Be Your Own Best Advocate for Health
Submitted by Linda Schoene
Making health related decisions is sometimes difficult. Should I have this
test or procedure? Do I really need surgery? How do I know if I’ve made
the right decision? Here are some ways to self-advocacy:
- Keep accurate health and medication records. Booklets for this purpose
are available on blood pressure Sundays.
- Be open and honest with your health care provider about your health history
and your concerns.
- Talk with someone else who has faced a similar situation. Their experience
may not be the same, but it can be a comfort to talk with someone who has
“been there”.
- Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion, but check
your insurance for coverage.
- Request printed information about procedures so you can review it at home
and ask for clarification if needed.
- Take a trusted friend or relative with you as a second pair of ears during
doctor visits.
- Searching the Internet can be helpful, but be careful. Clo
- sely examine the source of the information. If you discover information
that applies to you, share it with your health care provider. For example,
there is an email circulating that discusses the use of coughing to buy time
if someone thinks they are having a heart attack. At first read, the information
sounds logical, but it is important to know that the American Heart Association
doesn’t support this procedure.
For more information contact Linda
Schoene, Parish Nurse.
Last updated:
2005-03-30