Patients often feel rushed or uneasy at the doctor's office. And when you're sick, there is a tendency to feel vulnerable and passive. Plan ahead of time what you want to discuss with the doctor. Write it down and take it with you. Be prepared to talk about your current problems and symptoms and needs. Also be able to state your medical history.
What Your Doctor Should Know about You
Aside from a general health history, it is important that
your doctor know about the following:
Dietary habits - Are you a frequent junk-food
eater? Are you especially fond of cheesecake, sour cream, or other fatty foods?
Your occupation - Do you work in a
high-stress job? Are you exposed to nickel, nuclear power radiation, or other toxic
substances?
Sleep habits - Do you frequently awaken
before dawn or have problems getting to sleep?
Family problems - Are you currently going
through a divorce?
Lifestyle - Do you get any exercise?
Stress - Do you work in a noisy environment?
Health attitude - Are you serious about
quitting smoking, getting more exercise, or eating better?
History of family illness - Does heart
disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney problems, or cancer run in your family?
Major life events - Have you recently
retired from work, gotten married, or had a child?
Living arrangements - Do you live alone?
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 02/01/99