Bob Jones 
Healthy Option 
5 Tips for Advocating for Your Health
In a world where health insurance, medical bills and healthcare providers are a nightmare for patients, the need for a patient advocate is more critical than ever. This person helps patients navigate the medical system, understand their condition and treatment options and advocate for their rights.
Why Being Healthy is So Hard Now There are a variety of reasons people have a harder time staying healthy now. For many people, the challenges are exacerbated by chronic conditions such as mental illness, physical disabilities and cognitive impairment.
This can leave patients feeling isolated and helpless. They may lose control over their medications, putting them at greater risk for falling or becoming unwell. They also struggle to communicate their concerns, relying on family and friends for support and guidance.
If you’re struggling with this, there are steps you can take to make the process easier for yourself.
1. Begin by finding a health care provider who is a good fit for you. When you’re first matched with a doctor, it’s a good idea to make a list of all your questions and concerns and write them down. That way, if you need to ask them a question later, you’ll have the information you need.
2. Be Prepared for Your Medical Visits When it comes to visiting your doctors, you should always arrive early so you can give them all the information they need to treat you effectively. Arriving on time will also ensure that you’re calm and focused during your appointment.
3. Listen to your doctor’s words carefully, and ask questions when necessary. Your doctor can’t always answer all your questions, but they should always try to explain everything in a clear and concise manner. You should take notes and reread their explanations to make sure you fully understand what they are saying.
4. Keep up with your medical tests and treatments. If you have any concerns about a test or procedure, ask your doctor to rerun it for you. This can help you determine if it was effective or not, and it may also save you time.
5. Avoid fake health claims There are many companies out there making fake health claims, scamming people out of their money and their health. These claims are made to get you to buy their products or services, which can include drugs, treatments, supplements, equipment and more.
These fraudulent practices are often more successful with elderly and mentally disabled patients. As these patients have a lower level of awareness and trust in the medical field, they are more likely to believe the lies and misinformation these scams spread.
6. Be a Self-Advocate When you’re seeing your doctor, be prepared to speak up about any symptoms you have or any questions you have about your medical treatment plan. This is especially important if you have questions about whether or not the treatment you’re receiving is working for you.
Getting a second opinion is also a great way to make sure you’re focusing on the right thing for your health needs. It can also provide you with a fresh perspective on what you’re experiencing and the best ways to get the most out of your health care.
