Page 124 - South Mississippi Living - June, 2019

SHY!
speak up
DON’T
BE
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
story by Lynn Lofton
Good communication is always helpful, but
especially when talking to your doctor about your health. The best advice seems to be to speak up and not be shy.
Dr. Shahira Hanna, an ob-gyn with the Woman’s Clinic of Biloxi and Gulfport, says to be honest. “You can ask your doctor anything. Be open and truthful. Only then can you get the best care and advice,” she said. “Remember that anything you say is completely confidential. No information can ever be released without your permission. Any subject that affects your physical, mental, or emotional wellbeing should be discussed. It will not be the first time your doctor hears anything that you have to say!”
Allowing yourself enough time for the visit and not feeling rushed is also helpful. “Especially if you had to wait — that can lead to frustration,” she added.
The National Institutes for Health (NIH) suggest making a list of questions and concerns before your appointment. Dr. Hanna agrees and also suggests bringing a list of all the medications
you take. “Write down questions and your entire medical and surgical history,” she said. “By doing these things in advance, you are less likely to forget important information. Your doctor will
appreciate your involvement in making the visit
as focused and efficient as possible.”
At a time when healthcare seems to be more
impersonal, it is more crucial than ever to
find a doctor with whom you can have a true relationship, according to Dr. Hanna. “Medicine is more complicated now than at any other time in history,” she said. “People need a doctor who can help them navigate this complexity. They need a doctor they can talk to and who will listen.”
The NIH points out that patients can play an active role in their health care through clear communication. Some tips for making the most of appointments include:
• Write down questions.
• Consider bringing a close friend or family
member with you.
• Take notes about what the doctor says, or ask a
friend or family member to take notes.
• Learn how to access your medical records, so
you can keep track of test results, diagnoses,
treatments plans, and medications.
• Ask for the doctor’s contact information and
preferred method of communication. Remember that nurses and pharmacists are also good sources of information.
124 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • June 2019
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