While technological advancements in most hospitals have improved doctor-patient relationships, many patients still find engaging their doctors on individual health matters challenging. One of the growing advancements is the telehealth services that allow patients to engage with their providers at any time and location. However, failure to ask your doctor essential questions about your health can lead to severe consequences down the road. Engaging your family doctor paves the way for a better understanding of your health and incorporating essential preventive care. Fortunately, board-certified general practitioner Kalpana Desai MD pens down the common questions you should ask your doctor but don’t.
1. Can my family history be the cause behind my health problems?
Generally, genetics plays a vital role in most aspects of your body’s health, and it might be the leading cause. Chronic health issues like cancer, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular conditions typically run in families, and they can affect generations if not managed. However, to determine this, your provider should undertake several tests and screenings to comprehend the reason behind your health problem. Furthermore, if you have a genetic issue, you can recommend treatments and lifestyle changes to alleviate your situation.
2. What preventive measures should I take?
We all can agree that prevention is the best medicine. Although most patients opt to see their physician when their health goes out of hand, you shouldn’t overlook the importance of preventive care. In the case of women, preventive gynecology can be instrumental in safeguarding and maintaining their reproductive health, which is prone to numerous health concerns. This applies to all genders and people of all ages, as it can help protect their long-term wellness. During your regular visits, your doctor can examine your risk factors and propose appropriate preventive care measures.
3. What risk factors do I have, and how can I overcome them?
Everyone has one or more risk factors that usually threaten their overall wellness. Being obese, having irregular hormones, and leading bad lifestyle behaviors such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption puts you at greater risk for multiple health issues. Moreover, since most people don’t comprehend these risk factors, they risk their lives further. Your doctor can examine your health status and notify you about your risk factors as they help you overcome them. For instance, if you’re overweight, you can be recommended to go through weight loss programs.
4. Can medication overuse affect my health?
Many people have misused pain reliever medications for years, resulting in severe health issues such as kidney failure. While medications are still important for relief, taking medications your doctor doesn’t prescribe can further worsen your well-being. If you’re suffering from a chronic health issue requiring you to use pain medications, it’s best to visit your doctor for alternatives.
5. What lifestyle improvements can I make to stay healthy?
While having a medical practitioner guide your way is the best solution, much is needed to be done by you. Your lifestyle habits, either good or bad, influence your overall wellness. Therefore, you should constantly check your diet, weight, and sleeping behaviors. Furthermore, it would help if you snubbed bad habits like smoking, drinking alcohol, and overusing medication. It would help if you also considered visiting your doctor often for checkups and treatments where necessary.
Because your health should be your utmost priority, you shouldn’t hesitate to engage your doctor at all costs. This is beneficial as you will be well-equipped with the knowledge to help you navigate your life. In addition, if you detect unusual body changes, you should immediately engage your doctor.