Expert Answers Your Health Related Questions: Q&A with Ken Jeong
Summary
In this Q&A, Ken Jeong, a doctor, actor, and comedian, answers various health-related questions posted on Twitter. Jeong shares his insights on topics such as the flu, the common cold, sudden changes in temperature leading to sickness, stress, antibiotics, and the importance of seeing a physician. He also explains the placebo effect and the significance of getting a tetanus shot every 10 years.
Table of Contents
- Sudden Changes in Temperature Leading to Sickness
- The Flu and the Common Cold
- Lying on Paperwork at the Doctor’s Office
- The Placebo Effect
- Tetanus Shot and Scurvy
- Antibiotics and Kombucha
- Stress and Immune System
- Nervousness While Checking Blood Pressure
- Importance of Seeing a Doctor
- Breathing During Examination
Introduction
Taking care of one’s health is an essential aspect of life that should never be overlooked. With constant advancements in medicine and technology, people have access to various health-related resources and services that can help them maintain a healthy lifestyle. However, with so much available information out there, it can be overwhelming to find accurate and reliable answers to one’s health-related questions. In this blog post, we have Ken Jeong, a doctor, actor, and comedian, answering various health-related questions posted on Twitter.
Q&A
Sudden Changes in Temperature Leading to Sickness
Q: Why do I get sick when there is a sudden change in temperature?
A: Sudden and extreme changes in temperature can cause sickness because they can weaken our immune system. The immune system is responsible for protecting us from harmful infections, but when the body is exposed to a sudden and extreme change in temperature, it can cause our immune system to weaken. This weakened immune system makes it easier for harmful bacteria and viruses to attack the body, leading to sickness.
The Flu and the Common Cold
Q: Can I get the flu from a flu shot?
A: No, you cannot get the flu from a flu shot. Flu shots contain a dead or inactive virus that cannot cause the flu. It is normal to experience mild symptoms after getting a flu shot, such as soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or muscle aches, but these symptoms are not the flu. They are the body’s way of responding to the vaccine.
Q: Why is there no cure for the common cold?
A: There is no cure for the common cold because the common cold is caused by a virus, and antibiotics cannot treat viruses. When experiencing cold symptoms, treating the symptoms is the best course of action. Getting rest, staying hydrated, and taking over-the-counter medications to relieve cough, fever, and congestion symptoms can help ease one’s discomfort.
Lying on Paperwork at the Doctor’s Office
Q: Is it okay to lie about my drinking habits on paperwork at the doctor’s office?
A: No, lying on paperwork at the doctor’s office is not okay. The information provided on those forms is essential to the doctor’s diagnosis and treatment decisions. By lying about drinking habits, for example, the doctor may not be able to identify potential underlying health issues that could be caused by excessive drinking. It’s important to be honest with our healthcare providers to receive the best care possible.
The Placebo Effect
Q: What is the placebo effect?
A: The placebo effect is when a psychosomatic condition may be treated with a placebo because it can be therapeutic. In this effect, the belief that something is beneficial drives the improvement of an individual’s health, although it may not be the treatment that is driving the improvement. Essentially, the placebo effect measures the impact of the ritual or relationship between a patient and their doctor.
Tetanus Shot and Scurvy
Q: How often should I get a tetanus shot?
A: You should get a tetanus shot at least once every 10 years. Tetanus is a bacterial infection that affects the nervous system and can cause severe muscle contractions. Tetanus can be prevented by getting a tetanus shot.
Q: Is scurvy still relevant today?
A: Scurvy is the result of vitamin C deficiency and was commonly seen in sailors in the past who didn’t have access to fresh fruits and vegetables. While cases of scurvy are rare in Western and industrialized countries today, if one is concerned about their vitamin C intake, speaking with a physician and eating a balanced diet is the best course of action.
Antibiotics and Kombucha
Q: Can I drink kombucha while taking antibiotics?
A: Drinking kombucha could inhibit the effectiveness of antibiotics, so it is best to avoid it while taking antibiotics. Kombucha is considered to be a probiotic drink, but it does contain live bacteria and yeast, which could interfere with the antibiotics’ action.
Stress and Immune System
Q: Can stress affect the immune system?
A: Yes, stress can have a negative impact on the immune system. When someone is under stress, the body produces stress hormones that suppress the immune system, making it easier to contract illnesses.
Nervousness While Checking Blood Pressure
Q: Why do I feel nervous when my blood pressure is being checked, and can this affect the measurement?
A: Nervousness can cause blood pressure to increase, a phenomenon known as “white-coat hypertension.” If someone suffers from “white-coat hypertension,” it is essential to discuss it with a doctor. They can recommend home blood pressure monitoring to get more accurate readings.
Importance of Seeing a Doctor
Q: When should I see a doctor if I am experiencing excessive urination?
A: Experiencing excessive urination can be a sign of a medical issue, such as urinary incontinence, kidney disease, or diabetes. It is crucial to see a physician if experiencing excessive urination, as they can diagnose the underlying condition and recommend appropriate treatments.
Breathing During Examination
Q: Is it necessary to breathe during a physical examination?
A: Yes, breathing is essential during a physical examination. Holding one’s breath disrupts the body’s natural rhythm and can significantly affect the examination’s accuracy. It is important to breathe normally during an examination and relax.
Conclusion
In this blog post, Ken Jeong, a doctor, actor, and comedian, shared his insights on various health-related questions posted on Twitter. From the influenza vaccine to ‘white-coat hypertension,’ Ken provided reliable answers to often-asked questions on health topics. It is essential to take control of one’s health and be aware of one’s body’s needs. Remember to see a physician when needed and to always seek credible answers to one’s health-related questions.
