Where to Get Regular Health Checkups in Tainan: A Guide for Residents
Where can I get regular health check-ups? Dr. Lin: Hello! I saw a report that Tainan Hospital offers regular health check-ups for individuals over forty years old. May I ask: 1. Is it free? Is your hospital the only one offering this? 2. I know that various hospitals have paid ch...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Tainan Hospital, Department of Health, Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing's response: 1. The National Health Insurance adult health check-up is free and available at any medical facility contracted with the National Health Insurance Administration. 2. As for the items included in paid healt...[Read More] Where to Get Regular Health Checkups in Tainan: A Guide for Residents
Understanding Neck Pain, Weakness, and Facial Flushing: A Guide
Shoulder and neck pain, weakness in the arms, and occasional sudden redness or warmth in the face..? Hello Doctor: Since mid-December, I have been experiencing shoulder and neck pain, persistent weakness in my arms, and occasional episodes of facial flushing or warmth. I feel ext...
Dr. Hong Chuanqi Reply:
Hello, Ms. Deng! Regarding your symptoms of shoulder and neck pain, as well as arm weakness, these may be related to cardiac circulation, as well as the blood flow to the brain and the nerves, local muscles, ligaments, and menopause in the neck and shoulder area. This is quite co...[Read More] Understanding Neck Pain, Weakness, and Facial Flushing: A Guide
Vaccination Consultation for Health Check Reports Before Studying Abroad
Vaccine Consultation Hello Dr. Sun, I am currently preparing for a work-study abroad and need a health examination report. The report includes a vaccination section with the following vaccines: diphtheria, polio vaccine type, tetanus, pertussis, mumps, rubella, measles, and tuber...
Dr. Hong Shouhong Reply:
1. You mentioned that these vaccines were administered during childhood, and as long as you obtain the vaccination records from that time and provide them to your physician, there is no need for additional vaccinations. 2. The BCG vaccine is used to combat tuberculosis and is adm...[Read More] Vaccination Consultation for Health Check Reports Before Studying Abroad
Choosing the Right Specialist for Your Grandfather's Abdominal Pain
Which specialty should I choose? Hello Doctor: My grandfather is 83 years old. Recently, he experienced pain near the left side of his abdomen, which has now shifted to the right side, with the pain location varying. Both pains are sharp. He has seen a urologist who diagnosed him...
Dr. Liu Jinyong Reply:
Approach the issue from two angles: 1. Assess whether the grandfather's bowel habits are normal and if constipation is causing his abdominal discomfort. 2. Consider the psychological aspect by understanding if the grandfather has undergone a series of tests without finding a...[Read More] Choosing the Right Specialist for Your Grandfather's Abdominal Pain
Understanding Blood Pressure After Ejaculation: Your Questions Answered
Please ask your question about hypertension? Hello, I had a question on November 3 regarding whether the sensations of facial flushing and sweating after ejaculation could indicate high blood pressure. Currently, during winter, I only experience facial flushing without sweating. ...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
The Tainan Hospital of the Department of Health states that during ejaculation, the body is physiologically in a state of arousal, which corresponds to the sympathetic nervous system activation, such as facial flushing (feeling hot in the face) and increased heart rate. In this s...[Read More] Understanding Blood Pressure After Ejaculation: Your Questions Answered
Struggling with Unexplained Health Issues: Seeking Answers
I have been suffering for a long time? I have been experiencing poor mental health for about 4.5 years. I feel particularly uncomfortable when I wake up in the morning and am almost lethargic throughout the entire morning. I have undergone blood and urine tests, but it’s strange ...
Dr. Huang Jianling Reply:
Hello Wei, Your concern mainly revolves around the uncertainty of whether you have thalassemia (commonly referred to as Mediterranean anemia) and liver function abnormalities, compounded by symptoms of morning fatigue. It is advisable to visit a family medicine specialist for f...[Read More] Struggling with Unexplained Health Issues: Seeking Answers
Post-Health Checkup Concerns: Understanding Test Results and Next Steps
Post-Health Checkup Issues In mid-October, I underwent a comprehensive health check-up with the following results: 1. Urinalysis - Ketones (positive reaction), other results normal - the physician advised that no treatment is necessary. 2. Blood test - White blood cell count 3700...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
The Department of Family Medicine at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, responded that the positive result for ketones in the urine test is not particularly significant unless there is a specific clinical focus on differential diagnoses such as ketoacidosis. Additio...[Read More] Post-Health Checkup Concerns: Understanding Test Results and Next Steps
Understanding CA-125 Levels During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
CA-125 I am 30 years old and discovered a tumor approximately 4 cm in size on my left ovary during a pregnancy test at 5 weeks. The tumor is regular in shape and clear. Now at 8 weeks pregnant, my CA-125 level has risen to 143. Does this indicate that I have a malignant tumor? Wi...
Dr. Hong Chuanqi Reply:
Hello Joy, CA-125 is a glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 220 kDa. More than 80% of non-mucinous ovarian epithelial tumors exhibit this phenomenon. Other conditions that can elevate CA-125 levels include endometrial cancer, fallopian tube cancer, cancers of other organs, ear...[Read More] Understanding CA-125 Levels During Pregnancy: What You Need to Know
Understanding Unexplained Fever in Elderly Patients: Causes and Solutions
Fever of unknown origin (FUO) My grandfather is over 90 years old and has been feeling unwell since he fell a few months ago. He went to the hospital for examinations, but no cause was found. Later, he started experiencing recurrent fevers. He previously underwent surgery related...
Dr. Fang Sijie Reply:
Dear Claire, Since I am unable to see your grandfather directly, I cannot diagnose the cause of his fever. There are many reasons for fever, with infections being the most common, followed by cancer (of course, there are other causes, but these two are the most frequent). You ma...[Read More] Understanding Unexplained Fever in Elderly Patients: Causes and Solutions
Can Biotechnology Help Me Grow Taller at 23? A Doctor's Insight
A problem that has troubled me since childhood until now? Hello doctor, I am 23 years old and my height is only about 157 cm. People generally say that growth stops at the age of 23, which really troubles me. I feel significantly shorter compared to others. Recently, I heard abou...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
According to Dr. Lin Ming-Hsing from the Department of Family Medicine at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, based on evidence-based medicine, the growth plates (epiphyseal plates) in your age group should have closed, meaning that further height increase is theoret...[Read More] Can Biotechnology Help Me Grow Taller at 23? A Doctor's Insight
Understanding White Spots on Skin: Causes and Concerns for Seniors
White spots on the skin? Hello doctor, in the past week, I have noticed white spots of varying sizes appearing on my lower leg. Aside from being unsightly, there is no discomfort. Could this be a sign of aging or is it something else? I am over fifty years old. Thank you.
Dr. Huang Mingde Reply:
The appearance of white spots on your skin at your age may be a sign of skin depigmentation due to sun exposure or excessive irritation, which is a common aging phenomenon. In principle, these lesions are unlikely to have any malignant potential; however, they may pose aesthetic ...[Read More] Understanding White Spots on Skin: Causes and Concerns for Seniors
Common Family Health Concerns: Seeking Advice from a Doctor
Hello, doctor. I would like to ask you..? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask you some questions as follows: 1. My mother is 40 years old and often experiences leg cramps while sleeping, which prevents her from getting a good night's rest. She also frequently has hand cram...
Dr. Huang Mingde Reply:
1. Your mother's issue may be due to calcium deficiency or temperature fluctuations (I have attached an article for your reference). Do you experience calf cramps? Recently, a friend from a computer company asked me about cramps, specifically why calf cramps occur at night a...[Read More] Common Family Health Concerns: Seeking Advice from a Doctor
Managing Sudden Blood Pressure Drops in Hypertension Patients: What to Do?
Patients with hypertension experiencing a sudden drop in blood pressure along with discomfort? My father has hypertension, and today his blood pressure suddenly dropped to 98/50 mmHg, and he feels drowsy with body aches. Does this situation require immediate medical attention? So...
Dr. Xie Wenjie Reply:
1. Patients with hypertension who experience a sudden drop in blood pressure need immediate medical attention, often due to self-adjustment of their medication (overdose) or the concurrent use of oral medications from multiple healthcare providers. 2. Hypertension patients need...[Read More] Managing Sudden Blood Pressure Drops in Hypertension Patients: What to Do?
Which Specialist Should I See for Persistent Bad Breath?
Which department should I see? Hello, my question is quite simple, but it has troubled me for many years. As I work in education, speaking is essential. I have a problem with bad breath, and despite seeing a dentist and an ENT specialist, the cause has not been identified. I am u...
Dr. Huang Mingde Reply:
There are many causes of bad breath, which can originate from the stomach, nasal cavity, or lungs. If you have ruled out issues with dentistry and otolaryngology, you may want to consult with a pulmonologist or a gastroenterologist to investigate further.[Read More] Which Specialist Should I See for Persistent Bad Breath?
Is It Anemia? Understanding Blood Test Results and Their Implications
Is it anemia? Hello Dr. Lin: My husband works as an environmental officer at a chemical plant, and the company conducts annual health check-ups for employees. His blood test results show the following issues: Red Blood Cells (RBC): 3.94; Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): 103.4; Mean...
Dr. Lin Mingxing Reply:
Director Lin Ming-hsing of the Department of Family Medicine at Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, responded that one criterion for determining anemia that you did not include is hemoglobin (Hb) levels (approximately 13-15 g/dL for males). As for the RBC count, MCV,...[Read More] Is It Anemia? Understanding Blood Test Results and Their Implications
Effective Ways to Increase Height: Tips and Costs Explained
Grow taller? Hello, I am 166 cm tall and weigh 65 kg. Although I meet the height standards for my country, I still wish to be a bit taller. Are there any methods to increase my height? What are the costs involved?
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
If you are still in your developmental stage and under 16 years old, there is still a chance for growth. However, if you have passed your growth age, the chances are slim. The primary determinant of height is family genetics. If your family members are not particularly tall, it i...[Read More] Effective Ways to Increase Height: Tips and Costs Explained
Is Chest Tightness After Quitting Smoking a Normal Reaction?
Will there be symptoms of chest tightness if I haven't smoked for a while? Hello, I have been seeing a doctor for about two weeks due to a prolonged cold, during which I experienced headaches and fever, so I didn't smoke at all. A few days ago, my headache symptoms disa...
Dr. Huang Mingde Reply:
1. The patient did not disclose the amount of smoking, making it difficult to determine the possibility of withdrawal symptoms (and your symptoms do not appear to be consistent with that). 2. Based on your symptoms, it is likely that you are experiencing dyspepsia combined with g...[Read More] Is Chest Tightness After Quitting Smoking a Normal Reaction?
Understanding Microcytic Anemia: Is It Hereditary and How to Improve It?
What is the definition of microcytic anemia? Is it a hereditary disease? Dr. Sang: Hello! In my health check-ups over the past five years, I have consistently found issues with hemoglobin, blood concentration, and hematocrit levels (hematocrit 32.3%, hemoglobin 9.3 g/dL, white bl...
Dr. Sang Shude Reply:
Dr. Sang Shur-Te has left, and Director Jan Te-Chin is responding. Microcytic anemia refers to anemia caused by a low mean corpuscular volume (MCV less than 80 fL). Common causes include iron deficiency anemia, thalassemia, chronic disease, and poisoning. Given your situation wit...[Read More] Understanding Microcytic Anemia: Is It Hereditary and How to Improve It?
Understanding Acute Low Back Pain and Related Symptoms: A Patient's Guide
Health Consultation Hello, Dr. Fang: I have several questions I would like to ask you: 1. I have been troubled by unexplained left lumbar pain for a long time. On a certain day last month, I experienced pain while standing and sitting, and I had to lie flat; otherwise, as soon ...
Dr. Fang Sijie Reply:
Dear Cake Sister, A. Myofascial Pain Syndrome is characterized by localized muscle pain accompanied by distinct trigger points and specific referred pain. It can affect muscles, tendons, and ligaments throughout the body, but is most commonly found in the head, neck, shoulders, ...[Read More] Understanding Acute Low Back Pain and Related Symptoms: A Patient's Guide
Unexplained Swelling and Redness at the Corners of the Mouth
Unexplained swelling and redness at the corners of the mouth? My mother is about 53 years old, and for the past few months, the corners of her mouth have been red and swollen. It doesn't itch. She has been drinking fresh juice, which sometimes helps, but other times the cond...
Dr. Cai Jueren Reply:
Angular cheilitis, referred to as "stomatitis" in Taiwanese, is characterized by redness, swelling, or ulceration at the corners of the mouth, and may sometimes lead to skin fissures. This condition is often accompanied by pain or a burning sensation, prompting patients...[Read More] Unexplained Swelling and Redness at the Corners of the Mouth