Change the Odds
A little talk can make a big difference at the doctor’s office.
You have the power to improve your odds of staying healthy. All it takes is a few words with your doctor. Don’t know what to say? Just ask the questions below. It’s also a good idea to bring your own list of questions and important health information.
Taking an active role in your health care is easy, and it will improve your chances of staying healthy. It may even save your life.
Tell your doctor:
- Your age, your medical history and the date of your last physical exam.
- Any medicines you’re taking. It’s a good idea to write down specific drug names and dosages.
- If you smoke or chew tobacco. Tobacco use increases your risk of certain diseases.
- Your family’s medical history. Have any of your family members had cancer, heart disease or diabetes? Make sure your doctor knows how much exercise you get. Running, walking, working in the yard, or other physical activity – it all counts!
- Any changes in your health, even if they seem small.
Ask your doctor:
- Does my family history put me at risk for any diseases?
- Does my weight put me at risk for any diseases? If so, can I change my eating and exercise habits to better manage my weight?
- What kind of physical activity is right for me?
- What do my blood pressure and cholesterol numbers mean? Do I need to do anything about them?
- Do I need to be screened for polyps or for colorectal cancer? There are tests that can detect colorectal cancer while it is still easily treatable.
- Am I at risk for diabetes? How does my diet affect that risk?
- Do I need an FPG (Fasting Plasma Glucose test) or an OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test)? These tests can detect diabetes or pre-diabetes, even if you don’t have any symptoms. If you’re at risk for diabetes, you may need to be tested.
Men should also ask:
- Do I need a prostate exam or a PSA test? These tests can detect prostate cancer. African-American men over 45 need both every year.
Women should also ask:
- Do I need a mammogram? Mammograms can detest breast cancer while it’s still easily treatable. Women over 40 should get one every year.
- How do I perform breast self-examinations? Regular breast self-examination can detect irregularities that a mammogram may miss, but it is not a replacement for regular mammograms.
- Do I need a pap smear? Pap smears detect cervical cancer and other diseases. Women who are sexually active or over 21 need one every year.