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• Q: How should I prepare for an MRI?
Dennis Mckeon, Director of Diagnostic Imaging, Maui Health: An MRI is a non-invasive, painless scan that uses magnetism and radio waves to create images of organs inside your body.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, you can eat, drink, and take medications before an MRI. Dress in comfortable or loose-fitting clothing that won't constrict you while you're lying down for the scan, or that will be easy to remove if you're asked to change into a gown.
Because an MRI uses a powerful magnet, you must remove anything that contains metal or could affect the imaging process. This includes jewelry, glasses, hair clips, hearing aids, dentures, underwire bras, makeup, deodorant, and other personal care products that may contain metals.
If you have any metal implants or electronic devices in your body, such as an artificial joint, pacemaker, IUD, cochlear implant, or metal pins or screws, you may not be able to have an MRI. Some tattoo ink and permanent makeup also contain metal, so talk with your doctor or MRI technician about whether it's safe to proceed with the scan.
If you feel anxious about getting an MRI because you're worried about being in tight spaces, consider wearing a sleeping mask over your eyes so you can't see the inside of the tube. Practice controlled breathing or other meditation or mindfulness techniques to stay calm. Talk with your technician about any concerns or special requests, like playing music or aromatherapy, that can help you relax during the scan.
Maui Health's Imaging Department uses the most advanced MRI technology available, with ultra-fast scans that are quieter than older machines. To learn more, visit mauihealth.org/imaging.
• Q: My son got COVID. He quarantined himself but now my daughter-in-law has it. Can my son get COVID again?
Chrissy Miller, RN, Employee Health and Wellness Manager, Maui Health: Yes, it is possible for someone who has had COVID-19 to get infected again, although it is not common for that to happen soon after an original infection. Reinfection with the virus that causes COVID-19 can occur, especially with the emergence of new variants. While the immune system typically provides some level of protection against reinfection for a period of time, this protection may decrease over time.
It's important to note that even if someone has had COVID-19, they should still take preventive measures, such as following public health guidelines, practicing good hygiene, and considering vaccination, as these actions can help reduce the risk of reinfection and the severity of the illness. If there are concerns or specific health conditions, please consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
* Physicians, providers and administrative staff who practice at Maui Health hospitals and clinics answer questions from the public in Healthwise Maui, which appears on Thursdays. Maui Health operates Maui Memorial Medical Center, Maui Memorial Medical Center Outpatient Clinic, Kula Hospital & Clinic and Lana'i Community Hospital and accepts all patients. To submit a question, go to the website at mauihealth.org/healthwise.