Doctor Visits: 6 Things To Consider

In our modern age of information at our finger tips, it’s easier than ever before to gain knowledge about maintaining our health BEFORE we even step foot in the doctor’s office.

In fact, it could be said that the old fashioned visit to the Doctor has evolved from a powerless, one-way dialogue, into an informed collaboration between both patient and physician. Many no longer except what doctors tell us at face value, and take into consideration the medical advice given rather than treating it as gospel.

Don’t Just Be Informed – Be Proactive with Your Doctor

With the ability to research symptoms, conditions and a wide range of natural remedies and expertise available to us now, we’re empowered with many choices and being informed.

You know yourself far better than any doctor who spends on average 7 minutes per visit with you. This is your health we are talking about and you (myself included) need to start taking a PROACTIVE role instead of being reactive and sitting on the side lines.

Here are 6 things to reflect upon when it comes to your health pre, during and post doctor visits:

Consider what your goals are for your health and quality of life. Take a step back and figure out what you actually want from your body. What do you want your health to look like in 5, 10 and 20+ years from now? Think this through and get clear on your goals.
Listen to your body. If you feel like something is “off” do not ignore it. Go to a naturopath doctor or your regular physician to get it checked out, and remain determined to get to the bottom of it rather than being told it’s all in your head.
Be curious and ask a lot of questions. You only have one body and you should make it a priority so be curious, communicate and ask questions to any health care provider you visit.
When you do go to the doctor, do your research about your symptoms and come prepared. Then after you speak to your doctor research again on any prescriptions or procedures they are recommending, and see if they are right for you before you proceed. Get a second opinion if needed.
When your physician offers their plan of action, it’s perfectly acceptable to ask for more details. Here are some example questions:

Why is this treatment being recommended?
What should we expect the outcome to be from this medicine or treatment?
What things can I do at home to help improve my health and pain on my own?
If prescription drugs are recommended, ask if there are alternative or natural treatment options available to try first, how long you’ll have to take it, what the main purpose of the drug is, what the side effects are, and if the drug is new on the market or a long established treatment.

Note – Asking about the main purpose of a drug is important. For example, Cymbalta is often prescribed for fibromyalgia, but the primary use is for depression. I was prescribed this and I took it for 3 months even though I wasn’t depressed. It was supposed to help with the chronic pain I was experiencing, but the pills didn’t work. I felt like I was in a fog all the time and unable to think clearly so after I called to discuss this with my doctor, I stopped taking them. Every person is unique and there is absolutely a time and place for prescriptions as modern medicine has many amazing results. But my point is to ask questions and not take any drug without doing a little research.

And finally, follow-up. If the initial plan your doctor provided is not working or you are having side effects to any medication, call your doctor and determine a different course of action.

If we are PROACTIVE now instead of REACTIVE later, think how much more joy we would all experience in our lives. Even if it is something small like eating more fresh fruit and vegetables instead of junk food, or putting 30 minutes of exercise into our day, there are so many ways to be proactive when it comes to staying healthy and avoiding a visit to the doctor in the first place.

When you’re ready. Here are some next steps:

Grab a copy of Fatal Flaws of Employee Wellness Programs. Create a wellness strategy that will actually get results. Available on Amazon here.
Let’s skip theory and talk about your company. Set up your call here at www.speakwithalison.com

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