Taking Responsibility For Your Own Health: Power to the Patient!
Being able to lead a healthy life is something that we all desire, yet our bodies inevitably work against this ideal as we age. Whether we have a physical or mental ailment, we’re told to lean on the support of the national healthcare system and those who operate within it. Yet our first approach should always be to take responsibility for our own health and wellbeing. So let’s celebrate the concept of power to the patient!
With the UK’s National Health Service dealing with approximately 1.6 million patients daily, the importance of taking your health into your own hands has never been more important. Over the last few years, we have watched as our healthcare system has been stretched to its limits, demonstrating how we can no longer solely rely on others for our health/well-being and need to hold ourselves accountable.
For far to long, many of us have paid little regard to our lifestyles thinking that our healthcare system will provide a magic bullet to deal with all our ailments. While that should never have been an acceptable approach, now that most of us cannot even get a GP appointment when we need one and may have to wait months for follow-up treatments at clinics and hospitals, it is more important than even we think differently about our longer-term health and wellbeing.
Taking back the power over your own health enables you to make informed decisions, actively participate in your healthcare, and work towards achieving optimal well-being. But how do you achieve this?
We explore several strategies to help you take charge of your health and actively participate in your healthcare journey.
Educate Yourself
The first step in taking the reins on your health journey is to educate yourself about your body, common health conditions, and preventive measures. Healthy Life Essex is a great resource for finding how to lead a happier, healthier lifestyle.
You’ll find that lifestyle changes are an essential element of maintaining good health:
- A Mediterranean Diet rich in wholefoods, fruit and vegetables is promoted by the majority of health practitioners as the best option.
- Regular exercise affects your brain, so is not only essential to keep fit but is also good for mental wellbeing.
- Similarly, getting in touch with nature has been shown to have a profound positive impact on mental wellbeing.
There is also an abundance of complementary therapists that can help you on your route to optimum health.
Approach your GP or use trusted medical websites and books, to seek reliable sources of information about any conditions you might already have and any you could be susceptible to due to your family medical history. However, be wary of self-diagnosing using more general internet searches. You could very easily find yourself driving down the wrong rabbit hole!
Don’t rush yourself, and ensure that you take the time to research and understand any symptoms or conditions you may be experiencing or any in your genetic build-up. With this knowledge, you will feel more confident attending GP appointments if that becomes necessary. It can also help you engage in meaningful discussions with healthcare providers, ask informed questions, and actively participate in making health decisions.
You could even consider compiling all the information you’ve found into a personal medical health record that you could take to GP appointments, which will help you record past appointments, treatments, and any sensitive information you and your GP may have discussed.
Find The Right Health Provider
If you are not happy with your current GP or have moved to a new area, trying to get list with a new GP and getting an appointment may seem daunting. But it is essential to find a healthcare professional whom you trust, feel comfortable with, and who respect your opinions and concerns.
Effective communication is critical to fostering positive relationships with your healthcare provider so that they understand your symptoms, the treatments you’ve tried in the past, your health goals, and your concerns.
Wherever you live, especially if in a densely populated urban area such as London, you might wish to consider registering with a private GP if you are in a financial position to consider this option. This is certainly one of the ways of ensuring power to the patient. For example, partnering with a private GP in Chelsea, like Sloane Street Surgery, can grant you access to the highest quality medical care (and communication efforts!).
As well as getting first-class care, you’ll also be taking pressure off the NHS so they have more capacity to deal with other patients who are perhaps less fortunate. So, if you’re searching for a new healthcare provider that will give you control over your health journey, consider visiting their website to learn more about the implications of registering with a private GP.
Let Your Voice Be Heard
When determining a formal diagnosis, you might have many medical terms thrown at you. And if in the normal NHS system, you might find yourself being pushed down a specific route that is the ‘norm’ for that hospital or clinic, without being given other options. And whatever your healthcare issue, there are invariably alternative options.
Letting your voice be heard is a key element of ensuring power to the patient!
Suppose you believe firmly in your symptoms or your preferred treatment route, even if your friends, family, or current medical provider are doubtful. In that case, it is vital that you let your voice be heard and learn how to self-advocate effectively.
Thankfully, there are several ways that you can achieve this, from understanding your patient rights and being an active participant in the decision-making process to trusting in yourself and proactively seeking out the answers you need.
When exploring treatments, ask your healthcare provider about the available options, potential benefits, risks, and side effects. Don’t agree to anything until you’re satisfied that you understand the goals of each treatment and how they align with your preferences and lifestyle.
If you feel your current health provider isn’t allowing your voice to be heard or have doubts or concerns about a diagnosis or recommended treatment plan, don’t hesitate to get a second opinion. And don’t forget that you have the right to be informed and involved in your health decisions – so trust your gut and advocate for your well-being!
Seek Support and Connect with Others
Another way you can take your health into your own hands is by connecting with others experiencing similar health challenges. Being surrounded by a supportive network of people who are going through a similar experience can provide emotional support and valuable insights which you can use to advocate for your health journey.
Thankfully, we live in an interconnected world, making seeking out and joining support groups, online forums, or local communities more straightforward. Within these groups, you can share experiences and seek advice, which can help you learn from others who have gone through similar experiences. In times of need, these support groups can offer valuable information, emotional support, and inspiration to stay motivated and focused on your health goals.