REFLECTIONS

One thing I have learned from my sister Janice and from my daughter Tammi is that you must be a medical health advocate for yourself to stay healthy.

My sister contracted diabetes when she was 18, and Tammi was diagnosed with a chronic liver disease when she was 14.

Both asked questions after questions of their medical health teams. Neither would accept a pill until it was fully explained why she was taking that certain medicine. Both always read every word in those medication explanation sheets.

Being an advocate for yourself means that you are truly concerned about your health and how it should be managed. One of Tammi’s nurses looked her straight in the eye and said, “Tammi, it’s your health, take care of yourself by being advocate for yourself.”

I’m sure many of you readers likewise take care of your health by asking questions as to why you are being treated a certain way. My parents never asked pointed questions of their doctors and nurses. That’s because they did not go to the doctor very often and because they believed everything the doctor was telling them.

When my parents went to the doctor, either for us kids or for themselves, it had to be because we were very sick.

Now, health care is so specialized that you can best be reassured that you are getting the best medical care available.

If it is difficult for you to directly communicate with your doctor, ask a family member or friend to be your health advocate.

Also, don’t be afraid to ask for another medical opinion on a particular health issue. Your doctors and nurses may have your best interests at heart, but they do approach medical care in different ways.

We in Minnesota are extremely fortunate to have fine medical care facilities at our fingertips (teleconference and video conference) and in person. These facilities are staffed by some of the finest medical personnel in the world. We have two of the world’s best teaching institutions, the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis and the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

So, with all these advantages on your side, you can be an advocate for your own health care by helping your medical team actually assess your needs.

When Tammi was fighting her liver disease, Judy and I accompanied her to every doctor’s visit. Six ears are better than two ears.

Judy and I continue that practice today by going into see the doctor or nurse together. If you don’t follow that practice, you oftentimes miss what a medical professional is explaining.

With medical portals, patients can now more clearly understand their health issues. Doctors can send a report to the patient soon after they have seen that patient.  Patients, in turn, can ask questions of their doctors or nurses directly through the computer.

Health agencies also recommend encouraging patients to complete questionnaires before or after seeing a medical professional.

Yes, one might say: “Don’t ever get sick.”

Our nephew is currently attending medical school in Chicago, and it is such a learning experience to sit down with him and to reflect on his medical experiences thus far on his road to becoming a doctor. Take care of your body. It’s the only one you have.

By being a health advocate for yourself, you are increasing your chances of staying healthy. Your doctor can only tell you so much by taking blood tests and by doing other routine examinations. The rest comes from you sharing with the medical professional how you really feel.

It is often said, “If you have good health, you have everything.” That is so true.