What Your Doctor Wants to Know About You:
Your Lifestyle
Expect Questions from Your Doctor
Often when you go to visit your doctor, you may be asked about the type of lifestyle you lead. This does not mean that your doctor is being nosey; he may be asking you this question for a number of reasons. The type lifestyle that we lead can, in many cases be directly related to illness or annoying symptoms. Patients who have an unhealthy lifestyle are at a far greater risk of getting ill, or suffering from a serious disease.
Your Habits
Depending on the symptoms that you are complaining of. Your doctor may ask you questions about your eating habits, sleeping habits, how much exercise you are getting weather you are taking any medications either prescribed or herbal, or you may even be asked if you take any other type of drugs.
The Benefits of Lifestyle Changes
Often a patient who is not feeling well can greatly benefit from a change in lifestyle rather than taking medication to elevate their symptoms. A doctor will often discuss the type of lifestyle that a patient is living, and offer better lifestyle alternatives to the patient. If a patient does need medication the doctor way also suggest that a change in lifestyle will help the medication to work better, and give the patient some advice or light reading material to help them change their life style, or learn how to adjust.
Be Honest and Open with Your Doctor
The most important thing for a patient to remember is that their doctor is there to help them to get better and when asked about their lifestyle patients should answer the questions honestly and openly. Doctors have a doctor patient confidentiality clause, therefore even if the information that is given to a doctor is confidential or personal the patient can rest assured that the doctor will not discuss their patients, or their lifestyle with anyone else without their patient’s permission.
Many people naturally are embarrassed about certain aspects of their life. For example, many people overeat and they do not want to admit that fact. However, you really do need to be honest and open with your doctor when it comes to matters relating to your lifestyle.
Keep Accurate Records
There may come a time when a doctor will ask you to keep accurate records about some aspect of your life or lifestyle. If that request is made, it is imortant that you follow through and do what your doctor does request of you.
For example, a doctor might ask you to keep a diary of the foods you eat. Many people want to fudge -- so to speak -- when they keep a food and eating diary. This can be harmful. It is very important that you record all necessary and asked for information as accurately and honestly as possible.
|
