© 2017 Relevate Health Group. All Rights Reserved.

Take Charge of Your Health Make your health a priority Be your own advocate No one has more control over your health than you do. When you make your health a priority, you feel a greater sense of control and are more comfortable making healthcare decisions. Today, we are going to talk about a few tips on how you can stay well by taking action to “own” your own health.

Work as a Team Partner with your doctor to focus on your health and prevent disease Unlike specialists, who focus on treating specific diseases, your primary care physician works to keep the whole you healthy over your entire life. You know your body and your needs, concerns, and healthcare wishes. Your doctor has medical expertise. Together, as a team, you can focus on staying healthy and preventing disease.

Be an Educated Consumer Learn about your condition and treatment options Participate in support groups or online forums If you’ve been diagnosed with a health problem, learn as much as you are able about your condition and the treatment options before you make any important decisions. Consider participating in disease-specific support groups or online forums where you can learn from others who have similar concerns and challenges.

Ask Questions Make a list of questions before appointments Time with your doctor is limited so make the best of it. Prepare a list of questions before each appointment. There is no such thing as a stupid question. If you don’t understand something, keep asking until you do understand. It helps to ask open-ended questions. Instead of, “Do I need this treatment?” ask, “If I decide not to accept this treatment, what will happen to me?” or, “Are there other treatments, and if so, can you tell me about them?”

Visit Your Doctor Ask about age- and risk-appropriate screenings and immunizations Keep up with wellness visits Keep up with appropriate wellness visits and preventive measures. Ask your doctor which screenings and immunizations are right for you based on your age and risk factors.

Get Healthy Eat right Maintain healthy weight Don’t smoke Get enough rest Get healthy 7/10 deaths are due to chronic diseases, largely preventable with a healthy lifestyle. Eat right, maintain healthy weight, exercise, don’t smoke, and get a good night’s sleep.

Seek a Second Opinion Get another opinion before undergoing surgery or treatment One out of 20 Americans is a victim of outpatient diagnostic errors, according to the Association for Healthcare and Research Quality. Don’t be afraid to seek another opinion before undergoing surgery or beginning treatment for a serious medical problem.

Take Action Don’t wait until you’re sick Everyday decisions affect long-term health Look out for your health starting TODAY

For more information Community Memorial Family Health Centers Munnsville (315) 495-2690 Morrisville (315) 684-3117 Hamilton (315) 824-4600 Waterville (315) 841-4184 Cazenovia (315) 815-1430 Sources: http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/19556/health-care-advocate/ http://www.blogs.va.gov/VAntage/20675/health-care-advocate-2/ https://www.healthgrades.com/explore/how-to-be-a-good-patient-advocate-for-yourself http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2015-08-31/how-to-become-a-smarter-health-care-advocate-for-yourself-and-those-you-love http://health.usnews.com/health-news/patient-advice/articles/2015/02/02/6-ways-to-be-your-own-health-advocate http://www.kidneycancer.org/knowledge/live/patient-empowerment/ https://www.televox.com/downloads/fragile_nation_in_poor_health.pdf https://publications.usa.gov/epublications/healthy50plus/50intro.htm http://www.cdc.gov/healthcommunication/toolstemplates/entertainmented/tips/preventivehealth.html