Take Charge of Your Health
Ask questions-then decide

THE GIFT OF HEALTH

Health is the most precious gift you possess. You trust your doctor to give you the best advice. It’s okay to respect and trust his/her education and experience. But it’s not okay to blindly accept every test, every prescription drug, every diagnosis and prognosis without asking questions. Be sure you understand your condition and all the options available to you.

Here are some suggestions:

. Go into the doctor’s office with a notebook and pen. Take good notes while he/she is talking so you can remember the details when you get home. Write down the date of your visit, and keep a record of your vital signs: Blood Pressure, Pulse, Weight, Cholesterol.

.When the condition is serious, ask a friend or family member to come with you. They provide another set of ears to listen, hands to take notes and curiosity to ask questions. You may feel too scared or confused. In the midst of confusion it’s hard to digest information and remember what was said. Rely on your friend.

. Ask for a copy of every one of your medical records: reports, pathology, blood tests, medical assessments. Keep them in a folder at home, in a place where you can easily find it. Tell someone close to you where the records are kept.

BECOME YOUR OWN ADVOCATE

What do you do when your doctor wants you to take some kind of test? Do you just go along with whatever he/she says and wait as long as you have to? No. Let’s say the lab tells you the first available appointment is in six weeks. What do you do? You take charge of your health by making some decisions and asking a few questions.

. Why do I need this test?
. What will it show me?
. That time frame is not acceptable. How can we do this quicker?
. Can we try a different facility?
. If I were your mother/father, where would you send me?

Based on the answers you receive, you proceed. What if the test is critical and the only way you can get an appointment sooner is with a private facility. This means your insurance won’t cover the cost. You then have to ask yourself, “How important is my health to me?” and, if it’s at all possible, “Am I willing to pay for this test myself?”

Anytime you are thinking of taking any prescription drugs first do your homework. Get on the Internet or go to the library and research whatever condition you have. Look for alternative, or at least complementary medicine such as natural supplements. And please don’t say, “It’s too much trouble.” After all, this is your life we’re talking about.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG QUESTIONS

Don’t take prescription drugs blindly. Many lives have been saved through them. Yet some have been lost because of the drugs. There are hazards to strong medication. Be sure the medication is necessary and ask about all the possible side effects. Before you begin taking anything, ask the following questions.

Protect your health by living healthy and following your doctor’s advice. But first, ask questions. Do research. Take the medication if necessary but always leave your options open. Eat good food, get some exercise, maintain a normal weight range and keep a positive attitude.

To Learn More About Us Know the Side Effects of Prescription Drugs