| Health Practices of Geriatrics Specialists | |
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by Cathy Wong
In a recent U.S. survey, physicians certified with additional qualifications in geriatric medicine were sent questionnaires asking about their own personal health. Of the 2,611 questionnaires that were mailed out, 1,524 completed questionnaires were returned. Here are the results of the survey:
The most common health practice was exercise.
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88% of the physicians exercised at least once a week
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65% of physicians exercised three or more times
Most physicians took at least one vitamin supplement.
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50% of physicians took vitamin E, with 400 IU being the most common dose (66% vs. 27% taking 800 IU).
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50% took a multivitamin
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31% reported taking vitamin C
Female physicians were more likely to take a calcium supplement.
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64% of female physicans vs. 19% of male physicians took a calcium supplement.
Male physicians were more likely to take aspirin.
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55% of male physicians vs. 19% of female physicians took aspirin.
Over 90% of physicians recommended vitamin supplements at least sometimes.
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Multivitamins and vitamin E were the most commonly recommended.
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Recommendations for the herbs Ginkgo biloba (38%) and St. John's wort (33%) were common.
Nearly half (49%) of physicians completed an advance directive.
An advance directive is a document that provides written instruction about future health care, in the event that a person becomes unable to speak for him or herself. A living will and a medical power of attorney are two types of advance directives.
Reference
1. Watts D, Damasco-Ty E, Ryan F, Goodman B. Geriatricians Health Survey 2000. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2001;49; 1535.
