Pet peeve number 10 thru 27: people who don’t take their health serious. I’m a nurse, so of course I have apparent biases to proactive health but hear me out.
I can’t count the number of times I have asked a person about the medications they are currently taking and I get a reply of, “I don’t know what they are, whatever the doctor prescribed.” It makes me cringe. Then I have to start with my rules. Rule number one: understand what you are putting in your body and why you are putting it there.
I recently was speaking to a very nice gentleman who had been “lost to follow up” in my clinic. I was trying to get him back on track with some of the things he needed to do for better surveillance of his cancer. There was road block after road block. Look it, never get so busy that you can’t manage and take care of your health. There is no “life” without life. There is no work, or football game, or family gathering, or great trip if your health doesn’t allow. You ever hear the phrase, the greatest wealth is health? It’s true. That’s why there is nothing more disturbing to me at work than a reckless patient.
So to avoid being “that” patient, here are a few things to consider:
- Make sure your health care provider cares
All health care providers (doctors, nurses, medical assistants, etc.) are not created equal. There are those who are thoughtful and invested, and then there are those who treat their profession like a negligent side gig.
My personal standard as a nurse practitioner is to deliver the care that I would want my own family to receive. Make sure you are getting those types of vibes from your provider.
I have heard more than my fair share of complaints about lack luster PCP (primary care physician) care. My response is almost always the same. Your PCP is your quarterback! So you need a good one, especially if you have multiple comorbidities. If you feel you aren’t being cared for appropriately, find another provider! Don’t stay in a bad patient/ provider relationship. Your health will suffer.
- Make sure you understand
Let me repeat this, make sure you understand! Here is the scenario: you have a heath care visit or consultation. You’re there for 30 minutes, an hour, sometimes longer. Someone (a spouse, concerned family member, another health care provider) later asks, “what did you discuss at your doctor’s appointment, what is the plan?” You can’t say with certainty. You aren’t sure. You can’t remember. Sometimes it’s because it didn’t make sense to you and you don’t understand.
Ask questions, take notes, ask for written information, and repeat things back to your provider to make sure you get what’s going on. Some of my favorite doctors draw pictures to relay a complex diagnosis or treatment. Why? Because many people (including myself) are visual and it will help them comprehend the discussion better. We all process information differently. That’s ok. Just make sure you are actively invested in processing the information. This is the plan for your health, you should understand it. Understand?
- Make sure you’re on board
You’ve heard the inspirational quote “dreams don’t work unless you do”! Well, your health won’t either. If you have pre diabetes and your provider counsels you on diet and exercise, none of the counseling will be effective unless you are on board to do it. If you don’t agree with something, communicate that. It is always better to communicate your concerns, anxieties, and apprehensions.
If you aren’t comfortable and you feel you need a second opinion about something, get one!
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines health as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Get on board with being healthy!
Take Care…
Photo credit: Me
