From Childcare to Elder Care, Be Prepared
Our health is, really, all we have. If you think about it, if you don't have your health, you have inconvenient complications, a reduced quality of life and/or something worse. Whether it's a teenager, a middle-aged adult or the elderly, it is important to "take the reigns" and ensure you are the driver when it comes to your health.
We've written before about the importance of being your own health advocate. One of the best ways of doing this is to educate yourself (they don't say 'Knowledge is power' for nothing, after all). How can you do this? One way is to be prepared. In just five easy steps, you can achieve this in a cinch:
- Do research ahead of time - learn about symptoms you think you may be experiencing, read up about (a) condition(s) you may have.
- Write down a list of things you'd like to address, such as concerns you may have, any major life changes that you've experienced, questions you may have.
- Prior to going to the doctor, be sure to sit down and think about these things so you are able to make the most out of the short time you are there.
- Bring a list of medications (including vitamins and supplements!) you are currently taking and anything else you'd like to address.
- Be sure to bring something to take notes on and/or even a voice recorder (with the permission of your doctor, of course).
We love the idea of making a list. Making a list will not only help you to remember the things you'd like to address, but it will also help you stick to the point and communicate clearly. From young children to seniors, many people are afraid of going to the doctor because it can make them feel vulnerable, but having a list of questions and being educated can help anybody regain some control and feel more confident.
That's why we've come up with a series of checklists to jump-start your journey to health advocacy. From "Questions to Ask About Drug Treatment" to "Questions to Ask About Cholesterol" and more, our Resources serve to empower you to "take the wheel" and never look back. See for yourself.