What's Up Doc?
It’s Time to See a Doctor when You Have:
• Difficulty breathing and/or
• Chest pressure combined with sweating
• Sudden changes in vision
• Physical clumsiness and/or mental confusion
• Blood in urine or stool
• Pelvic Pain
• Significant changes in weight or body shape
• Persistent cough or fever
• Unexplained and/or persistent pain in any part of the body
• Unexplained rash or itching
• Piercing headache
• Foul Breath not remedied by brushing
• Sour-smelling skin and scalp
• Fatigue or sadness not helped by sleep or a change of events.
• Any other reason to think you may be ill.
* According to a number of studies, blacks in the United States are particularly at risk. African-Americans die disproportionately from preventable or treatable illnesses and at higher risk for AIDS, diabetes and other ailments. Even after diagnosis, minority patients often receive inferior, or less than aggressive care than whites.
If you find yourself in need of medical care, the key to receiving quality care is assertiveness. In today's fast-moving society, it can be difficult to connect on a personal level with your health care provider. Unless you're proactive, you may find yourself lost in the process. Focus on creating and maintaining a partnership with your physicians and stay on top of every stage of your treatment. It’s your life, your body and your health!
It Is Your Right To:
• Know the details of your illness.
• View and review all records, charts and test results related to your health and illness.
• Obtain copies of all your medical records.
• Read, discuss and ask questions about any and every thing you are asked to sign.
• Know what treatment options are available, including alternative treatments
(homeopathic, visualization/meditation, hypnotherapy and psychic healing).
• Review the credentials of your doctor and every other person or entity involved in your care.
• Consult with your doctors and professionals regarding your illness and proposed treatment(s).
• Get a second (third, forth, etc.) opinion, especially when surgery is recommended.
• Receive a report after your surgery, detailing what exactly was done.
• Change doctors or hospitals at any time.
• Make your own decisions regarding your care and treatment.
You have the power to take your own health initiatives and make wise decisions regarding your care.
Whether you're being seen at a hospital, clinic or private facility, let your doctors know you expect the highest level of treatment. Ask to speak to center administrators, the department chair-person and patient advocates. Seek out organizations that can help you navigate the treatment process. Carry a note pad and jot down your questions and whatever you learn during your appointments. As you continue to seek treatment:
• Never self-diagnose.
• Always take medications according to your doctor's orders.
• Never hesitate to call your doctor and ask questions about a prescription you've received.
• Always follow up with your doctor during the healing process to ensure you are progressing as expected.
Having faith in your doctor is great. When you’re being treated you want to feel safe and respected. Still, it is to your benefit to have an intense curiosity about your body, its many functions and any treatment it receives. Many doctors operate under the assumption you don’t want or need to know everything. Some will even treat your body like the mystery only they have the power to unlock. Some doctors are arrogant. Others are impatient. At the end of the day, you want a doctor that will act as your health care partner. If you cannot comfortably ask your doctor questions, it may be time to find another health care provider. Because most doctors are very busy, if you don’t request certain information, you probably won’t get it.
No one knows your body better than you do. You’ve been born with it and you live with the same body every day. When something is amiss physically or medically, your body will normally tell you. While some symptoms may go undetected, many are easy to recognize if you listen to what your body has to say.
There comes a time in every person’s life when he or she will have to seek medical intervention for an illness. Still, many people choose to ignore the symptoms that alert them to an issue.* As a result, they suffer greater harm and even put their lives at risk.
From Doctor to Hospital
How to ensure the care you deserve.
Preparing for Surgery
What to know before you go under the knife.
My Prescriptions
Do you know what exactly you're taking into your body?
health wealth: live long and strong
For informational purposes only. No portion of this article is intended to replace the evaluation, care or advice of a health care professional. The author makes no claims or recommendations whatsoever as to any illness, treatment or cure. Read more...
Tannis Blackman is a certified dance instructor and health enthusiast. She is the author of several books, including The Mystical Seductress Handbook and writes numerous articles for Alight Transmedia.
© 2022 Alight. © 2022 Tannis Blackman.
TOP
 | ||||
| ||||
| ||||
| ||||
