You Have to ASK

Dr. Oz had a television segment on the fastest growing cancer in women which happens to be thyroid cancer. It was a very interesting program and he mentioned
that the increase could possibly be related to the increased exposure of radiation through standard health exams like dental x-rays and mammograms.

Dr. Oz addressed the use of the dental apron placed on the patient during xrays. The lead apron is applied for your protection against unnecessary radiation exposure. However, if the apron is not placed up to your neck, your thyroid will not be protected. Dr. Oz showed the audience “a small flap” that can be lifted up to cover your neck. In addition, there is something called a “thyroid guard” for use during mammograms.

The person who sent me this email commented on her experience after watching the Dr. Oz show and she said, “By coincidence, I had my yearly mammogram yesterday.
I felt a little silly, but I asked about the neck guard and sure enough, the technician had one in a drawer. I asked why it wasn’t routinely used. The answer was, ‘I don’t know, they have to ask.’”

I (Tonilee) have my Bachelors of Science Degree in Nursing and I have worked on many different units for almost 20 years. There have been many changes in health care during the years but the primary change has to do with the added responsibility ultimately placed on the patient…or YOU! We are our own best advocates. We need to be well informed and we need to ask questions. We have to remember that for some of the health care employees, they are “just doing their job.” Sadly, some days, those employees are doing the minimum requirement. We all have bad days, sad days and life issues that can distract the best employee from doing their best every day. We do our best to take care of our families but do not forget to take care of YOU too!

Be True to You!

Bobbye and I were doing interviews in New York City during a terrible snow storm. We were near Central Park where it received 17 inches of snow in one night. We bundled up and walked over to see it. The temperature was in the 20s and the snowflakes felt like hail as they hit our faces in the blowing wind. The conditions were extremely uncomfortable and we did not have all the necessary clothing to combat the weather. Regardless of the horrible weather conditions, there were still salesmen on the corners trying to sell us a guided tour of the area. They would say, “But our wagon has heated seats and we will give you a blanket.” It was absurd. How many guided tours are actually sold on days like these? The public schools are closed down but these guys are hustling on the corner trying to sell you the delusional thought of a white wonderland with their packaged tour. However, it was still difficult for us to say no. Why? Because he has to make a living and your heart goes out to effort being made. It’s a lose-lose situation. If we say yes, the salesman thinks, “sucker.” If we say no, we think, “poor guy.” But because we live with ourselves, it’s best to be true to you and maybe he will get another job if enough of us say no.