It’s vital that you take an active role in your health. Seeing a doctor for consultations isn’t enough; you need to ask questions. That ensures you are both on the same page. Also, your primary care physician’s expertise can significantly improve your health. Make the most of your doctor visits by asking these important patient questions.
1. How Does My Family’s Medical History Affect Me?
Your family’s medical history has information about a relative’s or a parent’s medical history. Because you have acquired genetic information from your parents, you may have also inherited various diseases such as diabetes, hypertension or certain cancers. You can ask your doctor about your risk of developing the same diseases as your parents or relatives. Talking to your doctor about it keeps you informed, and you can adjust your lifestyle to avoid inheriting the same health problem.
2. Why Are You Prescribing This Medicine?
Understanding your medications will improve your chances of taking them on time. Do not just take the prescription and go; ask your doctor what your certain medications do. They should be able to tell you what it’s for and why you need it. You can find out whether certain medications have side effects and what you can do about them. If you are taking dietary supplements or other herbal products, tell your doctor about it and ask if it’s still safe to have them. It’s always better to stay informed especially when it comes to your treatment.
3. How Does My Usual Diet Affect My Health?
What you eat or how much you sleep contribute to your risk for a disease or an illness. Your doctor knows your medical history so they are aware of the type of diet that’s best for you. Tell them about what food you are consuming and whether it would be beneficial for you. Your doctor can either give you recommendations or refer you to a nutritionist who can assist you further.
4. How Much Sleep Should I Be Getting?
Getting adequate sleep each day is important to good health. It reduces your chances of diabetes and heart disease. How much sleep you need depends on your age. Children need 10-16 hours per day while teenagers need about 8-10 hours. For adults, they can function well with 7 hours. If you have health problems, it is best to talk to your doctor as to how much sleep you need for better health.
5. What Preventative Health Measures Should I Be Taking?
To prevent costly health problems, it’s best to talk to your doctor about what you can do today. Ask them about diet changes or exercise programs that will be beneficial for you. If you are injured, ask if physical therapy can also help. Preventative care prevents illness and it can keep you healthy. Your doctor will recommend different measures depending on your medical history and other factors that should be considered.
Concierge Medicine and Your Health
With concierge medicine, patients have 24/7 access to a primary care physician plus comprehensive and personalized care. At Diamond 360, we pride ourselves on providing top-notch medical care to all our patients. We take the time to get to know you, giving you 10x the attention. Your health is our priority. We want to give you the best care. Contact us today!