Take Charge of Your Health Care

The more you play an active role in your health care, the better quality of care you will receive.  Most people depend upon different doctors, nurses, pharmacists and insurance programs for their health care.  It's a team effort, and you (the patient) are the most important member of the team.  To take charge of your health care, follow these steps:  

1.  Keep track of important health information, kept together in one place, available for all medical appointments.  It includes: name, birth date, blood type, emergency names and phone numbers, list of medical providers, dates and results of checkups and screening tests, list of shots received, health conditions and allergies, and current medications.  

2.  Know your family health history.  

3.  Keep regular checkups.  Adults typically need a checkup every one to five years.  Remember, early detection of problems means easier treatment.  

4.  Make the most of your doctor visits:  write down a list of questions ahead of time, and you may want to bring a family member or friend with you to take notes.  Be sure to talk about any changes since your last visit.  

Source:  healthfinder.gov  

Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc., Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics (661) 325-1275 | www.drtupac.com 5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309