Annual checkups are important for maintaining your health, especially as you start to age. Being proactive about your health can keep certain health issues at bay.
To get the best use out of the time you have with your doctor, there are certain questions you'll want to ask. Here are 8 to consider.
- Are All of My Medications Still Needed?
Certain lifestyle changes in health changes can impact the medications that you need to maintain your health. For example, let's say your last visit you were diagnosed with high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Because of this, your doctor prescribed medication to help lower your levels. Instead of relying on medication, you took matters into your own hands to improve your heart health by losing weight and eating a more holistic and heart healthy diet.
In this instance, you may be able to stop taking certain medications. It never hurts to ask your doctor if your health has improved enough to stop taking certain medications. In the long run this can save you money and make taking care of yourself much more convenient.
- Can I Spend Less on My Medications?
Keeping on the topic of medication, you may also want to ask your doctor about ways to save money on your prescriptions. One of the easiest ways to make your medication less costly is to switch to generic. Generic medications are the same as name-brand options without the high price tag. If your medications aren’t available in generic form, you can also ask about coupons and other money saving options such as discounts on Cialis and other common medications.
Your doctor may also be able to give you sample packs of medications. This can save you money each month by lowering the amount of pills you need to pay for at the pharmacy. There are also options for delivery from pharmacies like Medly, and your doctor would be the perfect person to ask if that’s a service you’re looking for.
- Am I Due for Vaccines?
While it's true that we receive most vaccines during our younger years, there are plenty of vaccines that are recommended for adults and seniors. One of the most common vaccines is the flu vaccine which is often given once a year. The Td/Tdap vaccine should be given every 10 years. For people 50 years or older, the Center for Disease and Control recommends the Zoster vaccine which protects against herpes and shingles.
There are also other vaccines that your doctor may recommend. If you have a medical, lifestyle, or occupational risk for hepatitis, it may be in your best interests to get the Hepatitis A or B vaccine.
- Is My Weight Healthy?
A growing number of children and adults are overweight. In fact, 34% of adults are overweight and 35% are obese. Being overweight or obese can have a serious impact on your health, and these risks increase as you get older. Carrying extra weight increases your chances of suffering from:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Certain cancers
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Sleep disorders
As we get older it’s hard to find the time and energy to want to stay physically active, but taking part in 30 minutes of exercise each day is well worth the benefits of lowering your risk of health problems. Aside from exercise, you can also make changes to your diet such as eating more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- What Health Issues Am I at Risk For?
Health risks depend on various factors including family history, lifestyle, age, sex, and weight. If you're experiencing certain symptoms that are out of the normal, be sure to discuss them with your doctor. Understanding which health issues you're most at risk for can tailor your lifestyle choices, necessary medications, and more.
- What's My Blood Pressure?
When you're preparing to speak with the doctor, usually a nurse comes in to take your blood pressure. More often than not, unless you ask about the number, you aren't told. If you think you're suffering from high or low blood pressure, ask your doctor about your levels. This way you can keep tabs on your cardiovascular health.
- Are My Bowel Movements Normal?
This conversation is definitely nothing short of embarrassing, but your bowel movements say a lot about your internal health. On average, you should be using the bathroom at least once a day. If you aren’t, chances are your diet is lacking fiber or your digestive tract has slowed.
Have you ever gone to the bathroom only to see blood in the bowl? Blood after a bowel movement can be the sign of a hemorrhoid or an anal fissure. If your stool is black or dark red, you may have an internal rectal bleed. This condition can be life threatening if left untreated.
- Is This Normal?
If you've been experiencing a symptom that has you worried, discuss it with your doctor. No matter if you’re suffering from frequent headaches, pain in your lower back, or restlessness at night, anything out of the ordinary is worth talking about. The symptom could be a sign of a serious underlying condition.
Conclusion
Asking the right questions during your annual physical can help to shed light on your overall health. Keep these 8 questions in mind to make the best use of this time.
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