Viva Clinic blog
Viva Clinic doctors explain what symptoms and test results mean, how to prepare for check-ups and when it is time to book an appointment.
Ingrown hairs after shaving: why they happen and how to get rid of them
A hair becomes ingrown when, after shaving or hair removal, it curls back into the skin or grows underneath it without breaking through. This happens most often with curly and coarse hair in the beard area, on the bikini line, in the armpits and on the legs. Shaving in the direction of hair growth with a sharp blade makes it less likely, and if ingrown hairs keep coming back, Viva Clinic in Slavuta can suggest cleansing, peels or laser hair removal.
Low blood pressure: what to do and how to raise it
Low blood pressure usually means a reading under 90/60 mmHg. If you feel well, these numbers don't need treatment: in many young, slim people this is normal. If low blood pressure comes with dizziness, weakness or fainting, sit or lie down and raise your legs, then see a doctor to find out the cause.
Men's cosmetology: what men see a cosmetologist for
Men's skin is usually thicker and oilier than women's, and daily shaving adds irritation and ingrown hairs. Men most often see a cosmetologist for facial and back cleansing, chemical peels, facial or scalp mesotherapy, botulinum toxin injections for expression lines or sweating, and papilloma removal. At Viva Clinic in Slavuta, treatments are chosen after a skin assessment, and injections are done only by cosmetic doctors after a consultation.
PRP therapy (plasma lifting): what it is and how it works
PRP therapy, also called plasma lifting, means injecting plasma rich in platelets that's made from your own blood. Platelets release substances that start tissue repair and collagen production, so Viva Clinic in Slavuta uses plasma lifting to treat scars, including acne and burn scars. The procedure is done by a cosmetic doctor after a consultation, usually as a course of several sessions.
Is laser hair removal safe and who should avoid it
Laser hair removal acts on the hair follicles in the skin, and the laser light doesn't reach the internal organs. Burns and dark spots can happen if the settings are wrong, the skin is tanned or the doctor didn't know about a contraindication. That's why, before the course, a cosmetic doctor examines your skin and hair, asks about illnesses and medication and sets the laser parameters.
Acne scars and dark marks: how to treat them
Post-acne is the general name for what acne leaves behind: marks where the inflammation was and scars, which are dents in the skin. Marks usually fade over time, and peels and daily SPF help with that, while scars don't go away on their own. At Viva Clinic in Slavuta, acne scars are made less noticeable with plasma lifting once breakouts are under control.
Lip fillers: what not to do after the procedure
For the first few days after lip fillers, don't press or massage your lips unless your doctor tells you to, skip the sauna, exercise and alcohol, put off flights, and postpone dental appointments for 3 to 4 weeks. Swelling and small bruises are normal during this time. If the skin of your lips turns white or blue, or the pain gets worse, contact the doctor who did the procedure immediately.
Skin care before a wedding: which treatments to have and when
Skin is prepared for a wedding or photo shoot step by step. A few weeks before the event, see a cosmetologist and, if needed, have a course of facial cleansing or peels, then have an SOS treatment such as an alginate mask or oxygen mesotherapy 1–3 days before. In the last few days, don't try new treatments or products, and agree on the timing of any injections with a cosmetic doctor.
Alginate mask: what it is and who it suits
An alginate mask is made from a powder based on salts of alginic acid, which comes from brown seaweed. The powder is mixed with water and spread over the face, and within a few minutes it sets into a flexible film that's peeled off in one piece. The mask hydrates the skin and briefly makes the face look fresher, so at Viva Clinic in Slavuta it's also offered as an SOS treatment before a celebration or an important event.
Facial peels: what they are and how often you can get one
A facial peel removes the top layer of dead skin cells, most often with acid solutions. Superficial peels are usually done as a course of several sessions, and medium-depth peels less often, because the skin takes longer to recover after them. A cosmetic doctor decides how many sessions you need and how far apart after examining your skin.
Back facial: when it helps with breakouts and when you need a dermatologist
A back and chest cleansing helps when the skin has blackheads, clogged pores and the occasional inflamed spot. If there are many breakouts, or they're painful, deep, leave scars or appeared after you started a new medication, see a dermatologist first; cleansing then only complements the treatment. At Viva Clinic in Slavuta, back cleansing is done with special peeling products, for both women and men.
Health Screening 40+ results: how to read your lipid profile and HbA1c
Doctors usually consider a glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) under 5.7% normal and call 5.7% to 6.4% prediabetes, while 6.5% or higher may mean diabetes, which is confirmed with a repeat test. There's no single normal value for a lipid profile: your doctor sets cholesterol targets based on your risk of heart disease. Discuss any result outside the normal range with your family doctor or internist.
Ultrasonic cavitation: how it works, who it suits and contraindications
In ultrasonic cavitation, low-frequency ultrasound acts on areas with local fat deposits, such as the abdomen, sides or thighs. It won't help you lose weight: the treatment doesn't affect your weight, and changes in volume differ from person to person. At Viva Clinic in Slavuta, cavitation is done after an examination, and among other contraindications it isn't done during pregnancy or for people with a pacemaker, liver or kidney disease, or cancer.
Cellulite: can you get rid of it, and what actually helps
Cellulite usually can't be removed completely, because it's a feature of how fat tissue and skin are structured, and most women have it, including slim women. Regular exercise and a stable weight help make it less visible, and body treatments such as vacuum thermal massage improve how the skin looks for a while. At Viva Clinic in Slavuta, these treatments are chosen after an examination and a check for contraindications.
What a complete blood count shows and how to prepare for it
A complete blood count (CBC) shows the number of red and white blood cells and platelets and the amount of hemoglobin in your blood, and the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is often measured with it. From the results, a doctor can spot anemia, signs of inflammation and other changes and decide whether you need more tests. The test is done in the morning, usually on an empty stomach.
Facial muscle stimulation: how it works and what to expect
Facial muscle stimulation, or myostimulation, is a device-based treatment in which weak pulses of electric current make the facial muscles contract. It's done to help maintain muscle and skin tone and is usually taken as a course. At Viva Clinic in Slavuta, muscle stimulation is done by cosmetologists after a skin assessment and a check for contraindications.
Constant fatigue and weakness: what to do
Constant fatigue is most often caused by lack of sleep, overwork and stress, but sometimes it's a symptom of anemia, thyroid disease, high blood sugar or depression. If you've had no energy for several weeks even though you get enough sleep, see an internist. Testing usually starts with a complete blood count, ferritin, TSH and glucose.
RF skin tightening for the face: how radiofrequency lifting works and who it suits
RF lifting, or radiofrequency skin tightening, is a device-based treatment in which radiofrequency energy heats the deeper layers of the skin, and the heat stimulates collagen production. It's chosen when the skin on the face, neck or body has lost some firmness, and it's usually done as a course. At Viva Clinic in Slavuta, RF lifting is done by cosmetologists, and whether it suits you is decided after a skin assessment.
When to have a breast ultrasound and on which day of your cycle
A routine breast ultrasound is usually done in the first half of your cycle, roughly between days 5 and 12 counting from the start of your period, when your breasts are least swollen. After menopause, any day is fine. If you've noticed a lump or nipple discharge, don't wait for the right day and book an appointment with a mammologist, a breast specialist, straight away.
Facial care at a cosmetologist: where to start and how often to go
Facial care at a cosmetologist's starts with a skin check: the specialist assesses your skin type and condition, asks about allergies and medication and suggests a treatment plan. How often you come depends on your skin and the treatment; manual cleansing, for example, is usually done no more than once a month. If you have inflamed breakouts or a mole has changed, see a dermatologist first.
Eye pressure: what raises it and how it is checked
Eye pressure, or intraocular pressure, is the pressure of the fluid inside the eye. It rises when fluid drains out of the eye more slowly than it is produced, and over the years it can damage the optic nerve, which leads to glaucoma. Eye pressure usually isn't measured at home: an ophthalmologist checks it, and the measurement is painless and takes a few minutes.
Cosmetic facial massage: what it does and how often to have it
A facial massage at a cosmetologist's boosts blood flow and tones the facial muscles, so your face looks fresher and more rested afterward, and the treatment itself is very relaxing. Massage doesn't remove deep wrinkles and doesn't replace injectable treatments. At Viva Clinic in Slavuta, facial massage is part of classic cosmetology, and your cosmetologist will advise how often to have it after examining your skin.
Bikini laser hair removal: how to prepare and how many sessions you need
Bikini laser hair removal, classic or deep, is done as a course: usually up to 10 sessions over 6–12 months, 3 weeks to 2 months apart. For 2 weeks before a session, avoid tanning and don't remove hair with wax or sugaring, and shave the area on the day of the procedure. A cosmetic doctor will tell you at the consultation how many sessions you need.
What is acne and how is it treated
Acne is a chronic inflammation of the oil glands and hair follicles. It shows up as blackheads and pimples, and sometimes as painful lumps on the face, chest or back. Mild acne can often be kept under control with skincare, but if lumps or scars appear, a dermatologist chooses the treatment.
Dark spots on the face: when a peel can help
A chemical peel can lighten dark spots on the face: marks left after breakouts, solar lentigines and freckles. Spots fade gradually over a course of treatments and darken again without daily SPF, and melasma tends to come back even after successful treatment. Show any new spot that is growing or changing color or shape to a dermatologist first.
Laser treatment for varicose veins: preparation, procedure and recovery
Laser treatment for varicose veins, or endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), closes the affected vein from the inside through a small puncture, with no incisions. It is done on an outpatient basis, and a vascular surgeon decides whether it suits you after an exam and a vein ultrasound. After EVLA you usually go home the same day, and the doctor tells you what activity level and compression stockings you need.
Ultrasonic facial cleansing: how it works and who it suits
Ultrasonic facial cleansing gently removes dead skin cells, excess sebum and light pore congestion using a device with a vibrating metal blade. It's recommended for thin, sensitive and dry skin, and it usually leaves no noticeable redness, so it can be done at any time of year. Your cosmetologist decides how often to repeat it after examining your skin.
Facial mesotherapy: how the course works and what to expect
In facial mesotherapy, a cosmetic doctor injects a cocktail into the skin with micro-injections, choosing the formula for your concern: dull or dehydrated skin, pigmentation or oily skin. It's usually a course of several sessions, and the doctor decides how many and how far apart after an examination. If you'd rather avoid needles, Viva Clinic in Slavuta also offers oxygen and needle-free mesotherapy.
What kidney pain feels like and how to tell it from back pain
Kidney pain is felt in the side of your lower back, just under the lowest ribs, usually on one side. It is dull and aching or comes in waves, as with renal colic, hardly changes when you move and often comes with a fever or changes in your urine. Back pain usually gets worse when you bend, twist or sit for a long time and eases when you rest.
Scalp mesotherapy: when it makes sense and how it works
Scalp mesotherapy is recommended when hair is gradually thinning or getting weaker and a doctor has already found the cause. If your hair falls out suddenly, in clumps or patches, or your scalp itches or flakes, you need a dermatologist and possibly tests first. At Viva Clinic in Slavuta, scalp mesotherapy is done by a cosmetic doctor after a consultation.
Ligament sprain: what to do and when to see a trauma doctor
In a sprain, some of the fibers in a ligament tear, so the joint hurts and swells, a bruise appears and moving it is painful. For the first 48 hours, rest the joint, apply cold through a cloth, wrap it in a moderately firm bandage and keep your leg raised. If you cannot stand on your leg or the joint looks deformed, go to a trauma unit (travmpunkt), where they will take an X-ray straight away. If the pain does not ease within a few days, see a trauma doctor to rule out a fracture or a torn ligament.
PRX-T33: what this treatment is and who it suits
PRX-T33 is known as needle-free biorevitalization: a product with 33% trichloroacetic acid, hydrogen peroxide and kojic acid is applied to the skin and rubbed in, and nothing is injected. Technically it's a peel, but it usually doesn't cause noticeable peeling. At Viva Clinic in Slavuta, PRX-T33 is done after an examination by a cosmetic doctor.
Biorevitalization vs mesotherapy: what's the difference and which to choose
Biorevitalization hydrates the skin: the doctor injects a hyaluronic acid product into it. For mesotherapy, the doctor chooses a cocktail of vitamins, amino acids, hyaluronic acid and other substances for a specific concern, and it's also done on the scalp. A cosmetic doctor decides which of the two you need after an examination.
Cough in children: what to do and when to see a doctor
Most coughs in children come with a cold and usually clear up on their own within 3 to 4 weeks. Drinks, fresh humid air and rinsing the nose help, and the only cough medicine to give is one your pediatrician has recommended, at the dose for your child's age from the leaflet. If your child is struggling to breathe or breathing noisily, their lips turn blue, or they have choked on something and are struggling to breathe, call an ambulance on 103.
Nasolabial folds: why they appear and how to get rid of them
Everyone has nasolabial folds, and they get deeper with age, volume loss in the middle of the face, facial expressions, sun exposure and sudden weight loss. Creams and home care support the skin, but they don't fill a fold that has already formed. A cosmetic doctor may suggest fillers, biorevitalization or device-based treatments and decides what suits you after an examination.
Ear infections: symptoms, treatment and what not to do at home
Otitis is inflammation of the ear. Otitis externa affects the skin of the ear canal, while otitis media develops behind the eardrum and most often starts after a cold. If your ear hurts, your hearing drops or fluid is coming out of your ear, see an ENT doctor and don't put anything in the ear before the exam.
Lip augmentation with filler: how lip fillers are done
At Viva Clinic in Slavuta, lips are enhanced with a hyaluronic acid filler: after a consultation, a cosmetic doctor numbs the skin with an anesthetic and injects the gel with a fine needle, and the session takes 30–50 minutes. Your lips stay swollen for a few days, so the final shape is judged once the swelling goes down. According to the clinic, the effect lasts from 6 months to 2 years, depending on the product and your body.
What a colposcopy is and how it is done
During a colposcopy, a gynecologist examines your cervix through a colposcope, an instrument with magnifying lenses and a bright light. The colposcope stands in front of the exam chair and is not inserted into the body, so it feels much like a routine pelvic exam. A colposcopy is done to take a closer look at changes found in a smear or on the cervix, and a biopsy can be taken during it if needed.
Hyperhidrosis: why excessive sweating happens and how Botox can help
Hyperhidrosis means excessive sweating: your underarms, palms, feet or forehead get wet even when it's cool and you're at rest, and it gets in the way of daily life and work. If the sweating started suddenly, happens at night or comes with weight loss or a fever, see an internist or a family doctor first. If no other illness is found and antiperspirants don't help, a cosmetic doctor at Viva Clinic in Slavuta can reduce sweating with botulinum toxin injections.
Botox or fillers: what's the difference and which to choose
Botox and fillers correct different things. Botulinum toxin relaxes muscles and smooths expression lines on the forehead, between the brows and around the eyes, while a hyaluronic acid filler fills deep folds and adds volume to the lips, cheekbones or chin. Whether you need one of them, both or neither is something a cosmetic doctor at Viva Clinic in Slavuta decides after examining your face.
How to treat hemorrhoids at each stage
Hemorrhoid treatment depends on the stage and on which hemorrhoids are causing trouble. In the early stages, changes in diet and daily habits plus medicines prescribed by a doctor are usually enough. If that does not help, or hemorrhoids come out and have to be pushed back, a proctologist suggests minimally invasive procedures or surgery. The method is chosen after an exam, because other bowel conditions can cause similar symptoms.
Expression lines: why they form on the forehead and between the brows and what to do
Expression lines form where the skin folds for years over the muscles we use to frown, raise our brows and smile: on the forehead, between the brows and around the eyes. At first, you only see them when you move your face, but with age and sun exposure, they stay visible at rest. Daily SPF slows this down, and botulinum toxin injections smooth existing expression lines; whether they suit you is something a cosmetic doctor decides after an examination.
Colonoscopy: what it is, how to prepare and whether it hurts
During a colonoscopy, a doctor examines the inside of the large intestine with a thin, flexible tube that has a camera on the end. So that the doctor can see the whole lining, the bowel is cleared in advance: a few days before, you switch to low-fiber food, and the day before, you drink a bowel prep solution as your doctor instructs. Without anesthesia the test can be unpleasant, so you can have it under anesthesia.
Botox: what it is, how long it lasts and who shouldn't have it
Botox is the everyday name for botulinum toxin injections: a doctor injects small doses of botulinum toxin type A into the facial muscles, the muscles relax, and lines on the forehead, between the brows and around the eyes smooth out. The first changes usually show after 2–3 days, the full effect after about 2 weeks, and it typically lasts 3–4 months. At Viva Clinic in Slavuta, the injections are done by a cosmetic doctor and only after a consultation that includes a contraindication check.
How to prepare for an abdominal ultrasound
Come to an abdominal ultrasound on an empty stomach, usually after 6–8 hours without food, which is why the scan is easiest to schedule in the morning. You can drink a little plain water. If you often get bloated, cut out the foods that make it worse for 1–2 days before the scan.
Thyroid gland: symptoms, tests and when to have an ultrasound
The thyroid gland sits at the front of the neck, under the Adam's apple, and makes hormones that control metabolism, heart rate and body temperature. When it is underactive, people feel cold, tire quickly and gain weight; when it is overactive, they have a racing heart, sweating, weight loss and shaking hands. Testing usually starts with a TSH blood test, and the doctor adds free T4, antibodies or an ultrasound if needed.
High blood pressure: what to do at home and how to lower it
If your monitor shows high blood pressure, sit down, rest quietly for 5 minutes and then measure again. If the numbers don't come down, take only the medicine your doctor has already prescribed for this situation, and contact your doctor the same day. Chest pain, shortness of breath, trouble speaking, weakness in an arm or a sudden severe headache with high blood pressure mean you should call an ambulance on 103 right away.
How laser hair removal works and how many sessions you need
Laser light is absorbed by the pigment in the hair, turns into heat and destroys the hair follicle, but only one in which the hair is actively growing at that moment. That's why one session isn't enough and hair removal is done as a course. How many sessions you need depends on your hair color and structure, which a cosmetic doctor assesses at the consultation.
Biorevitalization: what it is and how many sessions you need
Biorevitalization means injecting hyaluronic acid into the skin to hydrate it from within. It's usually a course of several sessions, and a cosmetic doctor works out how many you need after examining your skin. At Viva Clinic in Slavuta, biorevitalization is done by a cosmetic doctor and only after a consultation.
Which facial cleansing is best for your skin
The best facial cleansing depends on your skin: manual cleansing is usually recommended for oily skin with clogged pores and blackheads, and gentler ultrasonic or non-traumatic cleansing for sensitive, thin skin. Hydropeeling also suits dehydrated skin. Viva Clinic in Slavuta offers all four types, and your cosmetologist decides which one suits you after examining your skin.
Health Screening 40+: what's included and where to get it in Slavuta
Health Screening 40+ includes blood pressure and pulse measurement, weight, height and waist measurement, a questionnaire about your lifestyle and symptoms, a health risk assessment and at least two blood tests: a lipid profile and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). It's free for Ukrainian citizens aged 40 and over, who apply for the funds in the Diia app or at an administrative services center (TsNAP). At Viva Clinic in Slavuta, it's done at 3 Danyla Halytskoho St, usually in one visit, and you book through the online form on the website.
What ferritin is and what to do if it's low
Ferritin is the protein your body stores iron in, so a ferritin test shows how much iron you have in reserve. Low ferritin most often means iron deficiency, sometimes even before your hemoglobin drops. Don't try to raise it on your own: a doctor first looks for the cause of the deficiency and only then decides whether you need iron supplements.
How to get electronic sick leave
Electronic sick leave is opened by the doctor treating you, most often your family doctor. After an exam or consultation, they issue a medical report on temporary incapacity in the national eHealth system, and the Pension Fund of Ukraine uses it to automatically create a sick leave certificate your employer can see. You don't need to bring any paperwork to work.
What is an internist and what do they treat?
An internist treats adults with general health complaints such as a fever, cough, high blood pressure, weakness or stomach pain. They manage long-term conditions, explain test results and refer you to a specialist when one is needed. If you're an adult and not sure which doctor to see, start with an internist.
What fibrocystic breast changes (mastopathy) are and whether they can be cured
Fibrocystic breast changes, often called mastopathy in Ukraine, are benign changes in breast tissue: the breasts swell and hurt before a period, and lumps or cysts can be felt in them. They happen because breast tissue reacts to monthly hormone changes, and they are common in women of reproductive age. Show any new lump to a mammologist, a doctor who specializes in breast health, so they can rule out other causes.
Ophthalmologist or oculist: what this eye doctor treats
An oculist and an ophthalmologist are the same doctor. In Ukraine, people say okulist (oculist) in everyday speech, while the official name of the specialty is ophthalmology. This doctor checks your vision and eye pressure and diagnoses and treats diseases of the eyes and eyelids.
What lichen looks like on the skin and how it is treated
In Ukraine, people use the word lishai, usually translated as lichen, for several different skin conditions: fungal skin infections (ringworm), pityriasis versicolor, pityriasis rosea and shingles. They have different causes, so they need different medicines. Before putting anything on the patch, show it to a dermatologist, who will tell you which condition it is and how to treat it.
Varicose veins: what they are, early signs and treatment
Varicose veins are enlarged leg veins that develop when the valves inside them weaken and blood pools. The first signs are usually heavy, swollen legs in the evening, spider veins and night cramps, and later twisted veins become visible under the skin. Treatment starts with a vein ultrasound, and based on the results a vascular surgeon chooses compression, a minimally invasive procedure or surgery.
Cystitis: symptoms, tests and how it is treated
Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder, most often caused by bacteria. The typical signs are frequent, painful urges to urinate, a burning feeling when you urinate and pain in the lower abdomen. Treatment is prescribed by a doctor after a urine test, because an antibiotic left over from last time may not work on this bacterium and can make the urine culture result unreliable.
Traumatologist or orthopedist: who treats what and who to see
A traumatologist treats recent injuries: bruises, sprains, dislocations and fractures. An orthopedist deals with conditions and deformities of the bones, joints, spine and feet that develop gradually. In Ukraine this is a single medical specialty, so at Viva Clinic in Slavuta an orthopedic and trauma doctor sees you for both kinds of problems.
Fever in children: when to bring it down and when to call a doctor
Doctors usually call it a fever when a child's temperature is 38 °C (100.4 °F) or higher. Bring it down if the fever is making your child feel unwell, and only with a fever medicine your pediatrician has recommended, at the dose for your child's age given in the leaflet. Call an ambulance on 103 straight away if a baby under 3 months has a fever, or if your child has a rash that does not fade when pressed, struggles to breathe, is very drowsy or has a seizure.
Sinusitis: symptoms, treatment and when you need an ENT doctor
Maxillary sinusitis is inflammation of the maxillary sinus, the air space in the cheekbone under each eye. It most often starts with a cold and clears up along with it. If a blocked nose, pain under the eyes and thick discharge last longer than 10 days, get worse after improving, or come with a high fever from the start, see an ENT doctor.
How long periods last and what counts as a normal menstrual cycle
A period usually lasts 2 to 7 days. For adult women, doctors consider a cycle of about 24 to 38 days normal, counting from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. If bleeding lasts longer than a week, your periods are very heavy, you bleed between them or your cycle suddenly changes, see a gynecologist.
What hemorrhoids are and how to spot the early signs
Hemorrhoids develop when the blood vessel cushions in the lower rectum swell, bleed or slip out through the anus. Early on, they usually cause itching and discomfort around the anus and bright red blood on the toilet paper after a bowel movement. Always have rectal bleeding checked by a proctologist, because other bowel conditions cause the same symptom.
What gastritis is and how it is treated
Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining. It is most often caused by the bacterium Helicobacter pylori or by long-term use of anti-inflammatory painkillers, and less often by alcohol and other factors. Treatment depends on the cause, so the doctor first confirms the diagnosis with an exam, lab tests and, if needed, a gastroscopy.
Holter ECG and 24-hour blood pressure monitoring: what they are and how they work
During Holter monitoring, a small device that you wear continuously records your ECG or regularly measures your blood pressure for 24 hours, or longer if needed. A standard ECG takes a few minutes, while a Holter shows how your heart and blood pressure behave during the day, at night, while walking and while sleeping. Viva Clinic in Slavuta offers both, a Holter ECG and 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, at the polyclinic at 27a Sobornosti St by appointment.
High blood sugar: normal levels, causes and what to do
Doctors usually consider a fasting glucose under 5.6 mmol/L in blood taken from a vein to be normal. Diabetes is diagnosed when repeated tests show 7.0 mmol/L or higher, or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is 6.5% or higher, and the values in between are called prediabetes. A doctor makes the diagnosis based on several tests, so if your result is high, repeat the test and book an appointment.
What blood pressure is normal for adults
Doctors consider a blood pressure of about 120/80 mmHg normal for an adult. Hypertension is diagnosed when repeated readings in the doctor's office are 140/90 or higher, or home readings are 135/85 or higher. These limits are the same for adults of any age, and if you need treatment, your doctor sets your personal target.
How to choose a family doctor
Choose a doctor at a clinic that has a contract with the National Health Service of Ukraine (NSZU), and go there with your passport, taxpayer ID number and mobile phone. At reception, your details go into the electronic system, you confirm your number with an SMS code and sign two copies of the declaration.
What a family doctor declaration covers
A declaration entitles you to free care from your family doctor: checkups and treatment, lab tests and an ECG on referral, vaccinations, prescriptions, referrals to other doctors and sick leave. The state pays for all of it through the National Health Service of Ukraine (NSZU) under the Program of Medical Guarantees.
What does a family doctor do?
A family doctor treats and monitors adults and children, gives vaccinations, orders lab tests, prescribes medicines, issues sick leave and refers you to specialists when needed. They are the first doctor you turn to with any health question, and their care is free for patients with a declaration.
Authors
- Nataliia IvashchukPhysician of the highest category: internist, hematologist, endocrinologist, rheumatologist, cardiologist
- Nataliia CherepiiChief physician of Viva Clinic, cosmetologist, Candidate of Medical Sciences
- Andrii CherepiiDirector of Viva Clinic, surgeon of the highest category
- Viktor IvashchukExpert at Diagnost-Lab PE
- Viva Clinic doctorsViva Clinic medical center, Slavuta
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