Learning to Speak Like a Doctor free essay sample

I am the daughter of a neurologist and an oncologist, granddaughter of a gastroenterologist, sister of an emergency medical doctor and neuro-critical care specialist. Medical language is the native tongue in my house, and for 16 years I could not interpret any of it. It took a year and a life-changing experience for me to grasp â€Å"med speak.† â€Å"The MRI showed a four centimeter hemorrhage in the thalamus.† What does that mean? Will they ever stop talking about it? This was the dinner conversation at my house every night. My parents would talk about their day, and I would sit there clueless, bored, and silent, playing with the steak and green beans on my plate. Occasionally I could pick out a word or disease I recognized after hearing it mentioned so often. I would hear â€Å"lumbar† and think, That’s the lower back, or â€Å"spinal tap† and think, The test where they put a needle in the spine. We will write a custom essay sample on Learning to Speak Like a Doctor or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page I could never keep up with my mom and dad’s conversation, but I didn’t really want to. One day, my mom was late and I was left sitting outside school in the Texas sun for 30 minutes. Something was not right. When I got into the truck, my mom was talking on the phone. I heard her say â€Å"metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma.† She was upset, and I knew she wasn’t talking about one of her patients. The only word I recognized was â€Å"carcinoma.† Carcinoma is cancer. When she finally hung up, she told me, â€Å"Dad has cancer.† Aside from the paralyzing shock, I had a billion questions: How bad is it? What kind? Where? Will he be okay?† If I had only taken the time to understand their dinnertime doctor talk, I might have had the answers. Those answers eventually came from my brother, Ryan, who was in medical school. Ryan sat at the computer and I sat on the floor by his feet as he explained our father’s diagnosis. He pulled up Dad’s scans on the screen, pointing out every tumor and explaining what could happen because of it. That night was my crash course in med speak. This time I asked questions and I made certain I knew what the words meant. By the time my dad passed away, I could understand the medical discussions. I did not feel like that naive little girl anymore. I felt intelligent and accomplished. Now I look at myself and realize it is so much more than understanding medical terminology. When I was younger I did not understand because I did not care. I did not take the initiative to learn. When my dad was diagnosed with cancer, it hit me personally. It made me want to understand – not just the doctor talk but everything. I found a strength and independence in myself I never knew was there. I learned to handle my emotions like someone beyond my years. I drove myself to swim practice and 40 miles to school every day. I focused on my schoolwork without having to be bugged to do it. I took responsibility for myself. I grasped the doctor talk. I grew up.

Catch 22 essays

Catch 22 essays Soldiers serving during World War II faced hard times while fighting for their country. They were separated from their families and the traditional lives that they knew, and were suddenly thrown into a life of hardships and absurdities. As a result, they became alienated from the rest of the world and began to look at their lives in a pessimistic view. Heller portrays this separation from the traditional views through characters like Yossarian, Major Major, and the Chaplain throughout Catch 22. These characters play a major part in the story line as well as the themes presented in the novel such as absurdity of the war. Absurdity is used throughout the book and can be viewed as the illogical and pointless actions of the troops in combat and the officers controlling them. The absurdities that the characters had to face changed their views from positive to depressing feelings and alienated them from everyone else who was oblivious to the war. Specifically, Heller uses the alienation of Yossarian, Major Major, and the Chaplain to bring forth the issues of absurdity and hopelessness in World War II. Heller uses the actions and thoughts of Yossarian to convey his existentialistic message of war and the uselessness of the men fighting war. The only thing going on was a war, and no one seemed to notice but Yossarian ... and when Yossarian tried to remind people, they drew away from him and thought he was crazy (25). Yossarian is alienated from the rest of the soldiers because he actually recognizes that there is a war going on and he fears for his life. None of the other soldiers seem to care about their lives or what could happen to them by flying the missions. They just assume Yossarian is crazy for having such thoughts. One situation that Yossarian takes a stand on is when his superior Colonel Cathcart, repeatedly raises the number of missions that are required to go home. All the other pilots do not seem to mind having to ...

Impacts of Globalization on the Cultural Aspects and heritage on Qatar Term Paper

Impacts of Globalization on the Cultural Aspects and heritage on Qatar - Term Paper Example This research will begin with the statement that culture and heritage forms the basic bedrock of Qatar’s modern society, which provides the foundation of the nation’s hospitality, music, and handicrafts as the inspiration of modern artists. The Qatar government has embarked on intensive approaches aimed at preserving the culture and heritage of the nation. Many buildings in Qatar though, still maintain their traditional architecture. In major towns such as Doha, you will find many handicrafts such as traditional foods, art, and fabrics displayed on shops and stalls. Even young Qataris are being encouraged to adopt businesses that promote traditions and old crafts. The government has set up a campaign dubbed Qatar Foundation (QF) that aims at promoting the cultural prosperity of the nation and preserving the country’s heritage. In the National Council for Culture, Heritage and the Arts as well as in the Qatar Museums authorities, there are various collections of A rabic writings, art, and calligraphy, which are all being made available for research as well as public appreciation through the Qatar Foundation. Qatar’s culture and heritage are evidenced in the following areas: music; poetry; heritage library; traditional architecture; Arabian horses and camels; globalization and culture; globalization and the state immigration; globalization and living standards; Doha cultural festivals; promotion of cultural heritage by Government.

Theory of Good by Wilhelm Leibniz Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Theory of Good by Wilhelm Leibniz - Essay Example Leibniz in his lifetime proposed theories relating to God and made a derivation from every theory he proposed. He is also known to be the father of calculus and the basic founder of the technology known as computer. Leibniz in his lifetime proposed a theory known as 'the theory of good'. This theory gives the basic facts about goodness while relating it to the God. Leibniz put in his own perceptions and came out with the theory of good which is now famously applied by many people. This theory has come into many criticisms; however some people are still in the favor of this theory. This article would further discuss the theory of good according to the facts given in by Leibniz and would give in a conclusion after assessing the theory. One of the very important theories Leibniz put in was the theory of good which was the basis for the ethics of Leibniz. This theory revolved around the basis of goodness and how it was affected. This theory was again laid upon three basic principles which were according to Leibniz's words hedonism, Platonism and perfectionism. Platonism basically signifies that goodness is correlated to reality, hedonism relates good to satisfaction and gratification whereas perfectionism implies to fastidiousness that is one should try to achieve precision in one's character. But with all these three principles there is a co existing form of malevolence. With the abstract good there is the wrong associated when there is defiance of reality. With the ethical good there is malevolence of bad and evil. And in the hedonism which is then related to the evil of pain. In constructing his theory of good and relating abstract good with abstract malevolence Leibniz has taken assistance from the work of Augustine, Boethius, Plotinus and in the theory of Plato Leibniz has given a clear cut view in his theories that everyone and everything is not equally perfect. He states that it is only God who has immeasurable and unbounded perfection and faultlessness. God is the creator of everything and he has given his creations varying amounts of perfection. To give his creations complete exactness and divinity like Himself would be like the creation of another God by Him and this is not how the universe has been based. The universe has been based on His principles and thus with His creations God has given everyone his own boundaries and limitations that are to be followed by everyone. This clearly means that everyone is not equally perfect and thus Leibniz is trying to explain that precision and flawlessness is not based on the law of none and all. It comes in different amounts. Thus it is clear that everything except God, including the universe has its own flaws. A common concept of Leibniz is that the flaws suffered by all the things on this univ erse are made by the God himself. He is basically describing his theory of good by relating it to the power of God and his flawlessness. As described by Leibniz, every single thing on this planet has some flaws. For e.g. one human being cannot be perfect in whatever action he does. As is said in one famous quote "no one is perfect". Leibniz here clearly is relating this object of flaws found in the things made on the universe with reality. Over here another worldly example may be considered that everything that has been invented by the modern technology also has some limitations as we may consider that

Good Will Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Good Will - Assignment Example The total of fair values includes liabilities assumed and the recognized intangible assets. When the amount of goodwill is negative, that is when the purchase consideration is less than the total fair value of acquired assets, the excess is said to be profit (Deloitte 2014). 1. The firm calculates the fair value of a reporting unit. It compares the fair value with the carrying amount of the unit. When the carrying amount is more than the fair value, the firm proceeds to the second step (Brice 2014). Accountants who perform personal tax returns are the de facto first line in the implementation of the individual mandate. Insurance accountants will question clients if they possess health insurance. The accountants calculate fines for clients who lack the insurance as per the law. The new healthcare puts insurance accountants in political conversations that did not exist before. It requires them to remain privy regarding their clients compliance with the law (White 2014). Brice, Steven. "Procedural Differences in Impairment Testing." American Institute of CPA. N.p., 23 Mar. 2009. Web. 14 Apr. 2014. . Tilly, Baker. "FASB issues simplified standards for goodwill impairment testing." insights. N.p., 1 Jan. 2011. Web. 14 Apr. 2014. . White, Dennis. "CPAs Examine Impact of Health Care Decision." AccountingWEB. N.p., 25 July 2012. Web. 14 Apr. 2014.

Levothyroxine: The Importance of RDH Familiarity

Levothyroxine: The Importance of RDH Familiarity Jessica Jarrard As a registered dental hygienist, there are health concerns to remain aware of when providing care to clients, specifically health conditions that the client may or may not be aware of, and more importantly any medications that may affect dental care in general as well as in the office. As a RDH, one should be able to recognize signs and symptoms and be knowledgeable about how the care being provided to the client may be affected by medication and the health conditions associated with its use as it relates to dental health. The top medication prescribed to individuals is Levothyroxine. The use of this medication is common, and it is important for the RDH to be aware of the conditions associated with its use, the effects this medication may have on the care provided or vice versa, as well as how to direct the client for providing aftercare once they have the left the office. Any possible health concerns the RDH may recognize in regards to the use of Levothyroxine are especially import ant if the client has signs of a possible condition that may be associated with its use or if the client may be suffering an adverse effect resulting from a medication interaction that the client may be unaware of. Being familiar with the medication as it relates to the care provided will help the RDH recognize if referring the client to seek further care from their primary medical provider is necessary. Levothyroxine is a synthetic hormone medication used for the treatment of hypothyroidism, a condition associated with underproduction of hormones secreted within the thyroid gland. Thyroxine, the T4 hormone, is indirectly responsible for regulating many metabolic processes within the body and when deficient or absent can cause a number of health concerns including lethargy, low body temperature, myxedema, intolerance to cold, and weight gain among other, more serious complications (Weinberg, Westphal, Fine, 2008). Although Levothyroxine can regulate the symptoms associated with this health condition, there are also risks involved with long term use of the drug such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, and atrial fibrillation, especially among individuals with thyroid cancer (Nelson, 2017). Therapeutically this medication is utilized as a replacement hormone in the absence of Thyroxine (Vallerand, Sanoski, Deglin, 2013). Although there are other treatments available for hypothyroidism , there is no evidence they are better options, and Levothyroxine remains a common treatment and has been proven to work well (What is T4, n.d.). Levothyroxine C15H11I4NO4 is commonly known as Synthroid but is also known by other names such as Eltroxin or Euthyrox in Canada and Levo-T, Levothroid, Levoxyl, T4, Tirosint, and Unithroid depending on the manufacturer marketing the drug (Hopkins, 2006). Although most commonly used to treat hypothyroidism it is also used as a treatment for suppression of euthyroid goiter as well as thyroid cancer which is often directly related (Vallerand, Sanoski, Deglin, 2013, p. 779). Levothyroxine is absorbed through the GI tract and metabolized by the liver and other body tissues by being converted to Triiodothyronine, the T3 hormone, which regulates metabolism in the body as well as other body functions (What is T4 , n.d.). Levothyroxine can be taken intravenously and intramuscularly, although it is commonly prescribed as a single dose, oral medication. Dosages of this medication are determined by many factors including age, weight, severity of the condition being treated, and other present health conditions. As with all medications, individuals with certain health conditions should use caution while taking Levothyroxine. These include individuals suffering from cardiovascular disease, renal insufficiency, and uncorrected adrenocortical disorders as well as pediatric and geriatric patients who should be monitored especially close as they are more vulnerable to complications or risks associated with any medication or illness (Vallerand, Sanoski, Deglin, 2013). Dosages are increased at regular intervals, usually bi weekly and should be taken in the morning, as the risk for insomnia is increased with its use. It is important that this medication is taken at the same time daily and should not be stopped wi thout consulting the prescribing physician, as it may result in negative health consequences (Vallerand, Sanoski, Deglin,2013). When taking this medication, it is important that patients understand that treatment with Levothyroxine is not a cure for hypothyroidism and should be considered a lifelong therapy. Patients should also understand that it may have an effect on other body systems, resulting in undesirable symptoms such as headache, insomnia, irritability, angina pectoris, arrhythmias, tachycardia, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, sweating, hyperthyroidism, menstrual irregularities, heat intolerance, weight loss, and accelerated bone maturation in children. These adverse effects are usually only seen when excessive doses of the medication cause iatrogenic hyperthyroidism (Vallerand, Sanoski, Deglin, 2013, p. 780). Some other medications have been known to interact in conjunction with Levothyroxine and should not be taken together unless directed by a physician. These medications include Warfarin, some diabetic medications, and Estrogen, which may increase the effects of Levothyroxine. Other supplements or foods which contain calcium, iron, and zinc prevent absorption of Levothyroxine and should also not be taken in conjunction. If these medications or supplements are needed, it is best to do so under the care of a physician who can monitor any potential risks or effects and make adjustments in health care accordingly (Vallerand, Sanoski, Deglin, 2013). The use of Levothyroxine is increasingly common in individuals and can cause undesirable effects if not considered when providing dental care as well as any other care to clients. For instance, a common side effect of this medication is xerostomia. This side effect can cause a number of risks to clients as the mouths essential, protective enzymes, which are provided and carried through saliva, are depleted or completely absent. Without this level of protection, the teeth and gums become weak and vulnerable to excessive damage from routine dental care as well as other normal activities, such as eating. It has been reported that there is almost four times greater prevalence of xerostomia in patients taking medications (28%), compared with those not taking any (7.5%) (Risk factors, hyposalivation, 2017). If the RDH is aware of this side effect, whether or not it is a result of the medication, adjustments in dental care can be made preventing further damage. The RDH can also provide repl acement therapy for the missing enzymes by offering products or medications that supplement these enzymes to prevent further dry mouth. All RDH should be educated and aware of the signs and symptoms of disorders or health conditions associated with Levothyroxine and the possible risks involved when providing dental care for a client taking this medication. Understanding how the medication works and the effects it has in conjunction with other medications, supplements, or medical/dental treatments will not only serve to protect the client from any further risks or complications regarding care, but will also allow the RDH to perform client services more effectively and with greater success to the clients well-being. References Flaitz, C., Shlafer, M., Tornwall, R., Viola, T. (2014). Mosby Dental Drug Reference 11th ed. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Mosby. Haveles, E. (2011). Applied Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist. Maryland Heights, MO: Mosby Elsevier. Joe (MSC Nutrition). (n.d.).What is T4 and T3: The complete guide. Retrieved from https://www.dietvsdisease.org/t4-t3-thyroid-hormone levels/?hilite=%22levothyroxin%22 Nelson, R. (2017). High risk for CHD and stroke in patients with thyroid cancer. Retrieved from www.medscape.com/viewarticle/875375 Niklander, S., Veas, L., Barrera, C., Fuentes, F., Chiappini, G., Marshall, M. (2017). Risk factors, hyposalivation and impact of xerostomia on oral health-related quality of life. Pub Med, 31. Retrieved from http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttextpid=S180683242017000100211lng =ennrm=isotlng=en#B12 Vallerand, A., Sanoski, C., Deglin, J. (2013). Daviss Drug Guide for Nurses 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company. Weinberg, M., Westphal, C., Fine, J. (2008). Oral Pharmacology for the Dental Hygienist. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education Inc.

The No Child Left Behind act of 2001 Essays -- Education, Bush Adminis

The No Child Left Behind act of 2001 Control of the public education system has been left to the State for most of the country’s history, it was not until the 1950’s that the federal government played a role in categorical programs, but the national government refrained from involvement in academics until the 90’s. Three days after taking up his position in office, George Bush announced his plan for the No Child Left Behind act (NCLB) which was a consolidated reform of the 1962 Elementary and Secondary Education Act or ESEA (McGuinn, p. 1). ESEA focused on providing resources for the underprivileged students, whereas the NCLB act focuses on all students in public schools. On January 8, 2002, the No Child Left Behind act was enacted. The law enlarged federal education spending, required states to design and administer proficiency test to all students grades three and up, demanded that States put qualified teachers in every class room, and promised to hold all States accountable for the performance of their public schools (McGuinn, p. 1). The act itself is what was felt to be a solution for the failure of properly educating America’s children. How the act is put in to action, and if it serves its purpose, has depended on the States requirements and statistics. Public education was slowly decreasing in quality, consequently, failing America’s children, and a solution was needed. According to author, and Chair of the K-12 Education Task Force, Chester Finn Jr. â€Å"No Child Left Behind arose from the premise that America's public schools weren't doing well enough and states ought not to be left to their own devices to improve them. So Uncle Sam created a new web of requirements, incentives, and sanctions aimed at boosting school perfo... ...m birth through graduation and beyond† (Carter, 2010). The No Child Left Behind act was created to better public schools and it did. Like most laws, though, an update is necessary to keep up with the times and serve its purpose of aiding the American people. Government programs have a reputation of failing because of the lack of funding, but when the people come together for something as important as education, failure is not an option. America’s future relies on the children of today, so education should remain a priority of this countries government. There will never be an all pleasing solution; the need to complain will exist no matter what is done, but this does not mean the government should step away. The law was a backbone created to support the States and aid in academic success, therefore the law does not need to be negated, just reformed and improved.