Are you due for a heart checkup or a routine visit to the doctor? Have you passed a “milestone birthday” that may require standard tests such as a mammogram, colonoscopy, glaucoma or prostate exam? No matter what you’re seeing your doctor for, there are many questions you can ask to be a more informed patient. After all, identifying risks or symptoms early may help prevent illness in the future.
If you go to the doctor's office with a prepared list of questions in your hand, you'll be more likely to remember what you want to ask. This list might include the following questions
Heart Health
- What is considered good blood pressure? What number is too high? Too low?
- What is my cholesterol level? What is considered a normal level?
- What’s the difference between chest pain in my muscles and actual heart problems?
- How can I tell the difference between ordinary heartburn and heart trouble?
- Should I be taking aspirin to prevent heart trouble?
- What kinds of foods should I be eating for good heart health?
Diet, Nutrition & Exercise
- What should my ideal weight be for my height and age?
- What effect does a lot of sodium in my diet have on my health?
- How can I find the “hidden” sodium in my diet and eliminate it?
- How much coffee is too much?
- How should I start an exercise routine? How much is too much in the beginning stages?
- How can I change my diet to prevent the likelihood of strokes and heart attacks?
- How much alcohol is considered a moderate amount in my diet?
Overall Health
- My family has a history of diabetes. Does that mean I am predisposed to have diabetes too? What are the symptoms I should be aware of?
- What kinds of symptoms could I experience when I quit smoking? How can I ease my cravings and the side effects of quitting, such as headaches and irritability?
- I take over-the-counter medicines for allergies or colds. How can these affect or interact with medications I am being prescribed now?
- What should I know about glaucoma? Are there any symptoms I should be aware of as I get older?
- What can I do now to prevent osteoporosis later in life?
- What do my blood tests reveal?
- When should I get a mammogram or prostate exam?
- I have a family history of specific medical issues. When should I start being regularly checked to make sure I don’t have these same issues?
You may not need to ask all these questions at your next checkup or appointment, but be sure to ask the ones most pertinent to you, or make a note of any questions you’re inspired to ask by reading this list. It’s always better to be an informed patient.
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