Why You Must Advocate For Your Health?

How many people do you think die each year from medical mistakes? Do you think it is only a few? The number might surprise you.

When you have done your homework and chosen a good doctor or hospital, it seems that you should be able to rely on their decisions and care and leave your health in their hands.

To some extent you can. But the ultimate responsibility for your health lies in your hands, and it is up to you to educate yourself and advocate for your own health.

The fact that you are reading this health blog shows that you are interested in knowing more about being healthy. Researching health topics makes you an informed consumer.

After all, that is what you are, a consumer of health services. The product is your health and well-being, and you owe it to yourself and your family to see that you get the best care, and the right care, for whatever conditions you may have.

If you are not comfortable asking your doctor questions, then have someone you trust accompany you. If your doctor is not comfortable answering your questions, then find another doctor.

You deserve someone who wants to be a partner in your health care, not a dictator. At the end of the day, you may be just one of hundreds of patients your doctor sees each year, but you are the only “you” you and your family have.

If you pay attention, educate yourself and ask questions, you can avoid becoming one of the more than 100,000 people each year who die from medical mistakes in the United States alone.