Stay Healthy: Be Involved in Your Health Care!!
In general nobody ever wants to be admitted in a hospital for whatever reason. Do you know how much it pays you off if you leave everything on others? Do you know that more people die from health care errors than from accidents, breast cancer, or AIDS? It is not necessary but most often a slight mistake can be a havoc.
Such mistakes can happen during even the most routine tasks, such as when a hospital patient on a salt-free diet is given a high-salt meal. So what can you do? The only solution is to get as much involved in your health care issues as possible.
Remember the more you are concerned about your health, the less you are at a risk!!
Be interactive:
Be involved in each and every decision about your health. You will get far better results if you show concern towards your health.
Keep your Doctor updated:
Do not assume that everyone knows everything they need to. You must ensure that your doctor know everything about your health. Whether you take medicines or dietary supplements like vitamins, herbs etc, and your doctor should know everything about it.
Always ask for written information about the side effects your medicine could cause. This will make you better prepared for it. If you face any side-affect such as allergies, vomiting etc after taking medicines then inform your doctor about it. This will help you avoid getting a medicine that can harm you. If your doctor's records are up to date then he would be able to give you better treatment.
Make sure you can read prescription:
Think for a moment if you being an educated person can't read the prescription then what is the guarantee that your pharmacist will be able to understand it? Make sure the pharmacist give you the same medicine as is prescribed by your doctor. Remember wrong drug or wrong dose may cost your life.
Know your treatment plan:
Do not let everything going. You are a normal person and most probably you won't be able to understand complex medical terms. As your doctor as well as the pharmacist about the medicine you are given. Make it clear that you know what is the medicine for, how do you take it and for how long, what are its side-affects and what to do if any side affect occur. Similarly you should know if it is safe to take prescribed medicine with other medicines or dietary supplements you take and what food, drink, or activities you should avoid while taking those medicines.
Most doctors think their patients understand more than they really do when they return home. When you are being discharged from the hospital you ask your doctor to explain the treatment plan you will use at home.
Do not over-dose:
It is hard for a normal person to understand medicine labels. If it is written 3 doses daily then you should know if it means taking a dose every eight hours around the clock or during regular waking hours only.
Research shows that many people do not understand the right way to measure liquid medicines. Most of us use household teaspoons which often do not hold a true teaspoon of liquid. Special devices, like marked syringes, help people to measure the right dose.
Give priority to treatment at hospital:
Research shows that most patients tend to have better results if they are treated in hospitals rather at home. Also you should be concerned about the health care workers who are in direct contact with you. Hand washing is an important way to prevent the spread of infections in hospitals.
Take second advice before surgery:
It is recommended to take a second advice before surgery. Even if you are having surgery then you must be sure that you, your doctor, and your surgeon all agree and are clear on exactly what will be done.
Know your right:
Remember you are the one who is being treated and you have a right to question anyone who is involved with your care. Do not sit calm; speak up if you have questions or concerns. It is a good idea to find out why a test or treatment is needed and how it can help you. You could be better off without it.
If you are having a test or surgery then you should ask about the results. Try to learn about your condition and treatments by asking your doctor and nurse and by using other reliable sources. You should be sure that your treatment is based on the latest evidence.
Take Help:
May be you don't need help now but you may need it later. There should be a family member or friend for you who can help get things done and speak up for you if you can't.
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