Take Charge of Your Health - Questions for Your Medical Provider
If you are uncomfortable about asking questions,
say you are uncomfortable about asking questions and then ask anyway.
-Ngozi Adichie
We all have heard that preventive care is critical to catching health issues in their earliest stages and helping us stay active and as free from illness and injuries as possible. But how do we do that?
The best way to set yourself up for health and wellness is to be proactive. Seeing your primary care physician every year is important and being well prepared with specific questions at that appointment is essential. The average time spent with a provider is 20 minutes, and you want to be sure your specific concerns are addressed. Don't wait for a provider to bring up an issue; they may not know it is important to you. The following are some questions that may be helpful as you develop your own personalized list.
Questions for both men and women to ask their physician:
How healthy is my weight? What is my body mass index? Am I at risk for heart disease or diabetes? What would be my ideal weight?
How much exercise should I be getting and what exercises are best for me?
How often should I have a comprehensive blood test (CBC)? What does that check?
What screening tests are recommended for someone like me? I have heard about coronary calcium score tests? What is this and should I get tested?
What health goals should I set? Is there anything I should do to my lifestyle to be healthier?
Am I at risk for certain diseases?
I typically drink alcohol (fill in frequency). Is that ok?
I smoke. What is the best way to quit? What medications can help me quit successfully?
How do you feel about vitamins of supplements? What do you recommend?
Do you believe in Integrative Care techniques and what might help me i.e. acupuncture, healing touch, etc.?
I have a family history of _______disease, what steps should I take to minimize my risk?
I have a family history of _______cancer, when should I consider screening and what does that entail?
Should I go to a dermatologist for skin cancer screening? If so, how often?
How often should I go to my dentist for routine cleaning and checkups?
How often should I go to the eye doctor?
Certain times of the year, I feel like I have allergies; what should I take to help manage the symptoms?
I feel really stressed, what are the best ways to reduce or cope with the stress and anxiety I feel?
How much sleep should I get each night? Is there any harm in taking sleeping aids?
Do I need to have or update any vaccinations?
What is the best way to protect myself from STI’s?
How often should I see you/When should I see you next?
It is important to leave time to discuss your chief concerns whether physical or emotional; life changing events including divorce, empty nests, aged parents, problems with sleeping or activity levels are important for your provider to know.
These are some additional questions specifically for women to ask:
Should I test my hormones (pre or post menopausal)?
I am thinking about having children. What can I do to make sure my fertility is on track?
What should I consider if I am thinking about freezing my eggs?
When should I get a pap smear?
When should I have a mammogram?
I understand heart disease may look different in women than in men. What types of tests should I have or what kind of symptoms should be concerning?
Other important topics for discussion include: feelings of depression or concerns about your mental health, areas where you experience muscle pain or discomfort, headaches/migraines, changes in your vision, sexual dysfunction, digestive concerns…
the list can seem endless, but the more information you have and the more you understand your health, the more control you have - but it is up to you to seek it. That's why it is important not to be shy when asking your provider questions; this is the perfect case where the only silly question is the one not asked.
Establishing a rapport with your provider should be a goal. Be yourself. Be honest, and remember the habits and lifestyle you establish today will likely be the ones that stay with you through the rest of your life.