An annual check-up can save you from a disease or its complications. Use these tips to make your visit more fruitful.

An annual check-up is a great way to know if your Health is in good condition or not. You have probably heard that “prevention is better than cure”. The quote makes perfect sense when we are talking about an issue as sensitive as health. But before you make up your mind to visit a physician, you should prepare yourself about how you can make the conversation short, sweet and productive.

Why Do You Need an Annual Check-up?

It’s not that you should visit a physician only when you are critically ill or have some painful conditions. No doubt, these acute and in some cases, emergency conditions warrant a visit. But you should also visit the physician even when everything with your body feels OK.

Remember that many insidious health conditions can wreak havoc on your health without providing a slight hint. For example, your body might be struggling with elevated blood sugars and you may not realize that you are having an early stage of diabetes called prediabetes. If you consult a physician, they will be able to halt the progression into full-blown diabetes. In a similar manner, taking periodic screen tests can save you from cancer.

In recent years, the necessity of annual check-ups has increased significantly due to the fact that many chronic conditions are on the rise. Visiting your physician regularly also helps to maintain appropriate patient support and can decrease the overall burden of disease.

8 Ways to Prepare for an Annual Check-up

1. Assess your health every day. You are wrong if you think only your physician should assess your health. It’s your health and you are the most responsible for keeping it in good condition rather than your physician. Make a list of the conditions you had in the past and present (if any), keep a diary of your food and sleep habits, and also list the factors that seem to exacerbate your symptoms. For example, consuming certain foods can cause allergy or stomach problems. Such a list will greatly help to shorten the visit and make it more likely to address your specific health needs.
2. Prepare a check-up checklist before visiting a physician. The checklist should contain general and specific information about your family medical history, smoking history, types, and number of surgeries, list of medications, immunizations, and allergies. You can also add additional information like recent life events and questions to ask the physician.
3. Communicate better. Yes, effective communication is a key determinant of a successful doctor visit. When it comes to a check-up, nothing is more important than verbal communication. That said, you should be able to speak up what you want to and explain your condition, expectations, and problems. If you have any communication problems, such as introverted nature or speech difficulties, make sure to take a friend or family member along with you.
4. Make maximum use of technology. We are in an era when the technological advancements have scaled unimaginable heights. Why not use it for a check-up? It’s simple and you don’t have to be a techie to use simple mhealth apps. Make the most of these health apps. In addition, ask if your doctor has a blog or an app where you may find health and lifestyle tips, symptoms checkers, online appointment facilities. Active users of such health technologies are more likely to benefit from annual check-ups than non-users.

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1. Learn enough about your condition and medications. No, we are not asking you to be an expert about your health or diseases. After all, it’s your doctor’s job. But you should gather enough information about your health and medications from reputable online and printed sources. That way, you can actively participate in your treatment program.
2. Record your conversation. Sounds weird? Maybe, but recording your conversation helps a lot in accessing the missed details. At your home, you can replay the conversation and listen carefully if you have any confusion about your condition and treatment procedures
3. Keep a close eye on your doctor’s behavior and schedule. For effective communication and optimal treatment outcomes, it is critically important that you and your physician spend a considerable amount of time conversing with each other. Take a note if he/she is too bossy or does not give much importance to what you are trying to explain. Remember a trust-based patient-doctor relationship goes a long way in enhancing the quality of patient care. If you think the physician is not a good fit, you can try a new oneon your next visit.
4. Make a quick checklist before the visit. Include the following information/questions/reports in the checklist.

• Visiting for the first time? Take copies of medical records.
• Medications, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.
• Information about recent medical tests, procedures, and surgeries.
• The names and contact details of other doctors you have seen in the past or are seeing currently.
• A list of questions to ask.
• A diary that consists of most frequent and distressful symptoms.

Want To Know More?

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