It can be challenging to advocate for your own health, but when you learn simple strategies that you can implement each day, it becomes more of a habit and less of a burden. Self-advocacy is an essential part of remaining healthy and vital. Advocating for your own health means taking the initiative in understanding, managing, and improving your overall well-being. Here are some tips on becoming an effective self-advocate for your health:
1. Live Healthier
Self-advocacy begins with taking steps to lead a healthy lifestyle at home, which isn’t just good for your mind and body, but is also great for your all-around well-being. Start by introducing healthy habits into your daily routine, like taking the stairs when possible and eating nutritious snacks throughout the day.
Also, keep track of your progress in a journal, and don’t forget to stay hydrated. Start with small, simple changes. Pick a salad as a side. Have a glass of water instead of another coffee. With consistency and discipline, you’ll be on your way to achieving your health goals in no time!
2. Understand Your Health Insurance Plan
Having a solid grasp of your health insurance plan is essential if you want to get the most out of it. Know which services and treatments are covered by your policy, and learn about any restrictions or caveats associated with them.
Doing your homework will ensure that you don’t get stuck with unforeseen costs down the line. It’s also important to know what kind of access to specialists and other healthcare providers your plan offers. The more you know, the better equipped you’ll be to make informed decisions about your care.
Many plans offer beneficial perks to keep you healthy, such as discounted gym memberships, alternative therapies, or even mental health therapies. Call your insurance provider or visit the company’s website to learn more.
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive plan and aren’t covered by your employer, consider getting on your spouse’s plan if that is an option for you. Those that work for themselves can find health insurance through the Freelancers Union or ACA, in addition to healthcare.gov. Supplemental plans can also fill in any gaps you find in your coverage.
3. Keep Your Records Organized
On your self-advocacy journey, you will quickly realize that healthcare providers often ask you directly for medical records and other forms. To ensure the best possible care, be sure to provide any suggested documents in a timely manner. This will help your doctors keep your records up-to-date and accurate, allowing them to serve you better and faster. Remember to read all the instructions carefully before filling out a form, and submit it as soon as possible for optimal results.
Where it is feasible, ask to have access to printed copies of your health records. Some healthcare providers may also be able to provide digital access to your documents. Try to save your own versions so that you can access them anytime you need to, and not be at the mercy of a busy doctor’s office should you need records in a timely manner.
If secure record keeping is a concern, PDF files are recommended, as they cannot be altered. There’s a tool to help with this option, to quickly and easily convert any Microsoft Word or Excel files in your records into PDFs, ensuring they remain intact during the exchange process between doctors’ offices. That way, all of your important medical information will stay up-to-date and accessible without risk of loss, tampering, or corruption.
4. Speak Up at Your Appointments
If there’s something you don’t understand or that makes you uncomfortable during a medical visit, don’t hesitate to speak up! Regarding your healthcare, it’s essential that you feel comfortable communicating with your doctors so that they understand the kind of care you need, as well as any concerns or questions that may arise during the course of treatment. Ask plenty of questions and take notes so that you can refer back to them later if necessary.
5. Stay Informed About Your Health
It’s never been easier to stay informed about your own health, thanks to the Internet and other digital tools available today. Take advantage of these tools by researching your own conditions, treatments, and supplements before making any major decisions about your care. Parents should also be advocates for children (or even their parents). As a caregiver, it is your responsibility to not only research your own, but your loved ones’ medical needs, as well.
Reading credible articles from reputable sources is one way to stay updated on current developments in healthcare and medicine. It also gives you a better understanding of how certain conditions might impact or interact with each other in terms of treatment options or system management strategies.
Take Control of Your Health
It’s empowering to take care of your own health! By modifying your lifestyle, keeping your medical records organized, finding the best health insurance policy, speaking freely with your doctors, and following the other tips above, you can become a strong self-advocate and make educated decisions about your healthcare goals and strategies. Self-advocacy begins with you; take the time to learn more about how you can foster your physical, mental, and emotional health!
Visit MedShadow.org to learn about low- and no-risk alternatives to conventional medicines, and how you can decrease your side effects. MedShadow is a nonprofit foundation that reports on conditions, medications, health, and wellness topics without the funding nor influence of the pharmaceutical industry.
