We often see our physicians as the ones in charge of our health care, but they are really patient partners. For them to get an accurate picture of our health, we have to do our part by providing them with a thorough background.
?We?re discovering more and more how very important family history is,? said Marianne S. Johnston, physician assistant-certified. ?People just don?t realize how significant genetics is. It gives us an idea of what to look for when you?re ailing. For instance, diabetes is a red flag for doctors if it?s in your family history.?
Along with family history, doctors want to know about our lifestyle. This includes whether we exercise, smoke, drink or made lifestyle changes since our last checkup. Be sure to keep accurate records of your current lifestyle as well as your history and bring them to your appointment.
?Patients have things they want to ask us during their visits, but they forget. They leave and then have to call us later. The best thing to do is write it down. Write down your medications and dosages, other doctors you are seeing, your symptoms, specific aches ? everything. That way you don?t forget during the visit,? said Marianne.
Prepare for appointments by prioritizing your list of questions and information. At the top of that list should be medications and the results of any medical tests you received. Be sure to include any supplements you may be taking. They can conflict with prescription medication.
?You don?t want to take Warfarin, a blood thinner, with something else that would thicken the blood,? said Marianne. The two could cancel each other out.
Ask questions! It?s your health, and you deserve clarification on things you don?t understand. When you leave your practitioner?s office, you should be satisfied that all of your questions have been answered ? and that you and your physician partner agree on the next steps regarding your health.
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