Going to the doctor can feel stressful to many people — almost like preparing for a big test. However, these regular checkups can help people learn about and improve their overall health, and asking the right questions is crucial to making these checkups more useful.
Below, our family medicine specialists in Northwest Indiana are going to explain how to make the most of your doctor visits by asking smart questions.
Asking questions helps you get the most out of your time with your doctor.
Did you know that most people forget almost half of what their doctor tells them during an appointment? It was discovered in a 2018 study by Brown University’s School of Public Health. The study even found that an additional 36% can remember more information with some prompts, and 15% can’t recall much at all or remember it incorrectly.
Doctors are smart, but yours will not be able to read your mind. Your regular checkup is when you get the time to bring up anything that has been bothering you or confusing you about your health.
No question is too small or silly to ask a family medicine specialist in Northwest Indiana. If you are confused about your blood pressure readings or trying to make sense of your cholesterol levels, just ask. Healthcare works best when it is a collective effort, and your voice is important.
These are the questions you should ask your doctor to manage your health concerns.
The first thing you will want to know is that doctors do expect your questions, so they are not going to be bothered by any of them if that is what you are worried about. You can start by asking questions about your overall health, like your cholesterol, blood pressure, sugar levels, etc.
Almost half of American adults have high blood pressure (one of the main risk factors for heart disease, by the way), and many don’t even know it. Your family medicine specialist in Northwest Indiana can explain what those numbers mean for you and how they affect your day-to-day life.
You will also want to ask questions about health concerns that you are currently dealing with. Whether it is your back pain or recurring headaches, you should not ignore something just because it is tolerable and does not feel “urgent.” Small concerns like these can quickly turn into major health conditions if you delay getting the right advice and treatment from your doctor.
Finally, you should remember to ask questions about how you can stay healthy in the future. For example, ask about vaccines, screenings, and other preventive care. Preventive care can help stay away from serious illnesses like cancer or diabetes, so asking these questions is very, very important.
These are some questions most people don’t ask their doctor but absolutely should.
Some questions don’t always cross people’s minds, but they are very important regardless. For example, many people question if they are on the right medications. People can get comfortable refilling the same prescriptions for years without checking if they are still the best option. Your family medicine specialist in Northwest Indiana can review your treatment plan and recommend any necessary changes.
Another thing many people don’t talk about (but you should) is their lifestyle. Ask your doctor what lifestyle changes you can make to be healthier overall. They can recommend tips like changing your diet (poor diet alone is linked to nearly 700,000 deaths each year), doing a certain exercise (or simply exercising more), improving your sleep, and managing your stress. These small changes can add up to a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Talk about your mental health as well. If you have been feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or not yourself recently, talk to your doctor about it. Nearly 1 in 5 American adults struggle with mental health challenges each year. If you are one of these people, your doctor can recommend resources or tips to help you focus on and improve your mental health.
Looking for an Affordable Family Medicine Specialist in Northwest Indiana?
Do you leave your regular doctor checkups with more questions than answers? Are you ready to get answers and feel confident about your healthcare? If so, and if you’re ready to meet with an affordable family medicine specialist in Northwest Indiana, the doctors you trust are at 219 Health Network. Contact us today at 833-219-0001 to schedule an appointment.