Sunday, June 15, 2008

Health Tips for June 15

Health Tip: Symptoms of a Social Phobia

A social phobia occurs when a person has unusually high anxiety before a social situation, such as going to a party, giving a speech, or going to a job interview.

It may include some or all of these physical symptoms, says the American Academy of Family Physicians:

* Blushing.
* Sweating.
* Feeling nauseous.
* Trembling or shaking.
* Having trouble talking to or making eye contact with another person.

If you have these symptoms, a doctor should evaluate you for a social phobia. The physician can also recommend treatment options, including medication and/or behavioral therapy.

Health Tip: Taking a Mental Status Test

Mental status tests are given to determine the state of a person's mental health. The test, for example, can help gauge the mental progression of a physical illness such as Alzheimer's disease.

Here's what may comprise a mental status test, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

* An examination of physical appearance, including dress and grooming.
* Orientation and awareness -- knowing one's own name, address, and phone, as well as the current date and season.
* Length of attention span, and short-term and long-term memory.
* Tests to determine abilities including problem solving and judgment.
* Ability to identify objects and recall words.

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