As an individual, you are your own best health advocate. Nobody else knows your body and your overall health better than you do. You are the one who knows when something feels off,
and you are the one who knows what steps you can take to feel your best. With that being said, how can you become your own best health advocate? Here are a few tips to help you take control of your health, courtesy of Health Care New York.
Focus on What You Can Control
One of the most important things you can do to take control of your health is to lead a healthier lifestyle. This includes eating nutritious food, getting regular exercise, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough sleep. These simple steps will help you to feel better both physically and mentally. They can also help to reduce your risk of developing chronic conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes.
Find the Right Providers
Another key to being your own best health advocate is to find the right healthcare professionals. You should start by finding a primary care physician that you trust and feel comfortable with. This person should be your first line of defense when it comes to your health. They can help you to manage any chronic conditions that you may have, and they can also refer you to other specialists as needed.
Educate Yourself
It’s important to educate yourself on any conditions you may have. This can help you to better understand your symptoms and how to manage them. It can also help you to work more effectively with your healthcare team. You can learn about your condition by doing research on reliable medical websites or by talking to your healthcare provider.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
When you’re at the doctor’s office or meeting with any other healthcare professional, don’t be afraid to ask questions. This is your health, after all. You have every right to know what’s going on with your body and to understand the options available to you. Ask questions about any tests that are being performed, any treatments that are being recommended, and any potential side effects of medications.
It’s Okay to Take Notes
Taking notes is another important step in becoming your own best health advocate. After each appointment or phone call with a healthcare professional, take a few minutes to jot down what was discussed. Include any recommendations that were made, any medications that were prescribed, and any follow-up appointments that were scheduled. This will help you to keep track of what’s going on with your health, and it will also help to ensure that you don’t forget any important information.
Keep All Documentation Digitally Organized
Finally, it’s important to keep your medical files organized. You should start by keeping all of your medical documents and records in one place. This can be a digital folder on your computer or a physical folder in your home. To make things even easier, consider scanning all of your documents and converting them as PDFs using this tool. This will allow you to easily share them
with your healthcare team as needed.
Being your own best health advocate requires taking control of your health, finding the right healthcare professionals, educating yourself on any conditions you may have, and keeping your medical files organized. With these tips in mind, you can take control of your health and ensure that you receive the care you need to feel your best.
