When it comes to your health care, your health care provider does all the work, right?
Wrong.
Think all you have to do is show up for an appointment every now and then?
Think again.
The relationship between you and your health care provider works the same way friendship or romance does: if you want it to work, it takes two. And when you're dealing with something as important as your health, you need to make sure you're doing your part.
Read on for some tips especially for teens.
Honesty Is the Best Policy
Imagine that you're asked to do a division problem without knowing what numbers you're supposed to divide. It's unlikely that you'll come up with the correct answer without that critical information, right? So, don't do this to your health care provider! Trying to diagnose a condition or give proper medical care is nearly impossible if the patient is not honest about what's going on.
Of course, you might feel reluctant to tell your health care provider that you drink alcohol if you're not supposed to. And yes, maybe you'd rather not have to tell explain how you've been experiencing intense vaginal itching. But, leave any of this information out, or — worse yet — flat-out lie, and your provider may not be able to give you proper care.
Health care providers are smart, but they can't read minds. So 'fess up.
There Are No Stupid Questions!
You've probably heard that phrase a hundred times at school. It's just as important to remember in the doctor's office as in the classroom.
Be sure to ask your health care provider anything and everything that's on your mind about symptoms, diagnoses, treatments, or follow-ups. Your time with your provider is just that: your time, so use it. Don't worry about seeming difficult or ignorant — every good health care provider knows how important it is that both doctor and patient understand what's going on.
Remember, they went to medical school, not you! It is part of their job to answer your questions about your health. And the better you understand your health, the more likely you are to take care of it, which makes your provider's life easier, too. So, ask away!
The Internet and Your Health
If you're reading this article, you already know that the Internet can be a fantastic resource when it comes to health matters. There are helpful sites with all kinds of medical information and open forums where you can discuss symptoms, medications, and personal concerns.
And while we are very lucky to have such enormous amounts of information at our fingertips (literally!), as with any kind of Internet research, you have to be careful. If you're using the Internet to get facts about your health, it's always a good idea to check that information with your provider to make sure your dealing with accurate information.
Also, beware of trying to diagnose yourself online. Only your health care provider can determine whether or not you have a specific condition. You might be surprised how quickly you seem to have every symptom of some terrible disease that you read about!
So, use the Internet wisely — it is a great research tool, but leave the diagnoses and treatment plans to your health care provider, not your computer.
Time to Go Solo?
You know the drill: when you're young, a parent (or another trusted adult) takes you to your appointments. Often that person stays with you during exams, and talks with your doctor afterwards. Your primary caretaker's involvement is a very important part of your health, but there comes a point when you'll be ready to do this stuff on your own.
For a lot people, a good time to make the change is when you're able to get yourself to your appointments — when you get a driver's license, or you can use public transportation safely unaccompanied. When you feel you're ready, it's a good idea to discuss this with your parents.
Before you bring it up, think a little about how you want your parents to be involved going forward. Remember, they'll want to feel needed, so it might be a good idea to say something like, "I still want us to discuss my health with you and I still want your advice, but I feel like I'm ready to take a more adult role at doctor's visits." Don't be afraid of hurting their feelings — it's a natural part of the growing up process. Many parents will be proud that you've reached this point, and that you're bringing up this decision in a mature and open way!
Good Habits Stick
Remember, your provider may be the one who draws the blood, runs the tests, and writes the prescriptions, but that doesn't mean you can't have an active role in what goes on both inside and outside of that office! Learning to take responsibility for your health care now is a habit that will serve you for the rest of your life. So hold up your end of the deal: be the best patient you can be, and help yourself receive the best care possible. You deserve it.
Make an appointment with the nearest Planned Parenthood health center.
