Time to kick the habit? In today’s episode of Dr Nora, I take you through why smoking cigarettes is so addictive, what the impacts are on health and how to successfully stop.
NICOTINE
Each year over 19,000 Australians die of smoking related illnesses. Cigarettes contain over 4000 chemicals of which 43 are known to cause cancer. One of those chemicals is called nicotine which is the principle reason why smoking can be so addictive. Once inhaled nicotine travels into the blood and passes through to the brain activating the reward pathway releasing a happy hormone called dopamine. Each time a cigarette is smoked, the reward pathway is activated and so the body craves more.
HEALTH EFFECTS
Smoking also causes a number of illnesses, such as lung cancer, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Not only does it affect the lungs but it also is a major risk factor for heart failure. It also contributes to premature ageing and erectile dysfunction in men.
The good news is, once you stop smoking, a number of positive changes happen in the body, such as the protective barriers to the lungs and airways called cilia recover, more oxygen can be carried around the body and the risk of lung cancer is reduced to less that half that of a smoker after 10 years of cessation.
HOW TO STOP
There are many ways to stop smoking, however, we know the most successful people have the aid of support networks. Nicotine replacement therapy is aimed at those addicted to nicotine and can take the shape of lozenges, spray, gum or patches. Oral medications can be given on the advice of a medical practitioner. In Australia, e-cigarettes or vaping is a prescription only medication that can be used if the above methods have failed. It is important to know that vaping is not approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration as the long term side effects are not known.
Alongside medication, cognitive strategies can be implemented. These are strategies that use the power of thought to overcome addiction. Examples of this include keeping a smoking diary and see what triggers you to smoke. When you decide to stop smoking you can avoid these triggers. Another example includes keeping a list of the benefits of not smoking somewhere visible.
Behavioural strategies are used to help with the triggers of smoking. These include delaying the idea of smoking, taking a deep breath and performing another activity.
If you are planning to stop, always choose a target date and throw out any smoking paraphernalia, let your friends know you’re stopping too so they can support you. There are also a number of resources to get help from alongside your medical practitioner.
COMPANION VIDEOS
How To Sleep Well: https://youtu.be/KGCG-J21rtc
Everything About Genital Herpes: https://youtu.be/8waugo6TrT0
Tired All the Time: https://youtu.be/Zc0nXwC6RNw
FODMAP Diet: https://youtu.be/Xi9TjiisSmc
Health Tips: https://youtu.be/XMzA3l9iT20
Boxercise Workout: https://youtu.be/kbEQPOYTXBA
Quit Smoking: quit.org.au
Take care and stay healthy 😊
Dr Nora 💉
CHAPTERS
0:17 Introduction
0:34 Nicotine Addiction
2:11 Health Effects
4:00 Reversing Damage
5:37 How To Stop
7:20 Vaping
9:20 Alternatives
13:20 Conclusion
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https://vtudio.com/tools
Links to products often include an affiliate tracking code which allow us to earn fees on purchases you make through them.
The information provided in this video is not a substitute for getting individualised advice by an accredited healthcare professional.
Gyms closed? Working from home? Feeling unmotivated, over indulged recently? Well it’s time to hop off from your chair and join me in the fun quick Boxercise exercise routine. It can be done alone or with a friend.
By exercising for 30 minutes 5 times a week you are at a decreased risk of developing heart disease, diabetes and so much more.
I hope you enjoy the workout and as always if you have any questions or comments please drop me in a line.
WARNING
Always consult your physician before beginning any exercise program.
If you experience any symptoms of weakness, unsteadiness, light-headedness or dizziness, chest pain or pressure, nausea, or shortness of breath, stop exercising and seek immediate help.
FITNESS GEAR
Leggings: https://vtudio.com/a/?a=yoga+pants
Ankle Weights: https://vtudio.com/a/?a=ankle+weights
Resistance Bands: https://vtudio.com/a/?e=fitness+bands
Free Weights: https://vtudio.com/a/?e=free+weights
COMPANION VIDEOS
Full Body Home Workout: https://youtu.be/C05Z7dAOlyY
Bikini Beach Workout: https://youtu.be/GVz9eO1KSNs
iPhone 11 Pro for Health: https://youtu.be/HUs2TzGr3Ik
Fat Dissolving Treatment: https://youtu.be/Jx1UzZX3TBE
Laser Fat Melting Treatment: https://youtu.be/XVzv487vVo4
About Non-Surgical Fat Removal: https://youtu.be/5_YFEmHDJSQ
Take care and stay healthy 😊
Dr Nora 💉
FILM BY VTUDIO | https://vtudio.com
FILMING TOOLS
Sony A7III: https://vtudio.com/a/?a=sony+a7iii
Rode Wireless Go: https://vtudio.com/a/?e=rode+wireless+go
https://vtudio.com/tools
MUSIC
Audionautix - Corporation Motivation
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In this episode I talk through how to getting the most out of the limited time slot you get with your family doctor.
PART I - PREPARING THE HISTORY
Preparation is key when it comes to seeing your doctor. Take a moment in the waiting room to think about your problem. You might want to think about how it started, is it getting better or worse, are there any triggers, is there anything associated with it. Take a think about any solutions that you may have tried. All too often, nothing is done by patients, but sometimes trying a solution such as an anti-inflammatory medication for knee pain, can help the doctor to work out the diagnosis. If you’re forgetful it might be worthwhile bringing in a list of symptoms for your problem. It may be that you have more than one problem, if this is the case, inform your doctor at the start of the consult to work out which is the priority problem and which can be reviewed at a later time if time does not permit.
PART II - PREPARING FOR EXAMINATION
Now that you have succinctly and coherently put across your problem, your doctor may then interact with you through a number of ways. They may ask you questions whilst you are talking to help keep the conversation on track and to obtain any important salient details about your problem, aiding them with their thought process. Your doctor may then wish to perform an examination. Sometimes this is not always necessary, however if you suspect an examination may be required it’s important to consider this during your preparation. For example, if you have knee pain, your doctor may need to examine your knee, so think about how easy it will be to access your knee with your attire. It might be that you are coming in for an intimate examination, and for this you may need to prepare appropriately with washing or attire.
Once your doctor has performed an examination they may request some further tests, this could take the form of blood tests or radiology to name a few. In these situations, results can take around 2-3 days and you may be required to return at a later date. In some situations like this, the doctor may be unable to give you a diagnosis straight away and so your patience is appreciated. You could use the opportunity of having to return as a time to reflect on your problem and think about whether you have missed anything or want to clarify something with the doctor. Following on from this, be sure to check your understanding at the end of every consultation. Sometimes doctors use medical language or jargon, that is hard to understand. As a habit, I always go through reports or results with picture aids to ensure patient understanding. Generally, if you ask your doctor for clarification on something, they will be happy to help.
Finally, know that the doctor has your back. Remember the doctor has taken a hippocratic oath to do you no harm and to provide you with the best form of treatment that is suitable for your condition. You should generally seek advice from your primary medical practitioner as they know your history well. However, if you feel uncertain about something the doctor has said or you want a second opinion, it is ok to do this. Most of the time, the management will be the same as your usual doctor, which helps to reinforce and reassure the patient-doctor relationship. However, on very rare occasions, I, as a second opinion doctor have found there to be outliers, where I have changed the management to save lives. This goes back to preparation, very often when you see the second opinion doctor, you may have a better understanding of your problem and so when you portray your symptoms for a second time, it may lead the doctor in a different direction.
COMPANION VIDEOS
Medical Centre Tour: https://youtu.be/4DitUGWWBSg
Doctor in Paradise: https://youtu.be/pmTRtyyJ3OY
Rural GP: https://youtu.be/g3zpI-D1k94
Urban GP: https://youtu.be/HH_9i0M2xAI
MY STETHOSCOPE
Amazon: https://vtudio.com/a/?a=littmann+classic
eBay: https://vtudio.com/a/?e=littmann+classic
Thanks for watching, if you have any questions feel free to leave a comment below.
Take care and stay healthy,
Dr Nora 💉
FILM BY VTUDIO | https://vtudio.com
FILMING TOOLS
Sony A7III: https://vtudio.com/a/?a=sony+a7iii
Rode Wireless Go: https://vtudio.com/a/?a=rode+wireless+go
More: https://vtudio.com/tools
Links to products often include an affiliate tracking code which allow us to earn fees on purchases you make through them.
The information provided in this video is not a substitute for getting individualised advice by an accredited healthcare professional.
With 4 confirmed cases of the novel virus at present in Australia, measures are being taken to help stop the propagation of the virus.
In today’s episode of Dr Nora I talk to you about my battle of finding protective measures to protect myself and my patients.
It is thought that the virus may be transmitted through airborne droplets from sneezing or coughing and it is felt that the P2/N95 mask may offer some protection. As a health care practitioner seeing around 50 patients a day it is my utmost priority to look after my patients and ensure that they are safe. After work I rushed over to my local hardware store and enquired about the mask. Unfortunately, they and all of their other franchises had run out and the only ones left were darth-Vader-esq masks.
After much deliberation I got over the aesthetics and remembered the purpose and brought one. As I drove away I thought I would call local pharmacies to check their stocks. After calling 20 different pharmacies over a span of 60km I was met with the same response ‘sorry we’re out of stock’.
Rather fortunately I drove past the hospital and thought perhaps I could ask my colleagues there and explain the situation. After speaking with the staff in ED they kindly gave me a mask for myself and my staff.
WHAT IS WUHAN CORONAVIRUS?
Wuhan is a city in China where the virus originated from. It is not fully understood how the virus is transmitted but it is believe that it originated in a live seafood market and has so far affected over 1000 people in China with around 40 people dying. It is believed that this who have died from the virus have had underlying medical conditions.
Australia has received its first confirmed case this weekend and to date there are 4 cases in two states, NSW and QLD.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
The virus causes symptoms pneumonia, including, fever, cough, shortness of breath and feeling unwell and tired. It is believed that there is an incubation period of around 14 days which means that someone may not know they have the virus immediately.
WHO IS AT RISK?
Those who have travelled to Wuhan or those who have close contacts with someone who has recently travelled or has a confirmed case.
HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF?
Usual hygiene measures are crucial such as regular hand washing. It has currently not been recommended for the general public to use a mask outside of the health care setting.
WHERE TO BUY P2 MASKS?
Amazon: https://vtudio.com/a/?a=p2+mask
Bunnings: http://bit.ly/bunningsp2
eBay: https://vtudio.com/a/?e=p2+mask
Officeworks: http://bit.ly/officeworksp2
I THINK I HAVE WUHAN WHAT SHOULD I DO?
If you have a suspicion you may be affected as perhaps you’ve recently travelled from there or know a close contact. You should maintain isolation and seek medical help. It is imperative that before you go to a doctor or the ED you must call ahead so that protective measures may be taken. You will need to be in isolation to protect others around you and hence stop the propagation of this virus.
Tests can be performed to confirm the virus and treatment may be initiated. The virus is new and not much information has been released. Scientists are working on a vaccination though this can take time.
Together with your help we can stop the propagation of the virus.
COMPANION VIDEOS
Diastolic Dysfunction: https://youtu.be/p-IEhWqpPNA
Flu Season: https://youtu.be/vZBCL-PgarA
Cervical Screening: https://youtu.be/c26OVcHPr4o
Type 2 Diabetes: https://youtu.be/UUBuDnVqpkM
Enlarged Prostate: https://youtu.be/PXGwU5AsGLM
I hope you’ve found this video useful and always, if you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line below.
Take care and stay healthy,
Dr Nora
FILM BY VTUDIO | https://vtudio.com
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In this video we listen to the heart of a patient who has a diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction and a heart murmur.
WHAT IS DIASTOLIC DYSFUNCTION?
Diastolic dysfunction occurs when the left ventricle gets stiffer and is not able to accept blood return in a normal fashion. It can lead to high blood pressure and even heart failure thus requiring regular monitoring and management.
This lovely patient also has a heart murmur that you can clearly hear with the stethoscope. We take a listen to her heart at rest and during exercise.
COMPANION VIDEOS
Living with Lipoedema: https://youtu.be/zkvW2nbTi8c
Heart Sounds of the Female: https://youtu.be/vxXJ67vPDaI
Heart Sounds of a Male: https://youtu.be/Av-syKLbFfI
Stemoscope: https://youtu.be/WUjZMZCmKQU
Digital Littmann Stethoscope: https://youtu.be/zl7FVhXMbtI
How to Listen to The Heart: https://youtu.be/c96kqgW0aUg
DIGITAL STETHOSCOPES
Litmann 3200: https://vtudio.com/a/?a=littmann+3200
Stemoscope: https://vtudio.com/a/?a=stemoscope
Thanks for watching and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to leave me a comment in the comments section below or pop by and see me in clinic.
Take care and stay healthy.
Dr Nora 💉
FILM BY VTUDIO | https://vtudio.com
Links to products often include an affiliate tracking code which allow us to earn fees on purchases you make through them.
