Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most common birth defect in America. It begins in utero when the blood vessels of the heart do not develop normally. This causes problems in the blood flow of the heart. During an ultrasound check up a doctor may use an echocardiogram, which creates ultrasound pictures of the heart, to determine if there are heart abnormalities. However, some babies are not diagnosed until after they are born. Some symptoms that a doctor looks for after birth are:

• Rapid breathing
• Fatigue when feeding
• Blue tinted fingers and toes

There are 18 different types of CHD’s some more critical than others. According to the American Heart Association ventricular septal defect accounts for about 20% of all CHD’s. This defect involves holes between the lower chambers of the heart and only requires open heart surgery if the child develops heart failure. Unfortunately the cause for CHD’s is still unknown, but it is more prevalent in pregnant mothers who are diabetic, obese, or smoke. Approximately 3 million people in the U.S are living with this condition and can live a relatively long life due to advancements in technology. In spite of the advancements, people with a congenital heart defect face lifelong risk of health problems such as issues with growth and eating, developmental delays, difficulty with exercise, heart rhythm problems, heart failure, sudden cardiac arrest or stroke. If you would like a second opinion on your treatment and diagnosis contact us at secondopinions.com for your peace of mind.

Having a copy of your medical images is important for a number of reasons. For example if your condition requires monitoring over time, it’s good to have a copy to compare studies to priors. When you have images performed in a new facility or when you are seeking a second opinion on a study

When a doctor has access to you medical images and reports, it provides him with the opportunity to

• Compare new studies with prior medical images
• Monitor conditions and abnormalities over time
• Avoid repeating tests you’ve already had

Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) you are guaranteed access to your medical images and reports. Images are kept and stored in the facility where you had your exams done. When you request your images, the facility may ask you to sign a release form. Facilities can deliver the images to patients in different formats, but usually done by CD.

If you are having a follow up study done, in a new facility take the CD with you so the doctor can do a thorough follow-up.Always, just in case, keep a copy.

If you are looking for a second opinion. You can upload the images from the CD directly to the website when using www.secondopinions.com

You had a study done and you received your report, but you’re unsure of the results. It’s not necessarily that you do not trust the doctor, but a second opinion will give you the reassurance you need. Many people consider seeking the knowledge and advice of more than one doctor. This is called a second opinion.

Asking for a second opinion is common practice. The more knowledge and information you have about your health, the more comfortable you will feel, making health care decisions. Multiple studies examined the real value of a second opinion for radiology studies. The findings all lead to the same place, they always point to an increase in accurate diagnoses when the scans are reviewed by a second party.

Myth #1.

My doctor might get offended.
Second opinions are not only a common tool for patients to use, but one they must use when they have doubts on their diagnosis. Professionals will not only not get offended but in some cases, suggest them, especially when it comes to the patients peace of mind.

Myth #2

Second opinions are only for treatment options.
Error or discrepancy in radiology reporting does not always equate negligence. Radiologist errors occur for many reasons, both human- and system-derived. To have a correct treatment one should have a clear understanding of their condition and posterior diagnosis.

Myth #3

Second opinions are very time consuming
Nowadays getting a second opinion does not have to be time consuming. In www.secondopinions, you are able to open an account, complete your medical history, upload your images, and get a report uploaded to your account in less than 24 hours. If you even have questions on your report, you can also purchase a phone consultation.

Myth #4

Second opinions are expensive.
Check with your health insurance, some of them do cover second opinions. If they don’t, second opinions do not have to be expensive. You can check www.secondopinions.com for rates. The rates include a prior study comparison if you have one.

Second opinions can be sought out not only by patients but also by doctors or insurance providers. They reduce the risk of medical errors, misdiagnosis, and unnecessary procedures. It is an extra step for a patient’s peace of mind.

According (National Cervical Cancer Coalition) over 13,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with cervical cancer each year. Most cases can be prevented with the HPV vaccination and annual PAP screenings. January is Cervical Health Awareness Month, and that is why we encourage you to learn about cervical cancer prevention.

Cervical cancer starts in the cervix, and it’s the fourth most common type of cancer for women worldwide. Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer and over the years, it has declined by approximately 2 percent a year. The decline is due to the Pap screening that detects cervical abnormalities and allows for early treatment. According to the NCCC ‘’Most women who have abnormal cervical cell changes that progress to cervical cancer have never had a Pap test or have not had one in the previous three to five years.’’ Cervical cancer is most frequently diagnosed in women between the ages of 35 and 44.

What causes cervical cancer?

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is found in about 99% of cervical cancers. Although there are over 100 different types of HPV, most considered low-risk, high-risk HPV types may cause cervical cell abnormalities or cancer.

It is estimated that HPV is now the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Approximately 80% of women in their 50s, have been infected with some type of HPV. The majority do NOT develop cervical cancer. For most women the HPV infection does not last long; 90% of HPV infections resolve on their own within 2 years.

Screening Tests

Two tests help prevent cervical cancer or find it early

• The Pap test (or Pap smear) detects cell changes on the cervix that might become cervical cancer.
• The human papillomavirus (HPV) test looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes.

HPV Vaccine

The HPV vaccine protects against the types of HPV that most often cause cervical cancers. HPV can also cause other kinds of cancer in both men and women.

Ideally HPV vaccination is recommended for preteens aged 11 to 12 years but is not recommended for everyone older than age 26 years. The HPV vaccine works best when given before any exposure to HPV, because it does not treat existing infections. However, some adults that weren’t vaccinated may decide to get the HPV vaccine after speaking with their doctor. The vaccine at this age provides less benefit, please consult with your doctor on HPV vaccination.

If you have questions, or doubts about cervical cancer, screening, or prevention, talk with your healthcare provider. A routine checkup can save your life.

December is a month of hope and giving. Hope for health if one does not have it. Hope to find
what’s the best option to recover one’s health. Illnesses come and they steal our peace of mind.
Restoring our hope is very important that is why a second opinion is vital. A second opinion can
help you and those around you find peace. In a month filled with hope, wishes, and giving, all
one desires is health. We can give each other and ourselves the gift of health by looking for a
second opinion. Second opinions can be lifesavers if one finds there were misdiagnosis in the
initial diagnosis.

Health is the greatest gift anyone can give. The gift of a second opinion can change your
perspective on life by giving you guidance towards the best treatment. The National Academy of
Medicine reported that about 5% of adults, who seek outpatient care are annually
misdiagnosed. According to the same study by the National Academy of Medicine, diagnostic
errors account for 10% of patient deaths. Doctors are human and they can make mistakes.
According to Lenny Bernstein from The Washington Post, more than 20% of patients who
looked for a second opinion were misdiagnosed by their primary care providers.

This season, filled with giving, hope, and love, give yourself or a loved one peace of mind
through a medical second opinion. Our operations team is always ready to help you and guide
you so that one of our American Board Certified doctors can review your case and provide a
second opinion that can save you money, time, and overall give tranquility.

The Washington Post

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a serious issue that affects many people. This disorder is
a type of depression that comes and goes with the seasons. According to the National Institute
of Mental Health, this disorder tends to begin in the late fall and early winter and then goes
away during the spring and summer. It can occur during any season, although it is more
common in the winter than the summer.

SAD is a type of depression that follows a seasonal pattern. Someone with SAD can experience
symptoms such as feeling depressed, feeling hopeless or worthless, having low energy, sleep
problems, difficulty concentrating, frequent thoughts of death or suicide, and having changes in
appetite or weight. Some of the differences in symptoms in the summer from winter can be
found below:

Winter SAD Symptoms:

• Low energy or tired
• Hypersomnia
• Weight gain
• Craving carbohydrates
• Social withdrawal
• Oversleeping

Summer SAD Symptoms:

• Insomnia
• Agitation
• Anxiety
• Violent behavior

Although the causes are unknown, studies have found that people with SAD have 5% more
serotonin transporter protein in winter than summer. Other causes could be overproducing
melatonin, for which winter increases production, and producing less vitamin D. Some factors
that could put you at risk are, being a woman, living far from the equator, family history, having
depression or bipolar disorder, and being of younger age. Some of the therapies to help with
SAD are medication, light therapy also known as phototherapy, psychotherapy, or vitamin D.

If you or someone you know suffers from SAD contact SecondOpinions.com. Our specialists are
available 24/7 to give you a medical second opinion that can give you peace of mind.

According to the CDC, In the United States about 1.1 million people were living with HIV at the end of 2016 and 1 out of 7 did not know it. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus, which attacks the immune system, destroying important cells that fight disease and infection.

Anyone can get HIV but some important factors that affect some more than others are sex partners, risk behaviors, and location of where they live. HIV has three different stages, which are the following:

Stage 1: Called acute HIV infection, usually happens between 2-4 weeks after becoming infected. During this time, people might experience a flu like illness, that can last for a few days.
Stage 2: Clinical latency, during a period in which HIV is active but reproduces at very low levels, lasting even decades but others can also progress faster in this phase.
Stage 3: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the most severe phase because people have badly damaged immune systems. Their CD4 cell count can drop below 200 cells.

Although no cure exists, it can be controlled through medical care. The treatment for HIV is called antiretroviral therapy or ART. By taking the treatment, people with HIV can live for as long as someone with no HIV and has no risk of transmitting HIV to an HIV-negative partner through sex. If you’d like for information about how we can help, contact us. We can help you get a medical second opinion at an affordable price. Nothing is more important than your health and peace of mind. Let us help you.

December is a month of hope and giving. Hope for health if one does not have it. Hope to find what’s the best option to recover one’s health. Illnesses come and they steal our peace of mind. Restoring our hope is very important that is why a second opinion is vital. A second opinion can help you and those around you find peace. In a month filled with hope, wishes, and giving, all one desires is health. We can give each other and ourselves the gift of health by looking for a second opinion. Second opinions can be life savers if one finds there were misdiagnosis in the initial diagnosis.

Health is the greatest gift anyone can give. The gift of a second opinion can change your perspective on life by giving you guidance towards the best treatment. The National Academy of Medicine reported that about 5% of adults, who seek outpatient care are annually misdiagnosed. According to the same study by the National Academy of Medicine, diagnostic errors account for 10% of patient deaths. Doctors are human and they can make mistakes. According to Lenny Bernstein from The Washington Post more than 20% of patients who looked for a second opinion were misdiagnosed by their primary care providers.

This season, filled with giving, hope, and love give yourself or a loved one peace of mind through a medical second opinion. Our operations team is always ready to help you and guide you so that one of our American Board Certified doctors can review your case and provide a second opinion that can save you money, time, and give tranquility.

November is Bladder Health Month, with the sole purpose of informing and teaching how to maintain a healthy bladder.

To have a healthy bladder it is vital to drink water, limit alcohol and caffeine, quit or avoid smoking, maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and avoid constipation (eating high fiber and maintaining physical activity will help). Drinking water is very important but you must drink the right amount of water- not too much or fast. Not having enough fluids can affect the urgency and frequency that you need to go to the bathroom with, by increasing the amount of times you need to go. Emptying your bladder regularly will help avoid infections and it is also good for your kidneys because it helps them maintain a normal function. Some ways to help can be through setting a schedule to use the restroom that way you do not have to go frequently or with urgency. It’s also important to use the restroom when you need to and to do pelvic floor exercises which can help support the bladder.

If you have any bladder related problems, you can count on SecondOpinions.com to give you the help you need. You can receive this help 24/7. We offer the second opinion from our Board-Certified Doctors at an affordable price for your peace of mind.

According to the CDC, in 2017, there were about 1400 infant deaths caused by sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in the United States. About 1300 were from unknown causes and 900 were from accidental suffocation and strangulation in bed. Due to awareness and information, the rates of death have tremendously decreased over the years. In 1990 the rate was at 130.3 per 100,000 but in 2017 the rate declined to 35.4 per 100,000.

For the rates to continue to decrease steps have to be taken. Steps to take and protect your child are to put them to sleep on their backs, not on their stomach or side. Another prevention is to not share a bed with your baby. When the baby is sleeping, clear their environment to where they will not be able to suffocate. You can do this by leaving the crib bare, no toys or excessive things that could make the baby warm up. Other factors to look out for are physical, such as brain defects, low birth weight, and respiratory infection.

SecondOpinions.com offers its Second Opinion services to help you have peace of mind. SecondOpinions.com is here for you to provide the best service any time you need us. Visit us or call us so that we may provide you with the help you need.