By John Valentik, MS, CSCS, NASM-PES, FMS

I’m sure many of you reading this title are initially telling yourselves, “Of course, that’s a no brainer!” I’m thrilled for your enthusiasm, but I’d like you to stick with me for a few minutes. Scheduling your annual doctor’s appointment, taking over-the-counter meds when you’re ill, and going to physical therapy for an injury are all very appropriate actions to take to be your own health advocate. However, consider taking it a bit further.

Starting at an early age, we know that when something isn’t feeling right, we should talk to a grown up. Our kids let us know this all the time! And while Mommy and Daddy are the first line of defense, sometimes proper action requires calling the doctor. Once this action has been taken, many of us begin to default all of our senses and intuitions to whatever the doctor tells us. This goes for care for a loved one or ourselves, and for good reason. Doctors spend 11-15 years in schooling AFTER high school. And while I have the utmost respect for doctors, I urge all of you to continue being your own health advocate even after that initial doctor’s call is made.

I’ve done over 12,000 personal training sessions to date. This is a lot of time with people, and a lot of time observing these same clients go through primary care visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and specialized doctors. Check out some easy action items to better prepare yourself for any of these visits!

• Take notes: Allied health professionals can hit you with a lot of information in a short amount of time. Write down main points or put them in your phone. Don’t worry about asking them to repeat something or give additional clarification.
• If a procedure is recommended, ask the following: Why? Are there any other options? What is the doctor’s experience level with this procedure? What is the success rate? What does the recovery look like?
• Bring another person: In addition to taking notes, a friend or a loved one can help recall conversation in addition to asking other relevant questions of the doctor.
• Get a second opinion: You may love your doctor, but at the end of the day, it’s your body. When certain recommendations are made, it is never a bad idea to get a second or even third opinion, especially if the procedure is invasive or complex.
• Ask for more testing if you aren’t getting an answer. You know your body the best. If something isn’t right and continues to not feel right, keep asking for more until you get an answer. Don’t settle for feeling “bad” because the initial tests or conversations don’t give you an easy answer.

Use these tips when you’re at your next doctor’s appointment. Remember to be proactive and not wait until something is a major issue before calling. Stay healthy my friends!