I believe women are the cause of one of the biggest problems in our own health care in the United States. Before you start to argue with me, hear me out.
As a women’s health advocate, I believe one of the biggest problems we face is our own unwillingness to take care of ourselves. Sure, we talk about big picture issues like research and funding. We rally around causes like breast cancer research and protest when the care available to us doesn’t match up to what is available for men.
And when it comes to our family’s health, we are fierce and aggressive about finding the right doctor and getting the best available treatments.
So why don’t we do that for ourselves? Why don’t we take ownership of our own health? Here are 4 symptoms of this health care epidemic that we need to recognize and avoid.
1. Not telling the truth
Have you ever left the doctor’s office only to realize you forgot to tell the doctor something that might be important? How about deliberately leaving out details or altering the facts just a little bit, like reducing the number of alcoholic drinks you consume each week?
These may seem like minor issues. But your doctor needs every bit of truthful information to take the best possible care of you. Your doctor is not there to judge you. So don’t let “white lies” or missing details reduce the quality of your own health care. Tell the truth every time you talk to your doctor.
2. Embarrassed to talk about it
Some people can talk about anything while others start blushing at the idea of saying something personal. And let’s face it. Some topics like sexual problems or a leaky bladder are just hard to talk about! But your doctor can’t help solve a problem if you don’t mention it.
So consider the doctor’s office to be a safe zone where you can say anything. If you know you won’t be able to get the words out once you are face to face, write it down and hand over the note.
If even that is too hard, send your doctor an email or letter a few days before the appointment explaining what’s going on and that it is hard for you to talk about. That way the doctor can do all the talking and you can get the treatment you need to feel better.
3. Failure to ask questions
Knowledge is power and the internet gives all of us the chance to be empowered about our own health. There are many websites, including EmpowHER.com that can help you find answers to your medical questions.
Here on EmpowHER, we regularly get questions from “Anonymous” and we welcome them. We also encourage our visitors to create screen names that don’t reveal your identity. That way you can have complete freedom to do your research and ask questions of our experts to get the answers you need.
4. Counting only the cost
When money is tight, going to the doctor may seem like an indulgence instead of a valuable use of resources. As a health advocate, I can only say that going to the doctor is never an indulgence! If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t have anything left, either physically or emotionally, to give to your family. So don’t wait until you have “extra” money to get your annual exams or any other care you need.
You’ve heard the saying “time is money”. I say time is more valuable than money when it comes to your health. You cannot buy your way out of being sick. No amount of money can take away a difficult diagnosis like cancer. And there is not enough money in the world to turn back time so you can get an earlier diagnosis or start treatment sooner.
As women, we need to use our time now to take better care of ourselves. Be the one who sets the example by taking care of yourself so you will be able to take better care of your family. You’re not just doing it for yourself. You’re doing it for all the people who love you and need you. Take ownership of your health and your family will thank you for it.