Take Charge of Your Health Care
It’s time to take charge of your health! Schedule an appointment with your health care provider to discuss what screenings and exams you need and when you need them.
Regular health exams and tests can help find problems before they start. They also can help find problems early, when your chances for treatment and cure are better.
Which exams and screenings you need depends on your age, health and family history, and lifestyle choices such as what you eat, how active you are, and whether you smoke.
To make the most of your next check-up, here are some things to do before you go:
- Review your family health history
- Find out if you are due for any general screenings or vaccinations
- Write down a list of issues and questions to take with you
Speak up and ask questions at the doctor’s office. When you play an active role in your health care, you can improve the quality of the care you and your family get.
To take charge of your health care:
- Keep track of important health information.
- Know your family health history.
- See a doctor regularly for checkups.
- Be prepared for medical appointments.
- Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist questions.
Tools:
- Question builder. Be prepared for your next appointment: http://www.ahrq.gov/apps/qb/
- Immunization schedule for adult: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/schedules/easy-to-read/adult.html
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