How To-15: "How to Be More Aware of Your Health"

How to Be More Aware of Your Health

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

You have a mind of your own. Doctors can't know everything. Perhaps some people trust doctors a little too much. They expect miracles and then blame the doctors when things turn out to be less than what they imagined. That's not fair to you or the doctor.
So here are a few simple things to keep in mind when you are dealing with medical issues

Steps

1. Listen to your body. It's always sending you signals. If it doesn't "feel right" then it's time to re-evaluate your options.
   
2. Get a third and fourth opinion on major a major diagnosis. For example, your doctor tells you that you have cancer. Confirm with another physician.
   
3. Research your medical situation. The internet is packed with information. Go to discussion groups about your medical issue. Go to websites. Print out journals. Dig Deep. Why be in the dark about what's happening with your body? This is your life!
   
4. Ask your doctor questions. This is why you pay the doctor. If he or she is worth anything, he or she will be happy to answer your questions and give you ways to find out more information. Some doctors use a sliding-scale fee system. They will charge more if you ask more questions. Find out the cost before your consultation.
   
5. If your doctor gets offended or displays a overly-negative reaction towards your questions, find another doctor. You need a doctor in whom you can place your confidence.
   

Tips

• Do regular relaxation exercises. This is simply closing your eyes in a comfortable position and breathing deeply while clearing your mind of any thoughts. This does not have to take long, five minutes can be sufficient.
  

Warnings

• While researching your symptoms and conditions on the Internet, be careful that you are recieving accurate information. Many doctors and hospitals have patient information sites to help you get accurate information; use them!
  
• When looking at your own medical imaging test results, be aware of the specific language that radiologists use. For example, "metastatic cancer cannot be excluded" does NOT mean you have cancer - it means they can't prove you DON'T have cancer without other tests, which your primary physician already may have already done and is just waiting for tests results to confirm his/her thoughts.
  
• If you want the drug you saw on in an advertisement, or have diagnosed yourself and just want it confirmed, be honest about it when you see your physician. They may not agree with you, but you won't be wasting thier time or yours.
  

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