You must be an advocate for your own good health. The
doctors are there to help you. However, they are there to help many other
patients as well. You do need to take some initiative for yourself. Ask your
doctor what annual screenings you should have. Discuss your health history as
well as your family history to learn more about your potential health risks. By
staying on top of things you can often prevent an illness. Even when we cannot
prevent something from happening, by having proper health care and preventative
medicine, we can often catch a problem in time before it becomes too serious.
If your doctor tells you to come in for a yearly physical, do so. If he thinks
you need a particular screening each year, make and keep your appointment. Go
to every appointment well prepared. If you have any concerns with your health,
be prepared to discuss those concerns with your physician. In addition, if you
have any questions about treatment options or prescription medicine, be
prepared to discuss this with your doctor as well. Sometimes it helps to write
everything down so that you do not forget any important details.
If you are
going in for your fist appointment with a new doctor, you will be asked many
questions. The doctor will want to complete a medical and family history on
you. Be prepared to answer all these questions. Also, be honest when the doctor
asks you questions. For example, if you smoke be honest and tell your doctor
that you do smoke and how much. The doctor needs to know as much as possible in
order to keep you healthy. Ask for copies of any test results you may have. You
will be able to look over the results and ask any questions you may have. Keep
a list of any medications you have been prescribed.
If any serious side effects
occur, contact your doctor right away. If you have side effects that are common
with the medication, make not of that. When you go to your appointment take a
list of any side effect you have with your medication. Your doctor may be able
to adjust your dose or prescribe something new if you side effects are too
bothersome.