enter, it shall be for the good of the sick;  

[Who makes house calls anymore??? That's what the Internet is for!]

That I will maintain this sacred trust, holding myself far aloof from wrong, from corrupting, from the tempting of others to vice;  

[Dr. Carm is always above the rest]

That above all else I will serve the highest interests of my patients through the practice of my science and my art;  

[Art? Does this mean Dr. Carm can draw funny mustaches on the patients with Sharpies while they are sleeping or in surgery?!?!?!]

That I will be an advocate for patients in need and strive for justice in the care of the sick. 

[Again, if they are nice to Dr. Carm, Dr. Carm will be nice to them]

I now turn to my calling, promising to preserve its finest traditions, with the reward of a long experience in the joy of healing.  

[Traditions? How do people feel about leeches? They do have their benefits though...]

I make this vow freely and upon my honor.

[If every doctor takes this oath, is it really freely? Hey! Dr. Carm is now a philosopher!]

Original posting can be found here



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The Best and the Worst Fun Diagnoses of 2012

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The Least Viewed Fun Diagnosis of 2012: Obsessive Compulsive Book Disorder

Dr. Carm has noticed a lot of her acquaintances with this disorder. She believes there is an epidemic going around! “What is it?” you asked? Well, it’s….

Obsessive Compulsive Book Disorder (OCBD)

Yes, this is a psychological disorder that affects many people. This disorder basically renders the person as a book-aholic (as it is sometimes known as.)

Symptoms include the following:

Excessive book activities. People with this disorder must read, own, and borrow many books. Reading, smelling, feeling, and for some tasting books are a source of pleasure. Without books, their world falls apart. As the OCBD advances, this disorder takes on other forms of reading such as magazines, newspaper, web articles, pamphlets, ingredient labels, and those annoying pillow tags.

Breathing fire. Okay, I’m joking on this one. OCBD only has the one symptom listed above, but it would be so much fun to breathe fire!

Anyway, OCBD can cause the person to do odd things compared to those who do not have OCBD. They would forgo events to stay at home with a good book. They get giddy when they purchase books at a great discount. They are practically unbearable until the next book in a series comes out. Insomnia can occur because they have to finish the book or chapter. They feel the loss of character sometimes more so than someone they know in real life. Obsessive disorders with the characters or author are very likely to occur. Many OCBD sufferers enter giveaways for free and advanced copies of books, read (yes read!!!) blogs about books and reviews, belong to websites such as Goodreads, own an electronic reader (such as a Kindle or Nook), uses their library card more than their credit cards, and run out of spaces for their books at home. Finally, any misuse of a book might cause the person to suffer physical, emotional, and/or psychological damage, courtesy of the OCBD sufferer that catches him or her.

OCBD has no cure. Doctors tend to treat this order much the same way as they do for other OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) cases. Unfortunately, most sufferers are blissfully happy in their current state that they do not seek medical attention. What is more alarming is the waiting rooms of doctors who treat these patients! They have reading material in the waiting room!!!! This only encourages the disorder.
If you feel that your OCBD is getting out of hand, please contact your primary care physician. Worst case scenario is death.

Original posting can be found here

The Best Interesting Fact of 2012: Bearded Dragon Disease

Kayla has many interesting medical conditions.

One of which is:



BDD - Bearded Dragon Disease

This potentially hereditary disease is not too uncommon in the human world. BDD is a debilitating disease that causes the person to act like a bearded dragon. Although scales do not actually appear until later in adulthood, some have been found on young adults in their 20s.

Symptoms for BDD can happen as early as 3 years old but is not usually noticeable until one reaches puberty. The two main symptoms include:

1) Feeling constantly cold even though everyone else is excruciating hot; and

2) Obsession with being in the sun

People with this disease cannot handle cloudy or rainy days. They cope in any way they can—some resorting to laying in front of a space heater all day.

Other side effects can include growing a beard—or technically, continually wearing a giant scarf wrapped around one’s neck for optimal heat retention.

Most people who suffer from BDD find day temperatures to be comfortable between 76 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit, with basking range between 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit. They do prefer a slightly cooler temperature at night to sleep (in the 70s).

Although there is no cure for the dreaded BDD, it is possible to live a normal life. Most people with BDD tend to move to a more accommodating environment—one that has sunny, warm days. For those unfortunate enough to live in colder, cloudier environments there are some basic steps to help relieve some of their symptoms.

They should invest in heating lights, heating pads, and space heaters. They should spend at least 8 hours in the sun daily. Those who have careers indoors should collaborate with their supervisors to allow them to work outside during hot, sunny days. Whenever days are cold or cloudy, the supervisor should set up a special habitat that would include a giant sun lamp and heating system.

With well laid plans, one with BDD can live a fully functional life.

[Picture from wiki]

Original posting can be found here


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The Best and the Worst Short Stories of 2012

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The Least Viewed Quick Story of 2012: Two Little Kids

Two little kids are in a hospital, lying on stretchers next to each other, outside the operating room. 

The first kid leans over and asks, "What are you in here for?" 

The second kid says, "I'm in here to get my tonsils out and I'm a little nervous." 

The first kid says, "You've got nothing to worry about. I had that done when I was four. They put you to sleep, and when you wake up they give you lots of Jell-o and ice cream.. It's a breeze" 

The second kid then asks, "What are you here for?" 

The first kid says, "A circumcision." 

The second kid replies, "Whoa! Good luck buddy, I had that done when I was born. Couldn't walk for a year."

Original posting can be found here

The Best Short Story of 2012: KY Jelly Story

A doctor story:

I was caring for a woman and asked, "So how's your breakfast this morning?"

"It's very good, except for the Kentucky Jelly. I can't seem to get used to the taste" the patient replied.

I then asked to see the jelly and the woman produced a foil packet labeled "KY Jelly."

KY Jelly (a lubricant)  is made by Johnson & Johnson

The USA's Kentucky state (abbreviated KY)



Original posting can be found here



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