I recently posted on Instagram about going to the doctor and getting regular checkups. This is something I feel very strongly about. I’ve had my share of health scares and I know each and every time, the reason I was ok is because I saw doctors regularly and got checked often. So with that in mind, I thought I’d get the conversation going about questions you should ask your doctor. This is just something to start with – there are obviously many others. But the important thing is to get started, get checked, and make sure you are well and healthy above anything else.
Questions You Should be Asking Your Doctor
Sometimes heading to a doctor appointment can feel pretty overwhelming or intimidating. You’re there for a simple check-up – so you just aren’t sure what to ask. Perhaps you’ve noticed something to be a little off or you want to be sure you’re doing all the preventative work you need to stay on top of your health. Your doc can’t give you any guidance if he or she doesn’t know what you’re curious about – remind yourself: your doctor definitely isn’t a mind reader. From questions about your weight to doing a check-in about your medications, here’s a look at some questions you should be asking your doc at your annual exam.
Am I in a healthy weight range for my age and height? Having a better understanding about how your weight affects your overall health is the first step to setting yourself up for success. Whether your under, over or right on target when it comes to weight – this gives you a chance to know if you need to change up your diet and exercise plan.
How often should I schedule routine screenings? For anything from mammograms to dermatology exams, it’s important to stay on schedule with routine screenings. Your general practitioner can help determine just how often those screenings should occur.
Do I need to be concerned about my blood pressure? Knowing and understanding if your blood pressure is in a healthy range is important – it affects so many other parts of your body and can be an indicator of other issues. Remember this: you won’t know if you don’t ask.
Should any of my prescriptions be changed or updated? This sort of thing can definitely change over time and keeping your general practitioner in the loop on everything your taking is super important. He or she can assess the combination of medications and make the call as to whether or not it’s all still relevant.
Anything you’re curious about or even embarrassed about. You have to remember, your doctor has probably heard it all. And, even if you’re embarrassed – he or she will talk to you about whatever issue you might be experiencing. Your annual exam is the perfect time to get it all out on the table, so don’t be shy.
Armed with these questions, your next annual exam should leave you confident and with a solid understanding of your body and health. Is there anything missing from this list that tops your questions?
