Managing your healthy lifestyle means taking proactive measures to help you avoid serious health problems. Your preventive care visit is the time to partner with your doctor to ensure that you are taking the necessary steps to live a healthy life.
If you see your physician just once per year, make the visit count and come prepared to your appointment with a list of questions to ask. Write your questions down and bring the list and a pen with you so you can jot down notes during your discussion. It will help you remember what was discussed and allow you to discuss it later with a trusted friend or family member, if necessary.
4 Questions to Ask Your Doctor
If you aren’t experiencing any adverse health effects and are unsure which questions to ask, here are 4 important questions to bring to your preventive care visit.
How is my diet?
Your diet may be affecting your blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight. You may be able to manage these problems with a healthy lifestyle. Be honest about your diet and ask your doctor for recommendations for healthier options. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations of nutritionists, dieticians, or any community groups that may help you achieve your nutrition goals.
What tests do I need?
Your doctor will likely recommend screening tests to check your blood pressure and cholesterol. Other screening tests you may wish to inquire about include mammograms, for women, prostate exams, for men, colorectal screenings, and thyroid tests.
Can we stop or reduce my medications?
Your doctor should know about all the medications you are taking, and your preventive care visit is a great time to review them. You may find that some medications you take are not necessary or that there are interactions between them. Opening this conversation for a thorough review of your medications gives you the opportunity to ask if you really need to be on these medications and if your dosages can be reduced.
Can we talk?
Your doctor should ask questions to give you the opportunity to talk about any physical or psychological problems you may be experiencing. While they are interested in keeping tabs of your vital signs, they also want to know about your overall wellbeing. If you are experiencing stress or exhaustion, your physical health may suffer. Talk to your doctor about what’s going on in your life. They want to help you, and this is your time to let them.
Your annual preventive care visit may be the only contact you have with your primary care physician. Use your time wisely by coming to your appointment prepared to ask about any concerns you have to allow them to do what they do best: help you to live a healthy life.
If you are due for your annual visit—or it has been a while—contact Family Diagnostic Clinic to schedule your preventive care visit.