Newspapers / The News-Journal (Raeford, N.C.) / Sept. 2, 1982, edition 1 / Page 11
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Family Health By CLAY WILLIAMS A service of the North Carolina Academy of Family Physicians Cutting Co?t of Getting Sick Kindly, if you will, tolerate some statistics at the beginning of this piece about the rise in health care costs during recent years. They Mil}, I hope, set the stage for some ^vays patients can do a lot on their own to reduce health care costs in this and succeeding articles. From 1965 through 1979, health care spending doubled for each person in the United States. It is expected that health care spending will jump to $1,846 per person by j 1985 and S3,057 by 1990. From 1974 through 1979, the medical Urare component of the cost of living ?ndex has risen more than 70 percent ?? passing all categories but fuel and utilities. From 1979 to 1980, North Carolina's Medicaid cost increased 21.6 percent. With those kinds of statistics glaring at us, it just might be time to take the "bull by the horns," so to speak, and try to do something about the rise in medical care cost Ourselves. Now, for a few ways you , can do just that. When you see your physician, you are paying for his time and advice. Therefore, it is a good idea to be prepared ahead of time to get the most out of the visit and save time as well. Make a list of questions you want to ask. Think about your symptoms and be ready to give accurate answers to the ?physician's questions. For instance, "now about how long you have had a sore throat, the name of any medicine you are taking for arthri tis, or if your stomach pain is helped by eating. Try to be honest and don't play games. Don't say you have had a cough for three months if you had the cough three months ago and got another last week. ? By knowing what you are going to ask, you will have a better idea of what you want to get out of a physician visit. Generally speaking, you can expect your physician to 1) give you the diagnosis of your problem r or-his suspicion of possi bilities; 2) what tests, if any, might be called for; 3) how the condition was caused; and 4) what treatment he proposes. If he prescribes a drug ^ou should ask how it is to be taken and what possible side-effects might be expected. If he does not volunteer this information, ask. You might ask if there are alterna tive treatments such as physical therapy for an injury, other medi cines -- things like that. It is common for information or instructions not to register when gome visit their physician *- especi ally if they are frightened by what they are told about their condition. They hear, but they don't hear. The physician may go into detail about a problem while the patient ap pears to be paying close attention, yet he really is not hearing what is said. Strange surroundings and disturbing news can have that effect on us. If, when you get home, you become aware that there are ?jpany questions you want answers to, it is important that you make an immediate appointment or talk to your physician over the phone. But don't expect the physician to talk the minute you call. One way or the other your questions should be answered. Do not expect your physician to make a diagnosis over the phene -- fcr prescribe medicine. Prescrip tions are filled routinely over the phone, but medicine usually should not be prescribed for a new illness without the physician seeing you. Prescription prices may vary from drug store to drug store. If you take medicine regularly, it is possible to save money by checking prices. Too, ask your physician to jsrescribe generic drugs -- they are ^bst as good as brand names and often cheaper. New drugs do not have generic prices, but if it has been out long enough for the patent to expire, a generic drug might be available. Any way you look at it, you are -? and should be -? intricately involved ? in the process of getting well from an illness. What you do or do not do in that regard can affect your recovery. Be a "sophisticated" patient ? and probably save money to boot. (A service of the N.C. Academy of Family Physicians.) Sheriffs Give WCU$1, 500 For Scholarships The North Carolina Sheriffs' Association has awarded its second annual gift of SI,500 to Western Carolina University for scholar ships in WCU's criminal justice program. The gift, presented by Jackson County Sheriff Fred Holcombe on behalf of the association, will provide an undergraduate scholar ship for one or two WCU students majoring in criminal justice. The scholarships will be awarded during the 1982-83 school year on the basis of financial need and academic achievement to students who live in North Carolina. First preference will go to a full-time student who is the son or daughter of any law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty. Second preference will be for the son or daughter of any sheriff or deputy sheriff who is deceased, retired or active in state law enforcement. If there are no candi dates based on these criteria the scholarships may be awarded to other qualified criminal justice students. In accepting the award, Chan cellor H.F. Robinson said, "This is a very important contribution to our criminal justice program, and we are delighted to receive it." Western's criminal justice pro gram began in 1978 to prepare students for professional employ ment in the criminal justice system. The program offers a broad view of crime and systems of social control, with concentrations in law en forcement, corrections, juvenile justice and the administration of justice. Graduates receive bachelor of science degrees in criminal justice and law enforcement. For more information on WCU's criminal justice program and the North Carolina Sheriffs' Associa tion Undergraduate Criminal Justice Scholarships, contact Charles R. Taylor, Room 208A, Belk Building, Western Carolina University, Cullowhee, N.C., 28723, telephone 227-7464. ILABOK HAT WHITE'S BOLOGNA ??.* UWD-0-FR05T W/UWSUC? MEATS Taitf, Km, CMm, M Cm* if 20 Ph. 99 Fma FOOD MERCHANDISERS OF AMERICA inc. ROCKRSH RD. RAffORD, N.C | BMW CUT | CHUCK STEAK 1WW UnUUK ?IEHK PEPSI, Iff. DEW SUNKIST, 7 UP 2 Ut. pbftfa 99 TAB, DR. PEPPER SUGAR FREE DR. PEPPER 2ltt.PWftfc 99 FAMILY PACK SPECIAL Neck Bonn Spareribj Morfy Pride Liver Padding Jimmy's Smoked Sausage Bright Leaf Franks V FAMILY PACK PORK CHOPS v\ PIGS FEET Shs.ermen 29** A A. SCHUTZ BEER SOLO FUSTIC CUPS 6ft. Sad J99 20 -16 u. 69* F.MA ICECREAM ?/? M. |39 -W FARM FRESH PRODUCE Fresh Crisp lettuce White Potatoes Yellow Onions Baking Potatoes Red Grapes HEADS 2/99* tOk.Ba* 99 3 h. fUf 69* . 29' ?69* VAN CAMPS PORK ft BEANS 303 Shi 3/100 MARK RITE SMT 26 ?. B? 4/joo BtllE BONNET SPREAD MARGARINE 2ft. M 99* SAVE 60* F.MA HOT DOG & HAMBURGER BUNS 2/89* COBLE BUTTERMILK ** 99* MERITA SWEET "16" DONIITS 89* CORNED BEEF I49 tt m. Cm %mw A FRENCH FIMEO POTATOES 1" 5ft. k| SAVE SO4 ;^ SNACKSHACKVV * PUTE SPECIAL MEAT LOAF /Veytitiw, Brad DOUBLE BURGER DOUBLE CHEESE BURGER MILK SHAKES All FLAVORS PUTE SPECIAL FWMT smu< PORK CHOPS J50 |29 |39 89?
The News-Journal (Raeford, N.C.)
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Sept. 2, 1982, edition 1
11
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