Taking Charge of Your Health

Image: Pexels

The human body is complex and taking care of it can seem challenging. Data show that over half of Americans live with a chronic disease, and for these individuals, advocating for their health may feel even more overwhelming. Fortunately, with the right professionals and a good plan, most individuals can properly manage their health and live well. 

Optimizing Doctor Visits 

When advocating for your health, it is important to have a good working relationship with your doctors. You should be able to express your concerns and feel comfortable that he or she is giving you good advice. Learning how to communicate with doctors is critical. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or ask the doctor to repeat something. A good practitioner wants you to understand your situation. It may help to write down your questions and concerns before the visit so that you have something to reference. Consider bringing a friend or family member for support.  

A trustworthy primary care doctor is one of the most valuable assets on your healthcare journey. You should see this doctor at least once a year for a checkup. You can also make an appointment if you have any concerns that arise between checkups. He or she can refer you to a specialist if necessary.  

Many individuals find completing medical forms to be a particularly daunting task, but it is important to submit paperwork in a timely manner. Fortunately, many providers now allow patients to complete paperwork before the appointment. This gives you time to fill out the paperwork without rushing. Don’t be afraid to call the office (or go to the front desk if you are doing the paperwork in-office) with questions about the forms. It helps to keep your medical information organized for easy reference when filling out documents. If you need a new page in your PDF, you can use a PDF-merging tool to combine separate documents into one file. You can also use this tool to reorder pages as you see fit.

Making Informed Decisions 

In the past, medical professionals generally expected patients to defer to doctors’ advice. However, in modern times, patients are encouraged to be part of the decision-making process. Your doctor is a valuable resource, but ultimately the final choice is yours. In order to make informed decisions, it is important to fully understand your situation. Ask your doctor if there are any pamphlets or informational packets available. Research your condition online, but make sure to stick to reliable resources. Organizations associated with hospitals and medical schools are generally trustworthy. If you are considering a new medication, ask your pharmacist if it will negatively interact with any of your other prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, or supplements. When considering surgery, it may be beneficial to receive a second or even third opinion.  

Practicing Healthy Daily Habits 

Doctors are essential in managing your health, but your daily behaviors may have an even greater impact. Practice healthy eating habits and exercise regularly. If you desire more information or motivation, fitness and nutrition coaching from Destiny Management can help. Take time to relax every day to minimize the negative impacts of stress. Spending time with loved ones is a good way to both relax and reap the benefits of a strong support system. Don’t forget to get enough sleep every night to allow your body to repair itself. 

Your health is your most important asset. Invest in it by practicing healthy behaviors and building relationships with helpful professionals.  

Please review our business at:  Google     Yelp     Facebook

If you’d like to learn more, please visit our Member’s Area to access our subscribed content.

Did you know you can work out and exercise with a trainer at your home, office, hotel room, or anywhere in the world with online personal training?

Like us on Facebook/Connect with us on LinkedIn/Follow us on Twitter

Pinterest/Instagram/YouTube

Make sure to forward this to friends and followers!