Canyon Ranch (Massachusetts & Arizona)
You spent the past year intending to exercise and saying “yes” to buttered popcorn and calorie bombs in crackly wrappers. You only smoke when you’re stressed, so in a way it keeps you relaxed and healthy, right? But now it’s payoff time. Wednesday is your annual physical. What to do?
No cheating You want an A on your physical exam, but you have a sneaking feeling you’ll be lucky to earn a D. Drat. You know all the details of your lifestyle, but surely your doctor needn’t. Maybe you could bend the facts to look a little better?
Whoa. Rethink that mindset. To understand what’s going on with your health, your doctor needs to know your innermost secrets. You have a good rapport – it’s why you chose her in the first place. If you smoke, or drink a daily margarita or three, it’s okay to say so. You should not feel guilty.
Telling your doctor you exercise when you’ve forgotten the way to the gym, or that you’re still taking those pills you tossed in the back of your sock drawer is like buying an expensive new outfit that’s four sizes too small in a color that doesn’t suit you. It’s a waste of money and doesn’t help you to look or feel good.
Do you shrink from boring your friends with details about your ailments? Good news: The doctor really wants to hear them all. Don’t be afraid to say things that may seem minor.
Afraid you’ll forget something important? Write it down.
Note to self
Take a list with you, make it concise. It’s said that everyone has a book in them, but don’t get carried away, or you’ll run out of time. Focus on three to five things. Your doctor also needs to know the following:
• Any current problems
• Any past or recent hospitalizations or surgeries
• List of medications
• New allergies to medications
• Any bad habits – list cigarettes, alcohol.
• New changes in family history of diseases, such as recent heart attacks or cancer.
List any new problems or concerns. Mild chest tightness, shortness of breath when exercising or swollen legs could be foretelling early heart disease. Changes in weight may mean thyroid disease. Sleep problems are extremely important as they could be from medications taken, or sleep apnea.
Do not assume your doctor knows all your medications. Take a written list all of your medications, vitamins, supplements and herbs. Include dosage. Note the nutritional supplement manufacturer – they vary significantly. The supplement you didn’t mention could be the one that interferes with your medication.
Bring written reports of any labs, tests or X-rays by other doctors.
Your doctor gets just one blood pressure reading, but if you’re nervous it could appear overly high. To guard against this phenomenon, sometimes dubbed “white coat syndrome,” check your blood pressure a few times and record the reading. Many fire stations offer free blood pressure checks.
Don’t keep secrets Good communication brings good results. Tell the doctor if you’ve adopted a new diet or exercise program, and if you’re using any alternative therapies.
Be open about any new social stresses. If you’re going through a divorce or your mother died, it has a major effect on your health. You may have a migraine, but it may be because your teenage daughter moved back into the house.
Provide feedback. Did you stop taking your blood pressure medication because it made you feel like chewed string? Maybe you need a lower dose or a change of medication. If the doctor finds your blood pressure is out of control, and you didn’t explain that you stopped taking your medication, he’s likely to prescribe more. Which you won’t take because it makes you feel like … well, you get the picture.
Your doctor is there to work with you to be your best. Think of your annual physical as a private wellness class, with your physician as your personal trainer. To win top results, be open and come prepared, so your doctor can help you to come up with a realistic plan for your life that fits you just right.
