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Senior Citizen Health & Medicine
Twelve Tips to Help Seniors Get the Most from Their
Doctor Visit
Crucial to take full advantage of limited time with
your doctor
 April
18, 2007 – Visits to the doctor, in particular those for an annual
physical, become increasingly important as we age. Yet, probably few
senior citizens have not experienced some doubt after a visit that they
failed to tell or ask the doctor all that they intended. U.S. Preventive
Medicine, a company that says it is working to organize and advance a
culture of prevention throughout America, has released its list of 12
important tips to help consumers get the most beneficial results from
their annual physicals.
These suggestions will help provide a more
productive experience for both patient and physician, empowering
patients with new knowledge to better maintain their health.
"It is crucial for individuals to take full
advantage of their limited time with their doctor during their annual
physical," said Dr. Boyd Lyles, Corporate Medical Director, U.S.
Preventive Medicine. "By preparing for the meeting beforehand, patients
will be able to present their doctors with a more complete view of their
current state of health, adding valuable information to help the
physician during the evaluation."
Here are U.S. Preventive Medicine's 12 key tips to
help consumers get the most out of their annual physical:
1. Prioritize and verbalize personal concerns
and goals
In advance of the appointment, be certain to identify all primary
health and wellness concerns as well as expectations and goals for
the visit. Upon arrival, address these with your doctor
2. Review family medical history
One of the most important steps in an annual physical is to
update or
review the history of illnesses in blood relatives. Many diseases
have
a strong hereditary predisposition. Make sure you know your family
history and provide a detailed outline to your doctor.
3. Get an examination the old-fashioned way
A thorough physical must include a thorough physical
examination, no
matter how uncomfortable, for early detection and prevention.
4. Address the potential for metabolic
syndrome
Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of developing diabetes
and
cardiovascular disease and is easily diagnosed through a
cholesterol
or lipid profile, blood glucose (sugar), blood pressure readings
and
measurement of waist circumference. However, metabolic syndrome is
not
routinely addressed by many doctors during a physical. Take the
initiative and ask if you should be assessed for it.
5. Ask about screening for chronic diseases
Early detection leads to improved prognosis for many of the
most
common chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer and
diabetes.
Unfortunately, most people neglect one or more of the crucial
screening tests that can identify chronic disease even before they
become symptomatic, thereby missing the opportunity for early
detection and successful treatment. Talk to your doctor about a
schedule of recommended preventive screenings.
6. Discuss unhealthy habits or lifestyle
choices
The confidential nature of the doctor patient relationship
provides a
safety zone in which to freely discuss concerns patients may have
about potentially dangerous habits or lifestyle choices. Issues
that
should routinely be addressed include tobacco use, alcohol intake,
eating disorders, medication overuse and unsafe sexual practices.
While these are highly sensitive topics, they each have
significant
medical implications which should be considered during the exam.
7. Evaluate the best diet
Optimal wellness and disease prevention cannot be achieved
without a
healthy nutritional plan. Discuss nutrition with your doctor at
each
annual physical and consider consultation with a registered
dietitian
to determine the best diet to satisfy individual medical concerns.
8. Create an exercise regimen - even if you
have physical limitations
Some people may have physical conditions that they assume
limit or
indeed negate altogether, their ability to follow a beneficial
exercise regime. Ask the physician for a referral to a clinical
exercise physiologist, physical therapist or cardiac
rehabilitation
program for an exercise evaluation and individualized
prescription.
9. Discuss mental health issues
The "mind-body connection" is not just a catch phrase. There
is
strong scientific evidence that stress, anxiety and depression
have significant effects on physical well-being. Each annual
physical
should include an open discussion of personal stressors
(occupational
concerns, financial difficulties, family illness, elderly
relatives,
etc.) and any symptoms of anxiety, irritability, tension or
depression.
10. Evaluate sleep patterns
A restful night's sleep is of paramount importance to ongoing
good
health. During the visit, discuss sleep patterns and note any loud
or
disruptive snoring, periods of apnea (pauses in breathing) or
drowsiness during the daytime. Difficulties with frequent
urination
during the night, insomnia, restless legs and early morning
awakening
should also be mentioned as these are symptoms which may indicate
other medical conditions.
11. Review the list of prescription and
over-the-counter medications you
currently take
While medications and supplements may have life-saving
benefits or
provide symptom relief, all may induce detrimental side effects in
some individuals under certain circumstances. Provide your doctor
with
a complete list of all prescription and over-the-counter
medications,
vitamins, herbs or other supplements that you are taking or have
recently taken.
12. Keep a personal copy of the paperwork
Request a copy of all laboratory work, diagnostic studies,
consultations and the physician's report for your personal
records.
Maintain a notebook or binder with all of your medical records and
any
nutritional or exercise recommendations. By keeping everything
organized in one place, you'll be better able to take control of
your
own health.
About U.S. Preventive Medicine
U.S. Preventive Medicine(R), a
privately owned company, is organizing and commercializing the market
for proactive preventive health services in partnership with established
hospitals and physician groups. The Company licenses its proprietary
methodology, technology and branding assets to a health provider, which
operates a local point-of-care -- The Center for Preventive Medicine(R)
-- in a geographic territory on an exclusive basis. Individually, The
Center for Preventive Medicine delivers a consistent suite of prevention
services; collectively, Centers across the country form The U.S.
Prevention Network(TM). For more information, please visit
http://www.uspreventivemedicine.com/.
U.S. Preventive Medicine(R) and/or The
Center for Preventive Medicine(R) do not themselves provide
physician or professional services. All physician services are provided
by independent practitioners exercising independent professional medical
judgment. In addition, U.S. Preventive Medicine and/or The Center for
Preventive Medicine do not interfere with or regulate the private
physician-patient relationship. This document neither offers for sale
nor solicits offers to purchase a franchise or investment unit in a
Center for Preventive Medicine(R) or any other security.
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