Nina: Good morning! Welcome to Riverside Clinic. How can I help you today?
Maria: Hi. I have an appointment. My name is Maria Lopez. Ten o’clock.
Nina: (types on the computer) Yes, I see it right here. You’re right on time. Just a few questions before you see the doctor.
Maria: Sure.
Nina: Have you traveled recently? Any cough or fever?
Maria: No, no travel. And no fever. Just very tired lately.
Nina: Okay, thank you. Please take a seat. Dr. Lee will call you in a moment.
Maria: (sits down slowly) Thank you. I’m a little nervous. I haven’t seen a doctor in over a year.
Nina: That’s okay! A lot of people feel that way. But Dr. Lee is great. He listens, and he explains things clearly. You’ll be in good hands.
Dr. Lee: Maria Lopez?
Maria: Yes. That’s me.
Dr. Lee: Nice to meet you, Maria. Come on in, and we’ll talk.
Dr. Lee: So, what’s going on? How can I help you today?
Maria: I feel tired all the time. I also have headaches, maybe three or four times a week.
Dr. Lee: That sounds difficult. When did the headaches start?
Maria: About two months ago. At first, I thought it was just stress, but now it’s every week.
Dr. Lee: How is your sleep? Do you get at least 6–7 hours a night?
Maria: Not really. I sleep maybe four hours. I wake up and can’t go back to sleep.
Dr. Lee: I see. Do you drink coffee or energy drinks?
Maria: Yes… three or four cups a day. Sometimes more.
Dr. Lee: That could be part of the problem. Too much caffeine can affect your sleep and cause headaches.
Maria: I didn’t know that. I thought coffee helped me stay awake.
Dr. Lee: It does, but it also makes it harder to sleep well. Let’s take your blood pressure and schedule a blood test today.
Maria: Okay. Do you think something serious is wrong?
Dr. Lee: Not necessarily. Many people feel this way when they’re tired, stressed, and not sleeping. But the blood test will help us be sure.
Dr. Lee: Your blood pressure is a little high. Nothing dangerous, but it’s good we caught it now.
Maria: So what should I do?
Dr. Lee: Try to reduce coffee to one cup a day. Drink more water. Try walking or stretching in the evening. These small changes can really help.
Maria: I’ll try. I just want to feel like myself again.
Dr. Lee: You will. I’ll also call you in two days with the test results.
Nina: All finished in the exam room?
Dr. Lee: Yes. Maria needs a blood test today. Can you help her with that?
Nina: Of course. Maria, we can do it now. It takes just a few minutes.
Maria: Thank you. And thank you, Dr. Lee.
Dr. Lee: You're very welcome. Just remember—small steps. And call me if you feel worse.
Maria: I will. Thank you again.
Nina: You’re doing the right thing by coming in. Health is important!
Maria: Yes. I was nervous, but now I feel better. Just talking about it helps.
Nina: That’s what we’re here for! Come on, I’ll show you where the lab is.