Get involved in your health care by asking your doctor questions regarding medical treatments.
Protecting your health means more than eating an apple a day. In fact, your doctor can, and should be, one of the most important people in your life. Making the most of your routine checkups can go a long way to keeping you healthy and identifying any potential problems before they happen. By asking certain questions, you can ensure your doctor can provide you with the treatment you need.
Am I At a Healthy Weight?
At least 60 percent of women are overweight, according to a 2007 study done by the National Center for Health Statistics. More than one-third of those women are considered obese. Obesity and excess weight can cause a variety of health problems in women, such as diabetes, breast cancer and heart diseases. Knowing and maintaining a healthy weight is a key component for longevity in life.
Should I Be Taking a Vitamin Supplement?
Certain vitamins are important for maintaining health in woman. Vitamin D, found in milk and other dairy products, helps to maintain bone strength. This is important in fighting osteoporosis, a disease affecting 44 million Americans, according to WebMD. Taking a multivitamin supplement can provide you with any vitamins and minerals you are lacking in your diet. Your doctor can help you determine what supplement is right for you.
How is My Cholesterol?
High cholesterol is one indicator for heart disease in women and men. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, accounting for 29 percent of all deaths, according the Center for Disease Control. Many women think of heart disease as a man's disease and fail to take preventative measures. Having your cholesterol checked regularly can help your doctor monitor your risk and intervene if necessary.
Should I Be Screened for Sexually Transmitted Diseases?
All women who are sexually active with more than one partner should be screened for sexually transmitted diseases annually. Human papillomavirus, or HPV, now the most common sexually transmitted disease, puts women at a higher risk for cervical cancer. Left untreated, chlamydia and gonorrhea can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, which can cause infertility.
What is My Best Option for Birth Control?
Sexually active women need to decide on the appropriate method of birth control to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. Talk with your doctor about what option will work best for you, depending on your preference for having children. Birth control options include condoms, the pill, the shot, the intrauterine device and sterilization.
Can You Help Me Develop an Exercise Plan?
Exercise can help keep you strong and fit, both physically and mentally. Talk with your doctor about develop an exercise plan you will stick with and that meets your needs.
What Screenings Should I Get Done Regularly?
Talk with your doctor about your family medical history to determine what screenings you should have performed at your checkups. Cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar are commonly checked for all women. Women with a family history of heart disease or diabetes may have more thorough or frequent screenings. Women with a history of breast cancer may start having mammograms before the recommended age of 40.
Why Do I Have Chronic Back Pain?
A majority of women and men suffer from some degree of back pain. Most of the time, the pain is the result of a pulled muscle or aging. However, some back pain can be indicative of kidney problems, lupus or bone cancer. Your doctor may recommend testing and screening if no physical cause for your back pain is determined.
What is My Risk for Cancer, Heart Disease or Other Diseases
Besides your family medical history, you and your doctor can discuss other risk factors for conditions, such as cancer and heart disease. Factors such as diet, level of exercise, stress and environmental issues can all contribute to your risk factor. You also can talk with your doctor about a plan to reduce or eliminate risk.
Why Can't I Get Pregnant?
Almost 12 percent of women suffer from infertility, according to the National Center for Health Statistics. Age, stress and physical problems with your reproductive system can all be causes for infertility, but your doctor also can determine if other health problems are to blame. For example, undetected diabetes or thyroid conditions can prevent your body from getting pregnant. Treatment for these conditions can eliminate infertility problems almost immediately.
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