There are two key people in your health care team, you and your doctor. You are just as important as your doctor in directing your health care. Only you know how you feel, what you are doing or not doing to improve your health, what you expect from your health, and any difficulties you may be having. It is important for you to tell your doctor these things so he or she can recommend the best treatment.
The first step you should take in becoming an active member of your health care team is to understand what you are being treated for and why. Continue to ask questions until you understand the answer. It is important for you to understand the special diet you are on, medicines you may be taking, and the tests needed to follow your progress. Ask about the benefits of medications as well as possible side effects. If you are aware of possible side effects of a treatment, you will be able to manage them better. By paying attention to your health and maintaining your own records, you will become an active decision maker in your health care.
In addition to your doctor, other health professionals can help you control your blood cholesterol levels. These persons include:
Because you have high blood cholesterol you will need to monitor your cholesterol and other risk factors for the rest of your life. By discussing your monitoring plan with your health care provider, both you and your physician will be more likely to stick to this plan. Several helpful hints are provided in the box below to help you avoid relapsing to a less healthy lifestyle. If you have a specific problem that is not listed here, discuss it with your doctor, nurse, or dietitian.
Some tips
Record your test results at each visit. Set realistic short-term goals and write them down. Review your goals during each visit with your health care provider. Share your goals with your family and friends. Support is often the key to success. If you find yourself unable to keep to your plan, write down all of the reasons that you think are responsible. Next, write down what alternatives you have if that situation happens again. If you prepare an alternate strategy in advance, you are more likely to stick to your plan and reach your goals.
Maintaining healthy behaviors and overcoming relapse
The goal of diet, physical activity, weight loss, and medicine is to keep your blood cholesterol under control. If you go off your treatment, your blood cholesterol will go up again--and so will your risk for heart disease. You need to continue your cholesterol-lowering therapy for life. Many people find lifelong changes in diet and activity difficult to manage. It is important to remember that because you may not always stick with your new diet or exercise plan, you are not a failure--just human. The most important part of your new healthy lifestyle is learning how to overcome these challenges and quickly return to your goal.
Source:
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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