Learn About Prevention
Doctors and other health professionals may suggest you change your diet, activity level, or other aspects of your life to help you manage medical conditions. Research has shown that these changes, particularly getting more exercise and eating well, have positive effects on overall health.
Preventing disease is especially important for older adults. We know that it’ s never too late to stop smoking, improve your diet, or start exercising. Getting regular check-ups and seeing other health professionals, such as dentists and eye specialists, helps promote good health. Even people who have chronic diseases, like arthritis or diabetes, can prevent further disability and, in some cases, control the progression of these diseases.
If a certain disease or health condition runs in your family, ask your doctor if there are steps you can take to:
* Help prevent it * Manage it * Keep it from getting worse
It is just as important to talk with your doctor about lifestyle changes as it is to talk about medical treatment. For example:
I know that you’ ve told me to eat more dairy products, but they really disagree with me. Is there something else I could eat instead? or
Maybe an exercise class would help, but I have no way to get to the senior center. Is there something else you could suggest?
As with treatments, consider all the alternatives, look at risks and benefits, and remember to consider your own point of view. Tell your doctor if you feel his or her suggestions won’ t work for you and explain why. Keep talking with your doctor to come up with a plan that works.
If you want to discuss health and disease prevention with your doctor, say so when you make your next appointment. This lets the doctor plan to spend more time with you.
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Questions to ask about prevention:
* Is there any way to prevent a condition that runs in my family?
* Are there ways to keep my condition from getting worse?
* How will making a change in my habits help me?
* Are there any risks in making this change?
* Are there support groups or community services that might help me?
18 Making Decisions With Your Doctor