The Five Most Important Questions to Ask Your Doctor at Any Age
We only get a limited amount of time with our doctors. They are busy people, seeing multiple patients on a given day. Making sure all of our questions are answered about our health should be the number one priority. But frequently, we go into the doctor's office underprepared and aiming for the goal of just feeling better.
Nowadays, yearly checkups are becoming a thing of the past with the amount of information that is given to us through the world wide web. So when it comes to booking a doctor’s appointment, it typically takes us until we feel ill to actually book that appointment.
Since our time spent at doctor's offices has decreased, we’ve listed the five most important questions to ask your doctor at any age, so that you have some guidelines on how to live your healthiest life.
What advice would you give to manage day-to-day stress and my mental health?
This is a great question to ask your doctor. Not only will they be able to give you some great advice, but they will also be able to provide you with fantastic resources in your community. Accessing mental health resources, or anxiety resources is a great way to manage and reduce your stress on a daily basis.
Is there anything I can do to reduce and ward off disease?
Doctors will have a record of your family history, or you can keep your own record in our “Medical History” section of the Health Journal. Doctors will have a great understanding of what you can do to ward off future diseases or illnesses that run in your family. They can offer advice on preventative measures and review your lifestyle, eating, sleep, and physical habits to make sure you are on the right track. One way to provide your doctor with this information is by using the Diet, Sleep, and Mobility section of our Journal so you can provide your Doc with detailed information the next time you visit them. Remember, the more a doctor knows about your lifestyle, the better they can tailor your care.
Should I be taking any vitamins or supplements to support my lifestyle?
Your doctor will have a general idea of your overall health. They may also request you do some blood work so they have a better understanding of your nutrient deficiencies. This is a great question to ask your doctor, especially if you have certain dietary restrictions that could impact your nutritional intake.
Am I up to date on my vaccinations?
Your family doctor should have a record of your vaccinations and immunizations. It is important that you stay up to date on your immunizations to ward off future illnesses. Ask your doctor what they recommend, or what vaccines need to be updated. Note, with the reduction of travel restrictions, many of us have travel plans in the near future. Make sure you know what vaccinations are required to visit certain countries. Your doctor will be able to guide you through getting the proper vaccinations for your next trip.
What wellness tests should I be getting and what should I be monitoring?
Doctors want to ensure you are living your healthiest life. Based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and medical history, they may want you to monitor certain health concerns and conduct various wellness tests. This is a great question to ask your doctor so you can prepare, get referrals, and schedule the proper tests for preventative measures. You can use your calendar and doctor's appointment tables in your Health Journal to keep track and keep a record of your appointments. Remember: you are your own health advocate!
Do you have any doctor questions that you think are very important? Let us know what you think and send us an email at hello@myhealthjournals.co or visit us on Instagram and send us a DM!