Taking charge of your health means having an open line of communication between you and your doctor. Patients should not be afraid to initiate a conversation about their health. According to internationally recognized Urologic Oncologist Dr. Gregory Merrick, “It is important for patients to understand their physicians work for them, not the other way around.”
You and your doctor should work together as a team. Remember, it’s what you don’t know about your health that can hurt you. Which is why you should talk with your doctor before a problem is detected. And when you to take control of your health, you may need more information. This is why your doctor should be willing and patient enough to answer your questions about your health concerns so that you can make informed decisions together about any tests or treatments.
Keep in mind when discussing your health, your doctor may also need more information. This is why it is a good idea to create health chart that lists all your lab tests and medical procedures you won’t have the daunting task of trying to recall your past medical history from memory during your meeting.
In my book Unaware, I have included a sample health chart that men and women can use to track their height, weight, blood pressure, pulse rate, cholesterol, PSA, CBC, blood sugar, and other medical tests as well as keep notes of any health issues.
Information is key to living as healthy a life as possible. So speak up and be proactive with your health care by talking with your doctor.
Copyright 2021 – The Friedman Sidrow Foundation, inc. All rights reserved.
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