20 questions to ask your doctor once a year

Ask your doctor, these questions can save your life.


Make an appointment forVisit your annual doctor is the first step to take care of your health. But once reallyat the doctor'sIf you do not actively ask questions and you educated yourself about your well-being, you are doing a bad service. After all, what you do and say during your appointment can have a major impact on the quality of care you receive. That you see yourprimary care doctor Or your Ob-Gyn, here are allquestions you should ask your doctor at least once a year.

1
"How are my LDL levels?"

an LDL cholesterol test
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LDL cholesterol (or low density lipoprotein) is called "bad" cholesterol. It's because if it is based in your arteries, it can lead toSome serious heart problems. And every year, you must make sure that you ask your doctor how your LDL levels are looking for. Talk to your doctor openly and honestlyAbout your cholesterol will help you "prevent the majority of ill-treatment, heart attack and premature death, for example - to happen", explainsRichard Wright, MD, a cardiologist at the Saint John Providence Health Center in California.

2
"What would my ideal arterial pressure be and how can I get there?"

Asian man getting his blood pressure checked
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In addition to asking questions about your LDL levels, Wright says you should also ask your doctor every yearYour blood pressure And, if it's high, what you can do to go down. "Each of these elements needs attention in the hope of reducing the burden of future cardiovascular events," he notes.

3
"Are my blood sugar levels in good health?"

Man having his blood glucose levels checked by his doctor for diabetes
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It is recommended that adults get their blood sugar tested each year or every three years from 45 years, depending on risk factors, according to theirHARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL. Although there is a lotSymptoms of diabetes-The fatigue, an extreme thirst, frequent urination, a blurred vision and weight loss - many people with diabetes have no idea of ​​having it. Considering more than100 million adults in the United States. Currently living with diabetes or pre-diabetes, catching any early problem could greatly enjoy your health. So even if you are not in your middle of age, it's worth it to bring about your doctor every year.

4
"What tests do I need and are optional?"

female doctor and female patient talking to each other, heart health risks
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Do not consent blindly to each test your doctor suggests. "It is important to ask questions about [the benefits and risks of a test] so that you can understand what a test is intended and what it will determine," saysSanjiv M. Patel, MD, a cardiologist at Memorialcare Heart and Vascular Institute in California. In this way, he says, you can "make an informed decision about to provide consent to participate." If you feel sure of a test after hearing the benefits and risks, your safest bet isget a second review.

5
"What are the side effects of this medicine?"

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This is a question you should ask your doctor not only every year, but every time you start taking a new medicine. As Patel notes, drugs are side effects of myriad, so it's better to know what you could potentially live once you start taking something.

6
"Why do I need this medicine?"

Person taking medicine pills
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If you do not know why a doctor prescribes a certain medicine, just ask. "People who do not understand why they take certain medications are likely to stop them, which can have a potentially fatal result," said Patel. For example, he explains that "patients who stop prematurely to take their anti-platelet medications after having a stent in their coronary arterycan have a heart attack. "

7
"What is my ideal weight?"

Feet in fuzzy pink socks standing on scale reading (almost) 240 pounds.
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The ideal weight of everyone is different. This number depends on several things, ranging from height and age to bone density and pre-existing medical conditions. That's why Wright says you should make your doctor asking you for your ideal weight every year. This will give you a realistic number to try not to comment onFadades crazy dietand quantities of unsustainable time spent at the gym.

8
"Are there any activities that I should avoid?"

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Most people already know that they should not smoke, drink frenzy consumption and eat fast food before walking in their doctor's office. However, some specific situations call for patients to avoid other activities that may immediately send red flags. If you havecardiopathy, for example,Webmd Notes that exercise in an extremely hot climate can make the breathing difficult. Talk to your doctor each year on the activities to be avoided in order toLiving a long, healthy and happy life.

9
"Is there anything I should notify my family members?"

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Many conditions of health - ranging frombreast cancer to hypertension - areInfluenced by genetics. If your doctor diagnoses you with a new condition or illness, make sure to ask them if your family must also be tested.

10
"Are the intestine movements normal?"

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Although there is really nothing like a "normal" intestine movement, you should talk to your doctor if you fear that your bathroom habits are a symptom of something more serious. And indeed they can be: theCleveland Clinic Note that some of the conditions that can cause intestinal changes include food allergies, biliary bladder problems, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease and intestinal obstruction.

11
"How is my thyroid function?"

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It is very important toMake sure your thyroid works correctly. This gland, which produces hormones that maintain your organs operating, can make serious ravages inside your body if it is outsage or hyperactive.

In the case of hypothyroidism, or a sub-active thyroid, common symptoms include fatigue, dry skin, weight gain and constipation, according to theMAYO Clinic. During this time, with hyperthyroidism, or a hyperactive thyroid, theMAYO Clinic Note that patients often have an irregular heart rate, irritability and tremors. Even if you do not have symptoms, get your checked thyroid levels each year is an easy way to stay at the top of your health.

12
"Are all my vaccines up to date?"

woman getting vaccines at the doctor, health questions after 50
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Getting a vaccine once you do not necessarily immunize forever. TheCenters for Disaster Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that there are various vaccines and shots that adults should follow, from BOOSTER TD (you need every 10 years) to thevaccine against influenza (which should be administered annually).

And as you get older, there are more and more vaccines than you need to get. When you reach 50, the CDC says you shouldTalk to your doctor About obtaining vaccines such as PPSV23, PCV13 and shingle vaccine.

13
"Do I have to worry about my sleep habits?"

Black man sleeping in his bed
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If you are afraid there isSomething is wrong with your sleep habits, then you should definitely talk to your doctor. Sleep problems make youtired during the dayYes, but they can also be the cause of a bigger health problem or indicator.

For example, theMAYO Clinic Explains that snoring can indicate a serious health problem such as sleep apnea - and in some cases, this can also result in hypertension and increased risk of stroke. The next time you visit your doctor, talk to them aboutSee a sleep doctor and get to the root of your night problems.

14
"How are my levels of vitamin?"

Woman taking vitamins
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Unfortunately, vitamin deficiencies are extremely common. In a 2011 study of 4,495 people published inNutritional researchFor example, researchers discovered that about 42% of the subjects had insufficient vitamin D levels.

In addition, the symptoms of vitamin deficiencies are easy to miss. TheCleveland Clinic notes that some of the symptoms ofvitamin D deficiency Include muscle weakness, fatigue and depression. So, talk to your doctor at least once a year on getting your vitamin levels tested.

15
"Are not all my moles going well?"

Skin Cancer, skin cancer facts
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"If you have a family or a personal story of skin cancer, present many mols / freckles or have a fair skin with light hair and light eyes, you should have an annual skin check," explainsKristine S. Arthur, MD, a internist at the Memorialcare Medical Group. According toSkin cancer fund, a five-five American will developskin cancer By their 70th anniversary, then talk to your dermatologist on all suspicious taupes might simply save you life.

16
"Should I see a specialist?"

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Sometimes your primary care doctor does not cut it. If you think your health problems require a specialist, ask your doctor a reference. There is a reason why doctors like allergists and gastroenterologists exist, so do not be afraid to ask your leading provider of professionals with specific specialties!

17
"What prostate cancer test should I do?"

Doctor talking to a male patient
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Prostate cancer exams are not a size suitable for all. "There are two different reviews that are recommended for early detection that all men starting at 55 should discuss with their doctor: Digital Rectal Review (DRE) and Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)," saysS. Adam Ramin, MD, Urologist and Medical Director of Urology Cancer Specialists in Los Angeles. "There are many factors to consider with these projections and the decision to be tested is a decision that can be made with the educated advice of a competent and approved urologist."

18
"Is a mammography a sufficient projection of breast cancer for me?"

mammograms are one of the things that suck about turning 40
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Patients should talk to their doctors before planning mammography each year. Although X-ray technology has traveled a long way in the detection of bumps and bumps, surgical octologist of the chestJanie G. Grumley, MD, note that "mammograms may be missing regarding conclusions" and people with symptoms should "be evaluated by] a health professional".

What many people do not know is that "patients who are at a higher risk ofbreast cancer Need more than one mammogram. "If breast cancer goes into your family, talk to your doctor with an additional projection with an MRI since a mammography can not cut it.Richard W. Reitherman, MD, Medical Director of Breast Imaging at Memorialcare Breast Center in California, said you should always ask your doctor from the latest breast cancer connions to make sure you stay above things. "Women should consult all available resources - including their health care provider - to make a personal decision on their own health goals," he said.

19
"When should I start worried about my fertility?"

Pregnant Muslim Woman in Bed, women's health after 40
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Most women start asking for their doctors potential fertility issues at the end of the 1930s or early quarantine, but you should not get this topic. "Even if you do not think about future fertility, it may be time to have a conversation on the egg gel," saysSherry Ross, MD, an Ob-Gyn at the Saint John Providence Health Center. "You may need to be the one to start this conversation with your health care provider to plan a possible future family!"

20
"What can I do to improve my health?"

young black female doctor speaking to older white male patient, heart risk factors
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"Although it may seem like a simple question, the answers you receive will help you guide you" towards ahealthy lifestyle, says Patel. And even if your doctor's answers are obvious - drink less, exercise more, etc. - hear these things from a professional could be the spark that encourages you tomake some changes needed in your life.


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