Get the Most from Your Doctor with Communication

Have you been to the doctor recently? If you are over age 40, you should have your annual check-up and be sure your doctor orders a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP). Some people don't like going to the doctor, and others might not like getting lab work; however, these are just some of the things your doctor would urge you to do for better overall health and well-being.

You want to get the most from your doctor's appointments, but it's hard to bring up sensitive issues or remember all the questions you've been storing up. 

When you are young, this generally isn't a problem. However, as we get past age 40, we start having more health issues. Some people might be embarrassed about some of the health problems they are experiencing, so they don't talk to their doctor about these issues.

Why Go to the Doctor if You Feel Fine?

Other people say they feel great, so why go to the doctor. Many health problems have no apparent symptoms yet can be diagnosed and treated correctly after a complete examination.

Health issues increase when we are in our 50's, which is why sometimes you will hear the term "fragile 50's". Once you reach your 50s, you start having chronic health problems that need to be addressed. 

Your health and body have changed in the past twenty years, but you will face significant changes in your health, body, and mind in the next twenty or more.

Dealing with health problems early allows for better outcomes. 

Are You Seeing Your Doctor Regularly?

Ignoring regular check-ups is not in your best interest. It would be best to start having regular health check-ups by age 40. By age 50, it should be part of your routine every year. 

Both men and women in their 40s should have blood work to determine blood glucose and check for pre-diabetes. Men should be concerned about blood pressure and their prostate. Women should be concerned about endometriosis, fibroids, irregular bleeding, heavy periods, and peri-menopausal symptoms.

When you see your doctor be sure to have a conversation and exchange information; engaging with your doctor will help you maintain good health and well-being. Your doctor can't read your mind, and they won't know your concerns or issues unless you tell them.

Here are nine tips from doctors themselves to encourage you to get the most out of every visit.

Don't Avoid the Doctor

Don't avoid your doctor. Too many people put off seeing the doctor until it's too late. Avoiding the doctor does not prevent you from becoming ill or getting older. You might think that statement is funny, yet some people feel that if they feel fine, going to the doctor will jinx their good health!

Today's medical practices are doing their best to improve the experience. Experts say that a positive patient-physician relationship and improving communication between the patient and the doctor and their staff make for a better experience. Either way, avoiding the doctor is not in your best interest. 

Share Family Medical History

Your doctor should be aware of your family history. In order to share this history, you need to know it. Ask family members while they are still alive if you don't know family medical history. 

Families have many things in common, including their genes, environment, and lifestyle. Some conditions tend to run in families. Your doctor can be on the lookout for health issues that you may be more prone to suffer from in the future. Being proactive will maintain your health and help your doctor keep you healthy.

This family history tool from the American Medical Association can help you in the process of putting together your family history.

Are You Prepared for the Costs and Burdens of Aging?

Too many people also want to ignore the financial costs and burdens of aging. People require long-term care services when they face an extended illness, an accident, or just the consequences of longevity. 

Being a caregiver, especially for a loved one, places a physical, emotional, and financial burden on them. This stress has an impact on everyone involved. If you think your spouse or kids will provide your care in the decades ahead, you better think again. Remember, family caregivers are usually untrained and unprepared for the role that is demanding physically and emotionally.

Long-Term Care Has Consequences on Family and Finances

Paid professional care can quickly be a financial drain on your income and assets. It changes your lifestyle and can change your legacy. The fact is that long-term care services are expensive, so you better have a better solution in place before you get older and your health declines.

The LTC NEWS Cost of Care Calculator can help you discover the current and future cost of care services where you live.

For many American families, affordable Long-Term Care Insurance is an easy solution. A Long-Term Care Insurance policy is a solution helping you maintain control and independence. 

You get to maintain control of your life. Your loved ones will have the time to be family instead of caregivers. The amount of stress diminishes for everyone. Your hard-earned savings will not be reduced or disappear altogether. 

Plus, you will have access to your choice of quality care options, including in-home care. 

Research Long-Term Care Insurance Planning

LTC NEWS offers many research tools to help you learn your options and plan for your future

You might love your financial advisor but don't depend on them for long-term care planning. Most insurance agents and financial advisors are not experts in long-term care, and they lack the knowledge they should have to help you plan appropriately.

Several items make a specialist a specialist, including:

• Substantial experience with Long-Term Care Insurance, including traditional (including Partnership), hybrid, and short-term plans that offer practical solutions.
• Underwriting. Every insurance company has its own underwriting criteria. Matching your age and health with the right company is essential.
• Understanding how Long-Term Care Insurance gets used at the time of claim. Many non-specialists recommend benefit levels that are usually more than most people need.
• Processing claims—specialists process claims with firsthand knowledge of the process where non-specialists often have never processed a claim.
• Specialists work with the major companies, whereas non-specialists often work with just one or two.

Find a Qualified Specialist

Find a trusted Long-Term Care Insurance specialist. Don't put off the doctor, and don't ignore longevity. 

Find the Right Doctor

If you are ready to start being proactive with your health, you need to find the right doctor. Here are a few tips:

• Check your health insurance company. Typically every insurance company publishes a directory, or you can search doctors on its website.
• Consider hospital affiliation. Your choice of doctor can determine which hospital you may have to go to if you need to go to the hospital. However, many hospitals now use "hospitalists" that specialize in the care of patients in the hospital. These "hospitalists" work with your doctor, who will normally not visit you when you are there.
• Look for board certification.
• You can choose a male or female doctor if that makes you more comfortable.
• In most cases, you can interview a doctor before deciding to make them your primary physician. 
• If you are not happy with your doctor - change doctors!

Now, go make that appointment for a check-up.