Most of us don’t exactly look forward to visiting the doctor—especially if we aren’t sick and the appointment is simply a routine check up. Usually, such visits involve a long wait (why do doctors always seem to run late) in a room full of wheezing, sneezing and coughing individuals...great, not! 

But a regular check up with your doctor, when there isn’t anything wrong, is an ideal opportunity for you both to pratice preventative medicine. Remember the adage an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure? As your doctor is likely very busy, and may only see you a couple of times a year, it’s a good idea for you to think about the appointment in advance and jot down any questions you feel are relevant for this period in your life. Check out our list of the most common questions to ask your doctor below and use the ones that apply to you: 

• Am I at a healthy weight?
• Is my lifestyle (diet, insufficient exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, etc.) affecting my health?
• How can I alleviate stress?
• What can I do about my feelings of depression, anxiety, etc.?
• Is my blood pressure in a normal range?
• How are my cholesterol levels?
• Am I at risk for heart disease, diabetes or any other hereditary diseases?
• Do I need routine cancer screening (e.g., colonoscopy, mammogram, prostate test), depending on my age and gender?
• Do I need any other tests? If so, what are you looking for by doing them?
• How can I avoid recurrence of any serious illnesses I had in the past?
• What does it mean if I’ve had problems with or changes in urination or bowel patterns?
• Am I at risk for osteoporosis?
• What should I do if I’m thinking about getting pregnant?
• Do I need to change the type of birth control I’m using?
• Should I be tested for any sexually transmitted infections?
• Do I need any vaccinations?
• Should I continue taking all the medications I’m on, and at the same dosage? What about any side effects I’m experiencing? 

At your checkup you should ask your doctor about anything that’s concerning you at present, as well as preventive measures. Be sure to have on hand the information your doctor will need, such as a list of all medications you’re taking, along with the dosage and frequency for each—and include non-prescription drugs, herbal medications, vitamin supplements, etc. 

And when your doctor asks you questions, be honest in your answers. Your well-being is at stake, and there’s no need to feel embarrassed—he or she has most likely heard it all before! 

What other sorts of questions do you ask your doctor?

http://www.bewell.com/ArticleDetail.aspx?id=5858&type=1

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/annual-physical-examinations

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