The immoderate eater is laying up for himself a wealth of trouble at the time when he can least afford to bear it. The ounce of advice in time is worth more to him than the pounds of medicine later.
It is a wise maxim never to drive a horse too far. Apply that to the human being and the rule holds equally well.
There may be no symptoms in a case of advanced arteriosclerosis. Do not on that account neglect to advise a patient in whom the disease is accidentally discovered.
Many a man owes a debt of gratitude to the life insurance examiner. He rarely feels grateful.
When a competent ophthalmologist refers a case to a general practitioner with the statement that he believes from the appearance of the fundus of the eye that arteriosclerotic changes are present over the body, the case should be most carefully examined. The earliest diagnoses are not infrequently made by the ophthalmologist.
It is the part of wisdom never to have such a firmly preconceived idea of the diagnosis that facts observed are perverted in order to fit into the diagnosis. Let the facts speak for themselves.
Beware of the snap diagnosis. Even in a case of well-marked arteriosclerosis when the diagnosis seems to be written in large letters all over the patient, go through the routine. Nine times out of ten this may seem needless. The tenth time it saves your conscience and reputation. Always consider that you are examining a tenth case.
Gradual loss of weight in a person over fifty years old should arouse the suspicion of arteriosclerosis.
Do not call the nervous symptoms displayed by a middle-aged man or woman neurasthenia until you have ruled out all organic causes, particularly arteriosclerosis.
When palpating the radial artery, always use both hands according to the method already described. Pay attention to the superficial or deep situation of the artery.