Real Health Chats Jeff & Becky Dickson

AFIB is short for Atrial Fibrillation.  AFIB is an irregular heartbeat causing palpitations.  AFIB can effect both the rhythm and the rate.   Other symptoms include weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness and chest pain.

Biggest risk factor for AFIB is age.  Other chronic illnesses like heart disease, high blood pressure can contribute to having AFIB.  Obesity and family history of AFIB could contribute.

If you are diagnosed with AFIB from your provider listening to your heart, you will likely have an EKG to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatments include, but are not limited to, medications and shock treatment to get back into rhythm.

Biggest complication with AFIB is the development of clots that can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.

If you or a family member have any of these symptoms, please see your provider.


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What medical information is a must when sending your kid to college?  

1. Kids should know how to check in at a doctor's office and they have the information they need for completing forms.

2. Kids should have and their insurance card with up to date insurance information; primary and secondary insurance carrier information; as well as current contact information for you and any other emergency contacts.  Tip: Take a picture of the card and put all the information in their phone for safe keeping.

3. Kids should know what facilities they can go to, i.e. doctor's office, hospital, urgent care.  If your child has a condition that will require consistent care, you should try and have providers in place before or when they go.

4. Kids should know what pharmacy to use and where it is.  Make sure they have their prescription information for any medicines they take regularly and have a full supply when they leave.

5. If you want your kid's providers to be able to talk with you regarding their care, you need to complete a HIPPA authorization form that allows facilities and providers to discuss their care with you.  The HIPPA requirements differ in each state, so you should check the state you are in and that your child will be in college in.  You can search and download the appropriate forms.  Another form you might consider is a Power of Attorney.



Other things to consider:

1. Get a pair of flip flops if your kid shares a shower and bathroom

2. Talk to your kid about anxiety and depression that often presents in college kids.

3. Talk to your kid about safety and problems they may face including alcohol, sex and drugs.

4. Kids leaving will affect you, too!



It's 2020 when we did this podcast, so we had to include Covid19 pandemic safety measures including masks, distancing and hand hygiene. 




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Have you ever wondered about flatus (farts), burps, hiccups and yawns?  Dr. D and Becky attempt to talk about these bodily functions (between all the laughs) and answer a few common questions.  Enjoy!  

Be sure to watch for Dr. D & Becky on social media as they test themselves with the Yawn-O-Meter!  Share your experiences with it as well!  


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Dr. D and Becky discuss Covid 19 as the United States begins to open back up again including topics like when will it end, the use of supplements and video visits with your provider.


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This is an update since our last episode.  Most places continue to be in some level of shelter in place.  Masks are recommended, and in some places required, when out in public.  We should all maintain hand hygiene and other practices to stop the spread of Covid 19.  Mitigation, especially by social distancing, is proving successful to decrease the number of people sick with the disease at one time.  Some areas are beginning to "open up", but most schools continue to be closed for the remainder of the school year.  

Anxiety and depression is more common.  Some helpful practices to alleviate the anxiety and stress are to maintain a schedule, limit your news consumption, and reach out to others.  Seek help from your medical provider if needed.  Take the time to begin or renew hobbies, interests and family activities.  Below is a helpful link. 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/index.html




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April 3, 2020

The coronavirus continues to spread and is very contagious.  Dr. D & Becky answer questions about the pandemic.  

Ventilators:  Why are there not enough ventilators?  There are enough ventilators for the usual amount of patients who need them.  The system is being overwhelmed by the number of covid patients at one time and the length of time those patients stay on the ventilator.  Many corporations are helping to meet the need of ventilators in hospitals.

Personal protective equipment (PPE): Why is there not enough PPE?  Possible hoarding as things started getting worse.  What is happening now is that every time a possible covid patient is seen, the medical staff has to wear a gown, mask, gloves and face shield.  There are about 330,000 positive cases in the United States.  With between 4 and 10 percent of every test (depending on area) being positive.  The other 90 + percent of tests given have required medical staff in PPE.  PPE can only be used once, so the volume of PPE being used is causing shortages in many areas.  Again, many companies, corporations and individuals are making an effort to fill the need of PPE in the medical community.

Testing: New tests are being developed and should start arriving at facilities soon.   Test results can take a week or more to get get back due to high demand.

What is the risk to the baby if I am pregnant?  The risk is still unclear, but there have been babies born to mothers with covid who have tested positive for the illness as well. 

When can we take our kids in for regular check ups again?  What can I do if I have a non covid related issue I want to see the doctor about?   If you or your child is sick or injured, contact your doctor.  They will give you instructions on what to do.  

Masks:  Masks offer a small layer of protection from the virus, but are most useful to contain respiratory droplets from anyone who could possibly have the illness.

Other protective measures:  obsessive hand hygiene is your best defense.  Wash your hands frequently and well.  Use hand sanitizer between handwashing.  Sterilize all common surfaces like door knobs and cabinets.  Only go out for necessities and as little as possible. 

If you are feeling anxious as you are sheltered in place, try and maintain a schedule, communicate with others as often as needed, get some exercise and fresh air, and contact your doctor if you feel you need more help.

Send information on companies or groups who are going above and beyond to help during this pandemic.  Also send us any questions you may have.


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