Talking about your health means sharing
information about how you feel; both
physically and emotionally. Knowing how to
describe your symptoms, discuss treatments,
and talk with your doctor will help you become
a partner in your health care.
Preventing Disease and Disability
It's never too late to stop smoking,
improve your diet, or start exercising.
Getting regular checkups and seeing other
health professionals, such as a dentist, help
to promote good health. Even people who have
chronic diseases, like arthritis or diabetes,
can prevent further disability and, in some
cases, control the progress of the disease.
If a certain disease or health condition
runs in your family, ask your doctor if there
are steps you can take to help prevent it. If
you have a chronic condition, ask how you can
manage it and if there are things you can do
to prevent it from getting worse.
Sharing Any Symptoms
It is very important for you to be
clear and concise when describing your
symptoms. Your description helps the doctor
identify the problem. A physical exam and
medical tests can provide helpful information,
but it is your symptoms that can point the
doctor in the right direction.
Learning More About Medical Tests
Sometimes doctors need to do blood
tests, X-rays, or other procedures to find out
what is wrong or to learn more about your
medical condition. Before having a medical
test, ask your doctor to explain why it is
important and if possible, to give you
something to read about it. Ask how long the
results of the test will take to come in.
Talking About Treatments
You will benefit most from treatment
when you know what is happening and are
involved in making decisions. If your doctor
suggests a treatment, be sure you understand
what it will and won't do and what it
involves.
Making the Most of Medications
