Mnemonic: FED TACOS Food Exercise Drugs Tobacco Alcohol Caffeine Occupation Sexual history Reference and further reading: History and Physical Examination: A Common Sense Approach By Mark Kauffman (DO.) Mnemonic: 10 Fs Family/Friends: Marital status, Caregivers and their status Fertility: Impotence for men, Other issues for women Food: Dietary history Freud:…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Temporal Arteritis : Mnemonic
The 1990 ACR criteria for temporal arteritis can be remembered using the mnemonic: TEMPL3 T: Temporal artery abnormality (Tenderness or reduced pulse) E: Elevated ESR (50 mm/hr or more) M: Multinucleate giant cells (Present on biopsy) P: Pain (New onset localized headache) L: Later life (Age 50 years or over…
PGMEE, MRCS, USMLE, MBBS, MD/MS 
Fibromyalgia : Mnemonic Approach
Clinical Features Mnemonic: FIBRO 1. Fatigue: 80-90% 2. Fibrofog: Dyscognition or Cognitive impairment e.g. trouble concentrating, forgetfulness, and disorganized or slow thinking 3. Insomnia: 90% 4. Blues: Depression and anxiety 5. Rigidity: Prolonged early morning stiffness not relieved by exercise and absence of synovitis 6. Ow!: Pain (the predominant symptom)…
Surgical Skills 
DIY Vac Dressing for Wounds
Pre-requisites for Vac Dressing Components of Vac Dressing 1. Pump for Negative Pressure: In a study, 3 closed suction drainage systems were studied – Davol Reliavac 400 Evacuator, Jackson-Pratt Closed Wound Suction Drainage System, and Snyder Hemovac 400. In all three systems, maximal negative pressures (-71 to -175 mm Hg)…
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Top Tips to Increase Your Iron Intake
Iron deficiency affects around half a billion people worldwide. Lack of iron causes a condition known as iron deficiency anemia, which can lead to a range of symptoms. The most common signs of anemia include: Brittle nails Hair loss Heart palpitations Headaches Muscle weakness Pale skin Poor circulation Short-term memory…
Clinical Skills and Approaches 
Mnemonic Based Approach to Joint Pain
Step 1: Arthralgia vs Arthritis Arthralgia Arthritis Symptom Diagnosis Joint pain without inflammation Joint pain with inflammation (swelling, redness, tenderness) Articular or Non-articular Articular Articular Non-articular Pain with all joint ROMs Pain with only some joint ROMs Most painful at the limit of joint ROM May not be most painful…
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Common Eye Health Conditions and Treatments
Deterioration in eye health has become an accepted part of aging, and most of us will experience vision problems at one point in our lives. Some eye problems are irreversible and while others can improve with treatment. Catching an eye health condition in its early stages will maximize your chances…
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Does Saliva Cause Covid-19 Infection?
Saliva is an extracellular fluid produced and secreted by salivary glands in the mouth. In humans, saliva is composed of 98% water and 2% electrolytes, mucus, WBCs, epithelial cells, enzymes such as amylase and lipase. Saliva contributes to the digestion of food and maintenance of oral hygiene. It coats the…