At health screenings ask questions about your medications and recent lab work.
Doctor's use health examinations to keep track of your health and to both prevent and detect serious medical conditions. To ensure your long-term health, it is best for you to pay close attention and actively participate in your health evaluations. Asking questions during a health exam may help clue your doctor in to certain issues you are having. Plus, it helps you to better understand your body so you are certain you are as healthy as possible.
Vaccinations and Medications
Ask your doctor if you are up-to-date on all of your vaccinations. Certain vaccinations need boosters from time to time to remain effective. Likewise, there are certain annual vaccinations your doctor may recommend based on your current health status and lifestyle. You should also ask about any medications you have been prescribed. Make sure to mention any that you stopped taking due to adverse side effects. Find out what medications require refills and if you have any medications that are critical to your health.
Test and Labs
Find out what screening tests are appropriate for you. Things like age, lifestyle and family medical history may determine what screenings you need to check for cancer and chronic illness. Confirm any pre-test instructions such as the need to fast or stop taking certain medications before the test. It is also important to ask what the results of any recent tests are. Make sure you understand the results and find out when you need to be retested.
Weight and Lifestyle
During a health exam your doctor will take your weight. Ask whether or not you are at a healthy weight because being over or underweight can be detrimental to your health. Discuss your diet, find out if you are missing any important components that are important to your health. Ask about multivitamins and supplements that you take or if there are any your doctor recommends for you. Confirm your suitability for regular exercise and get a recommendation on what you should be doing regularly. Discuss any habits that may be detrimental to your health such as drug use, smoking and alcohol consumption.
Reproductive Health
Ask about any tests you may need to detect serious illness. For women this would include a pap smear. Both men and women who are sexually active should inquire as to whether or not they need to be tested for sexually transmitted diseases. You should also ask about any problems you are having in this area such as decreased sex drive or difficulty conceiving. If you are pregnant you should ask questions about tests you might need and symptoms you may be experiencing.
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