Take Charge of Your Health Care Now — Here’s How
Begin With a Healthy Lifestyle
Your first step is to take responsibility for your health, and this means making choices that lead to a healthier lifestyle. Perhaps you tend to avoid exercise, for instance. This is not a good idea since exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight, strengthen your body, and increase your energy. Your exercise routine can start with a 15-minute session each day. Add practical ways to get moving, like taking the stairs rather than the lift and walking during work breaks. Now take a hard look at your diet. If you're eating a lot of junk food, make an effort to transition to healthier meals and snacks.
Ask Questions
Many people hesitate to ask questions about their health. They think that their healthcare providers are experts, so they go along with everything they're told. But this isn't being an advocate for your health. You need to understand your symptoms, diagnoses, and treatment plans, and if you don't, you must ask questions until you do. If your provider can’t or won’t answer your questions, change to someone who will.
There are plenty of medical professionals in your area of the United Kingdom, so use the Healthwatch Havering website to find one who will take your concerns seriously.
Research Continually
Don't hesitate to do your own research, either. These days, there are plenty of credible websites designed to help people better understand their health issues and learn ways to cope with them. Choose resources that are managed by medical organisations, doctors, nurses, or scientists. You could learn about symptoms you may experience, alternative treatments, or tips for healthier living. If you're going to take charge of your health, then learn as much as you can about it.
Get the Support You Need
Sometimes you may need some support as you advocate for your health. It can be hard to ask questions and listen to providers' explanations and advice when you aren't feeling well. So bring along someone to help you. Ask a friend or relative to accompany you to your appointments to listen, jot down some notes, and ask questions of their own. Then review everything with them later.
Manage Your Records
Finally, learn how to manage your medical records. Access them online frequently to check for updates, and make sure you understand what they mean. You should also download a copy to save on your computer. You can actually save a web page as a PDF and transfer it to your phone so that your records will be accessible when you're at the doctor's office or pharmacy, even without Wi-Fi. If you need to make edits, you can convert a PDF file to Word.
Be Your Own Advocate
If you want to take charge of your health, you must become your own advocate. Start with making healthier choices, asking questions, researching, getting support, and managing your records. Then you can be confident that you're doing your best for your health.
This advice is brought to you in association with mylifeboost.com
