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You have more control over your health than you think -

When you’re going to visit your doctor, you should always ask yourself what you’re doing to maintain your health. Eating well and exercising are much more effective measures than medicine to fix preventable illnesses.

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Your family history can be essential -

Having a full understanding of your family medical history will benefit you at your appointment. It can help with early detection and prevention.

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Doctors have seen it all before -

Never apologize or feel that you should be embarrassed about discussing your concerns and conditions. Doctors and nurses are well-trained in these issues and will approach them professionally.

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Knowing all of your medication is vital -

You need to let your doctor know all the medications you're on. This is to ensure that they better understand the results of any tests, and if necessary offer you a complementary or alternative prescription.

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Sleep problems shouldn’t be ignored -

There are many reasons for someone sleeping poorly, including stress, depression, or menopausal changes. Whatever the reason, it shouldn't be overlooked, as it can quickly become chronic.

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Watch your weight -

Keep an eye on your weight. Rapid, unintentional weight loss or weight gain are often a sign of an underlying condition.

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It’s important to keep a record of your last period -

For women, you need to monitor and record when you last had your period, and what your regular cycle is. A missed period could be a sign of pregnancy or a hormonal imbalance. An irregular period could be a side effect of certain medications or conditions.

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Breast tenderness is common -

Breast pain is often caused by hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, which is common. However, be on the lookout for breast pain on only one side, discharge, bleeding, or changes in texture.

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Follow doctor's order -

When it comes to medication, follow doctor's order. Also, don't stop any drug, even if you feel better. Get everything cleared with your doctor beforehand.

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Know what allergies you have -

This also includes any drug allergies. This will help determine whether what you’re experiencing is an abnormal reaction of your immune system to food, medication, or vaccines.

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Give your symptoms context -

Don't just list your symptoms. Tell your doctor the full story. By giving as much information as possible, it will help them diagnose you more accurately.

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Google can be helpful, but don’t rely on it -

Google is a super useful tool, but it won't always give you the answer. Especially when looking to find out health information and conditions.

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Treat your hearing loss early -

The longer you go with untreated hearing loss, the more the brain loses connection to sounds and your ability to understand speech becomes impaired.

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Their time is limited -

A doctor's appointment is usually around 15 minutes long. Be sure to be there on time and give them all the information they need about your health and your concerns.

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Your immune system will help you -

Your immune system will fight your infections, repair microtrauma, and police the entire population of billions of cells in your body. All it needs in return is that you take care of your health.

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Mental health is serious -

A mental illness can be as serious as a physical one, if not more. You wouldn't ignore a broken leg, so afford your mental health as much respect. Get treated.

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Your doctor is your advocate -

Whether it’s because they have bad previous experience, or because they’ve read or seen something on the news, a lot of people are suspicious of doctors. Do keep in mind that they always have your best interest in mind.

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Sometimes you don’t need to go to the doctor -

Call first if you only have a runny nose and a mild fever. However, if you’ve had a high fever for three days straight, go see a doctor right away.

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Bring a list with questions -

Make the most of the time you have with your doctor. Come prepared with a list of your questions, as chances are you might forget something.

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Usual cause for headaches -

Most headaches are caused by either a lack of sleep or lack of water. Consider these two factors before making a needless appointment.

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Bring someone along -

Sometimes it's appropriate to bring a family member or a friend with you. Especially if you're expecting a complex diagnosis. Patients can sometimes enter a state of shock, so having someone there for collateral information can be very useful.

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Know if you’re covered -

Make things more efficient and call your insurance provider to ask if you’re covered.

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Tell them if you’re taking herbs or supplements -

Just as they need to know if you're taking any meds, they also need to know if you're taking any herbs or supplements. They may interact with drugs prescribed to you.

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Know the signs of a heart attack and stroke -

These are time sensitive and potentially deadly events. By recognizing the signs and calling for medical help early, you can get life-saving treatment before it's too late.

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You might have unrealistic expectations about curing pain -

The truth is chronic pain isn't easy to treat. Some patients go to the ER for pain medication, but that's not the place. You need to see a specialist.

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The real answer is often your diet and lifestyle -

Many chronic problems are caused by an unhealthy lifestyle. A doctor will try to explain why you shouldn’t drink soda all the time, and why you need to exercise, for instance. But in the end, it's your responsibility to take care of your body.

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CPR is not like in the movies -

Begin CPR immediately when you suspect someone lying down isn't breathing. Don't stop until a medical professional arrives. CPR is done to sustain the circulation of oxygen to the brain, until they can get that person to a hospital.

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They can handle the truth -

When it comes to your health, being honest is key. For example, if you’re an alcoholic who's admitted to the hospital, don’t lie about how much you drink. You're not being judged. Just be honest with your doctor.

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Stay at home when you're contagious -

Even if you just have a cold or a flu, stay home. Especially during the first three days when you're the most contagious. This way, you prevent spreading it to other people. 

Sources: (The Healthy) (Health & Wellbeing) 

See also: Health mistakes you didn't know you're making

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