Ask questions
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Don’t be shy or embarrassed to discuss anything with your doctor or to ask any questions. His job is to make sure you’re healthy, without passing judgment on you or your lifestyle. Don’t feel rushed. Ask all the questions you want to ask and get the answers you need. |
Pay attention
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Address any health, diet or exercise issues that you are concerned about and take notes. |
Describe your symptoms in detail
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Provide details and don’t hold anything back. You want the best diagnosis; so give the most accurate description of your symptoms. |
Don’t hide anything about your habits
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Be honest about your use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Even if you’re only an occasional smoker, tell your doctor. |
Detail your sexual history
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This is vital for your doctor in order to assess your risk for STDs and AIDS, as well as your overall health. |
Mention any natural products you are taking
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Whether they are supplements or over-the-counter drugs, natural products can interact with certain medications. |
Ask for specific feedback
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Ask for detailed and personalized information and advice, not just general feedback like “you’re tired and need to get some rest”. |
Ask for referrals
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Anticipate future visits to specialists and ask your doctor for referrals. |
The physical exam
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Your physical exam should be relatively painless, but since it should involve a comprehensive blood test, prepare yourself mentally if you’re squeamish about needles. You may also need shots to update your immunizations. |