Most people are health care consumers.
A health care consumer is simply someone who uses health or medical services. For example, it could be anyone who:
• Sees a provider for regular checkups
• Goes to the dentist or eye doctor
• Is a patient in a hospital
• Uses the pharmacy to get their medications
• Goes to group therapy
• Gets nutrition counseling
The question is: what does it mean to be a wise health care consumer?
For the most part, it means doing two things:
• Knowing how to navigate the health care system
• Doing your part to take care of your health
How to Wisely Navigate the Health Care System
Let’s face it: Health care is confusing. No single person or family is the same. Different people have different health issues. Everyone has different health care plans.
The key here is knowing that you can always get help. You just have to know where to go. At Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, there’s always someone who can help you. It just starts with asking.
If you have concerns about your health care plan, finding a provider, handling a chronic disease, paying for treatment, aches, pains, or anything else, ask us. We’re here for you.
Taking Care of Your Health
Taking care of your own health is the second part of being a wise health care provider.
Your provider can only do so much to help you stay healthy. The rest is up to you.
Here’s how to best manage your health:
1. Keep up with checkups
You should see your provider once every year for a physical. During this appointment, your provider will check your weight, blood pressure, pulse, and overall health. You can tell them about any pains or problems you are having. You can also ask questions.
This is a very important appointment. You should not miss it, even if you’re not feeling bad. To help you remember, try scheduling your yearly checkup around a date you’ll remember, like your birthday or Mothers or Fathers Day.
2. Prepare for appointments
Before your regular checkup or any medical appointment, get ready. Write down any questions or concerns you have on a piece of paper. Also write down what medications and/or supplements you are taking and if you’ve had any recent medical problems or surgeries. Remember to take this piece of paper with you.
3. Be honest with your providers
There’s no need to worry about judgment with your providers. Be honest about your questions and concerns. This is much better than holding back important information about your health.
4. Keep track of your health
For example, if you are trying to lose weight, keep a notebook or binder with your progress. If you are taking a new medication, take note of how it makes you feel. Do you worry about a pain you’ve been having in your side? Keep track of when it happens.
It’s your responsibility to keep track of your health. No one else can do this for you.
5. Stay organized
Staying organized is essential when it comes to your health. Again, use a simple notebook or binder. Put everything there that pertains to your health. You might also use a calendar to keep track of medications, prescription pick-ups, weight loss, blood pressure, or other symptoms.
6. Practicing preventive medicine
Lastly, and most importantly, practice preventive medicine. Preventive medicine means medical measures that help you avoid health problems.
This includes doing the following:
• Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet of fruits, veggies, lean protein, whole grains, and lots of water
• Avoiding processed and sugary foods
• Avoiding smoking, drinking to excess, and drug-use
• Exercising on a regular basis
• Avoiding excess stress
• Taking your medications on time every day
• Practicing good dental health habits, including regular brushing and flossing
