Do These 4 Things to Take Charge of Your Health
One essential aspect of managing your health starts with you.
According to Mina Abu Gosh MD, a PIH Health Internist, “By taking charge of your health and being proactive in your healthcare, you can make a positive difference in your health and how good you feel.”
Take charge of your health by doing the following:
- Keep track of your health information. When you go to the doctor, they keep track of key health indicators such as your weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels, vaccinations, screenings, prescriptions, and other information. While your doctor will keep this information on file, you should also keep track of it. Many doctors offer online portals now, making it easier to access the information when you need it. PIH Health has a Patient Portal powered by FollowMyHealth, allowing patients to schedule appointments and access their medical information through the online portal. The patient portal will make it easier to see what you need to work on and track your health progress.
- Be your advocate. Take an active role in your health by speaking up and asking questions. Let doctors know how you feel. Ask specific questions about any aspect of your health you’re not sure of, whether it’s about treatment options, costs, prognosis or side effects. If you feel that a doctor is not supporting your choices or does not appear to make recommendations that align with your expectations, find a new doctor.
- Make appointments for screenings. List any health screenings you need and how often you should get them. Then, add them to your calendar to remember when to schedule appointments. According to Dr. Abu Gosh, “A tip I give my patients is to make their birthday month their wellness month and try to get their physicals done yearly around their birthday so they can remember every year when it’s time to get preventive measure and wellness done.” PIH Health makes it easy with multiple ways of scheduling! Make or request an appointment online, through the patient portal, or by phone. Not sure when you’re due for a screening? Ask your doctor.
- Make healthcare a priority every day. “The best way to live a healthier life is by working to prevent health issues from occurring rather than having to treat them once you’re dealing with a problem,” says Dr. Abu Gosh. Make it a priority to put your health first every day. Focus on eating healthy food, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. Get enough sleep and find ways to minimize stress. Don’t smoke, and limit alcohol. Keep your mind active and nurture social relationships.
Taking charge of your health can mean the difference between prevention and treatment. PIH Health is here is help you along the way in your health journey. Learn more about how to live a healthy lifestyle by checking out our other blogs at PIHHealth.org/Blog.
