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What You Should Tell Your Doctor

September is Healthy Aging Month, which focuses on ways that people can stay healthy as they age. An important aspect of aging well is communicating well with your doctor. Talking about your health means sharing information about how you feel not just physically, but also emotionally and mentally. Here are a few tips for your next doctor visit.

Share any symptoms you have

A symptom is evidence of a disease or disorder in the body. Examples of symptoms include pain, fever, a lump or bump, unexplained weight loss or gain, or having a hard time sleeping.

Your doctor will ask when your symptoms started, what time of day they happen, how long they last (seconds? days?), how often they occur, whether they seem to be getting worse or better, and whether they keep you from going out or doing your usual activities.

Be clear and concise when describing your symptoms. Your description helps the doctor identify the problem. Make some notes about your symptoms before you call or visit the doctor. Worrying about your symptoms is not a sign of weakness. Being honest about what you are experiencing doesn’t mean that you are complaining. The doctor needs to know how you feel.

Give information about all your medications

It is possible for medicines to interact, causing unpleasant and sometimes dangerous side effects. Your doctor needs to know about all of the medicines you take, including over-the-counter (nonprescription) drugs and herbal remedies or supplements. Make a list or bring everything with you to your visit—don’t forget about eye drops, vitamins, and laxatives. Tell the doctor how often you take each. Describe any drug allergies or reactions you have had. Say which medications work best for you. Be sure your doctor has the phone number of the pharmacy you use.

Tell the doctor about your habits

To provide the best care, your doctor must understand you as a person and know what your life is like. The doctor may ask about where you live, what you eat, how you sleep, what you do each day, what activities you enjoy, what your sex life is like, and if you smoke or drink. Be open and honest with your doctor. It will help him or her to understand your medical conditions fully and recommend the best treatment choices for you.

Share other concerns in your life with your doctor

Your health has a big impact on other parts of your life. Your doctor may ask you how your life is going. This isn’t being impolite or nosy. Information about what’s happening in your life may be useful medically. Let the doctor know about any major changes or stresses in your life, such as a divorce or the death of a loved one. You don’t have to go into detail; you may want to say something like: “It might be helpful for you to know that my sister passed away since my last visit with you,” or “I recently had to sell my home and move in with my daughter.”

At Family Home Health, we’re focused on healthy aging every month. We seek to empower our clients so they can avoid hospital stays and live independently as long as possible. By communicating well with your doctor, you can make sure you get the best possible care.

Source: National Institute on Aging