Tips to Help Seniors Get the Most from Their Doctor Visit
Crucial to take full advantage of limited time with your doctor

Senior Citizen Health & Medicine (excerpts)
U.S. Preventive Medicine
April 18, 2007

Visits to the doctor, in particular those for an annual physical, become increasingly important as we age. Yet, probably few senior citizens have not experienced some doubt after a visit that they failed to tell or ask the doctor all that they intended. U.S. Preventive Medicine, a company that says it is working to organize and advance a culture of prevention throughout America, has released its list of 12 important tips to help consumers get the most beneficial results from their annual physicals. These suggestions will help provide a more productive experience for both patient and physician, empowering patients with new knowledge to better maintain their health.

"It is crucial for individuals to take full advantage of their limited time with their doctor during their annual physical," said Dr. Boyd Lyles, Corporate Medical Director, U.S. Preventive Medicine. "By preparing for the meeting beforehand, patients will be able to present their doctors with a more complete view of their current state of health, adding valuable information to help the physician during the evaluation."

Here are U.S. Preventive Medicine's 12 key tips to help consumers get the most out of their annual physical:

Prioritize and verbalize personal concerns and goals
In advance of the appointment, be certain to identify all primary health and wellness concerns as well as expectations and goals for the visit. Upon arrival, address these with your doctor

Review family medical history
One of the most important steps in an annual physical is to update or review the history of illnesses in blood relatives. Many diseases have a strong hereditary predisposition. Make sure you know your family history and provide a detailed outline to your doctor.

Discuss mental health issues
The "mind-body connection" is not just a catch phrase. There is strong scientific evidence that stress, anxiety and depression have significant effects on physical well-being. Each annual physical should include an open discussion of personal stressors (occupational concerns, financial difficulties, family illness, elderly relatives, etc.) and any symptoms of anxiety, irritability, tension or depression.

Review the list of prescription and over-the-counter medications you currently take.
While medications and supplements may have life-saving benefits or provide symptom relief, all may induce detrimental side effects in some individuals under certain circumstances. Provide your doctor with a complete list of all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs or other supplements that you are taking or have recently taken.

Keep a personal copy of the paperwork
Request a copy of all laboratory work, diagnostic studies, consultations and the physician's report for your personal records. Maintain a notebook or binder with all of your medical records and any nutritional or exercise recommendations. By keeping everything organized in one place, you'll be better able to take control of your own health.