&Wellness

The Dispatch C www.cdispatch.com

Health
12 Sunday, June 2, 2019 Health & Wellness

Trinity Healthcare residents Nancy Gillis, Hattie Mitchell

and Katie Heurkamp participate in a game of noodle ball. Sunday,June 2, 2019
Photo by Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch
2 Sunday, June 2, 2019 The Dispatch C www.cdispatch.com Health & Wellness Health & Wellness The Dispatch C www.cdispatch.com Sunday, June 2, 2019 11
10 Sunday, June 2, 2019 The Dispatch C www.cdispatch.com Health & Wellness Health & Wellness The Dispatch C www.cdispatch.com Sunday, June 2, 2019 3

Eight tips to make the most of your next doctor’s visit Five warm weather weight loss blunders to avoid
Statepoint and Dispatch Staff conditions, but patients must fully commu- Statepoint dulging, alternate one or two drinks with fizzy seltzer over
ice and a lime wedge.

A
nicate their concerns and health history in

V
isits to the doctor can be very pro-
ductive with a little preparatory work
in advance of the appointment, say
experts.
“For some people, visits to the doctor
can be daunting or even scary, but there
are steps you can take beforehand that
will improve the experience, foster com-
munication, and, in turn, improve health
outcomes,” says Barbara L. McAneny,
M.D., president of the American Medical
Association (AMA). “By being open and
honest with your physician and by asking
questions, you can play a key role in pre-
venting the progression of chronic disease
and in charting a healthier course.”
Here are eight ways to get more from
your next doctor’s visit:
1. Know your history. A family health
history can help your physician and other
health care practitioners identify whether
you’re at a higher risk for particular condi-
tions and diseases. With this information,
they can make informed care decisions,
from recommending particular treatments
or diagnostics to helping you plan lifestyle
changes that will help keep you well.
Before your next visit, gather as much
information as you can to share with your
doctor.
“A doctor’s responsibility is to know
and understand the entirety of a patient’s
medical history,” said Dr. Ashley Harris,
chief medical officer at Baptist Memorial
Hospital-Golden Triangle. “That being said,
a provider is most interested in those as-
pects of a medical history that are of con-
sequence to their patient’s ongoing medical
care. ... Additionally it is important to think
of all medical problems — it is easy to for-
get that things like obstructive sleep apnea
or GERD can be very important to your
doctor. ... A report of your medical history
should be concise but complete.”
2. Be honest. Your doctor will likely ask
you about such health habits as alcohol,
tobacco, and drug use as well as the
amount of exercise you get. It is important
to be honest and accurate when answering
these questions. Ask your doctor if you use
tobacco, drugs or alcohol and need help
quitting.
Harris said a doctor’s job is not to judge
or make moral decisions about a patient,
but to provide information and care that is
helpful, not harmful.
“Patients should be confident that they
Before visiting your doctor, be prepared with questions about your health concerns.
can be open and honest with their doctors
without fear of judgment,” he said. “Hon-
esty regarding alcohol and substance abuse
is critical because these substances can
have significant physical and emotional im-
pacts over time. Additionally, certain pre-
scription medications must be used with
caution or avoided altogether in patients
that consume alcohol or other substances.”
3. Make a list. Even if you are just going
in for a regular check-up, make a list of the
things you want to discuss during your visit
and bring it to your appointment. Topics
may include symptoms you’ve experi-
enced, ailments you’ve suffered and more.
However, Harris says, keep it short and
to the point. Focus on two or three things
that are causing you the most discomfort or
concern.
“Being specific about ... new symptoms
or concerns allows your doctor to focus
their attention on addressing those issues
aggressively,” he said. “Being open and
up-front about your goals for the visit will
improve the likelihood that your doctor can
meet your expectations.”
rocketclips/stock.Adobe.com
4. Get screened. Ask your physician
about needed health screenings based on
your age, sex and other risk factors includ-
ing family history. Healthfinder.gov is a
good resource for finding recommended
preventive services.
“Certainly, patients should be proactive
and engaged in their own health,” Harris
said. “I would encourage any patient that
has a question about health screening to
ask their doctor. Think of the patient-doc-
tor relationship as a partnership with the
ultimate goal being a long, healthy life.”
5. Learn your risk and take action.
Talk with your doctor about your risk for
developing type 2 diabetes. Before your
appointment, you can take a free online
self-screening test at DoIHavePrediabetes.
org to learn whether you have prediabetes.
During your visit, your doctor will need to
confirm a prediabetes diagnosis and can
help you develop an individualized plan to
prevent it from progressing.
Doctors also have access to tests, data-
bases and other research that can go a long
way in diagnosing or preventing chronic
order to give their doctor a clear picture of long with warm weather comes picnics, cookouts • Blunder 4: Perspiring to lose: When you exercise in
and other parties that can take a toll on your healthy the heat, you may think you can feel the pounds melting
their risks, Harris said.
lifestyle. off with each bead of sweat. And if you weigh yourself
6. Get immunized. Many immuni-
To help you stay on track while you’re enjoying the right before and after a workout, you may see a difference.
zations require boosters after time has
sunshine and good times, Courtney McCormick, manager, The problem is as soon as you replace the fluids you’ve
passed, so make sure you are up-to-date
Clinical Research and Nutrition at Nutrisystem, is sharing sweated out, you’ll see on the scale that you’ve lost little,
on your immunizations.
the top five weight loss blunders people tend to make this if any, weight. Your best bet is to maintain a steady activity
“Each stage of life presents the ongo-
time of year and simple tips for avoiding them. level every day so that you get at least 150 minutes of
ing need to assess/reassess immunization • Blunder 1: Crash dieting: The thought of putting on a
movement a week. Regular activity keeps your metabolism
status,” Harris said. “Additionally, certain swimsuit may entice you to crash diet. Crash diets are not
burning continually, even if you’re just walking inside an
medical conditions put you at greater risk only unhealthy, they tend to slow metabolism, making it
air-conditioned mall.
for diseases that can be prevented with difficult for you to drop more than just a few pounds. Also,
• Blunder 5: Loading plates with BBQ favorites: Back-
immunization. Remember that immuniza- any weight you lose short-term will be regained as soon yard barbecues bring out many favorite classics, like potato
tion against preventable disease remains
as you resume eating normally. It’s best to stick with your salad and coleslaw. While those dishes start with healthful
the single most effective intervention that healthy lifestyle year-round. Have a bad day? That’s okay. vegetables, they get weighed down with excessive satu-
we have in our arsenal.” Make favorite drinks healthier with simple ingredient
Vow to get back on track the next day. swaps, says Julie Chrisley. rated fats from mayonnaise and sour cream. What’s more,
7. Get help. Tell your doctor if you • Blunder 2: Ordering smoothies and frapps: When the the loads of sugar in popular barbecue sauces can heap
haven’t been feeling like yourself and you
weather turns hot, a blended drink can seem like an ideal don’t overdo it on the sugar, I will use a little bit of honey calories on a lean chicken breast. To manage intake, avoid
think you might be suffering from depres- morning or afternoon pick-me-up. However, those from as a sweetener instead,” said Julie Chrisley, Nutrisystem creamy salads and dip chicken in BBQ sauce instead of
sion. Sometimes a history of mental illness
coffee shops and convenience stores tend to be loaded ambassador. slathering it on before grilling.
in the family can help doctors diagnose with sugar and fat. A 16-ounce serving may have more • Blunder 3: Not watching alcohol intake: Alcoholic For more tips and tricks for staying on track with weight
and treat you earlier, Harris said. than 200 calories and 50 grams of sugar. Quench cravings beverages can be very refreshing in warm weather, but loss and healthy lifestyle goals, visit leaf.nutrisystem.com.
“It is helpful for your doctor to know by ordering unsweetened or lightly sweetened iced coffee even a light beer or white wine is more than 100 calories, To overcome the most common warm weather weight
about your risk factors for certain diseases or tea or opt for a protein shake. and today’s popular sweet drinks like hard cider and wine loss blunders, it’s best to know what they are, as well has
— be they genetic or environmental,” he “Being from the south, I love my sweet tea. To be sure I coolers have as many 180 calories each. To avoid over-in- have go-to strategies to avoid them.
said. “This understanding evolves as part of
an ongoing, long-term relationship (be-
tween a patient and doctor).”
8. Know your numbers. Track health
data such as your height, weight, body
mass index and blood pressure in order to
share trends with your doctor and take ac-
tion if needed. Visit LowerYourHBP.org to
learn about your blood pressure numbers
and the life-altering risks of uncontrolled
high blood pressure — also known as
hypertension — and find a list of questions
to ask your doctor to help get your blood
pressure under control.
For healthy patients, having your doctor
track your health data is sufficient, said
Harris. However, high-risk or at-risk pa-
tients should be a little more diligent.
“Patients with chronic diseases such as
HTN or diabetes may be asked to track
their blood pressure or blood sugars more
closely,” he said. “It is best to keep this
information in a (physical or electronic) log
along with information such as the date or
time so that trends can be recognized. It is
critical that you remember to bring this in-
formation to your doctor’s appointments so
it can be used to guide decisions regarding
your medical treatment.”
By being prepared with the right ques-
tions and information, you can make the
most of your next doctor’s visit.
4 Sunday, June 2, 2019
How one volunteer is helping end a family cycle of Alzheimer’s
Statepoint
J C
acqueline Patterson, 66, knew from a
young age what Alzheimer’s looked
like, but didn’t call it by its name until
she started caring for her mother, Ruby, in
2008.
“When I took on caregiving responsibili-
ties for my mom, the only thing I knew was
that this is just something that everyone in
my family gets – we accepted it,” Patterson
recalls. “But once I saw my mom die from
the disease, I made it my mission to learn
as much as I can and educate as many
people as I can, especially African Ameri-
cans who are disproportionately impacted
by the disease. I don’t want anyone to go
through what I did.”
Patterson has a long family history
of Alzheimer’s disease. Her grandfather
had the disease, and of her mother’s nine
sisters, six passed away with Alzheimer’s
or dementia and three are currently living
with the disease. Patterson’s father, Mat-
thew, also passed away from the disease.
“At that time, it didn’t occur to any of us
that this was a disease,” Patterson says.
“Once I began to look more closely, I real-
ized there was more to it. It really hit home
once my mother developed the disease.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Asso-
ciation, there are currently more than 5
million Americans living with Alzheimer’s
disease, the sixth leading cause of death in
the U.S. Disproportionately impacting Af-
rican Americans, older African Americans
are twice as likely as older white Ameri-
cans to develop the disease.
By the time Patterson realized her moth-
er was showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s,
she was already in the late stages. “Her
doctor said that it was just normal aging,
but I knew there was more going on –
something was obviously very wrong.”
Patterson, a high school biology teacher,
retired early to be a full-time caregiver
for her mother. Frustrated with the lack of
information and support services available,
she reached out to the Alzheimer’s Asso-
ciation where she was able to learn about
the disease and access needed resources
like respite care.
After Patterson’s mother passed away,
she made it her mission to educate oth-
ers about the disease and end the cycle
within her family. She started volunteering
with the Alzheimer’s Association, meeting
with physicians serving rural and minority
populations, sharing information about the
The Dispatch C www.cdispatch.com Health & Wellness Health & Wellness The Dispatch C www.cdispatch.com Sunday, June 2, 2019 9
How to help kids develop healthy dental habits
Statepoint and Dispatch Staff
“We need to raise awareness
opying adult behavior is a part of childhood devel-
about African Americans’ in- opment. While you may not always love it when
your child repeats everything you say, when it
creased risk for Alzheimer’s comes to healthy dental habits, you can use this to your
advantage.
and encourage participation “It’s easier to teach a younger child good oral health
in research that can help habits than to break an older child of poor ones. En-
courage your children to take good care of their teeth by
us understand the reasons showing them how well you take care of your own,” says
Dr. Michael Hahn, a licensed dentist and Cigna’s national
behind it. I now look at Alz- dental director. “Tooth decay is one of the most common
chronic diseases among children in the U.S., but it is also
heimer’s as a disease that largely preventable.”
Dental professionals locally agree.
can be cured.” “Of course, (kids) do what they see their parents do,”
said Jessica Sanders, an office manager with Dr. Lindsey
Jacqueline Patterson H. Warner’s practice Warner Family Dentistry in Starkville.
“Parents that take good care of their teeth – a lot of times
kids keep up with that and follow along.”
importance of early detection and diagno- To help instill good dental health habits in children, Dr.
sis and making resources available to those Hahn suggests parents and guardians lead by example in
living with the disease. Since her mother’s the following ways:
diagnosis, she has earned a Master’s degree • Go for regular dental checkups: More than one third
in Public Health and is working towards a of adults in the U.S. ages 18 to 64 failed to visit the dentist
Jacqueline Patterson, speaking at an Alzheimer’s Association event.
Doctorate of Public Health. at least once in 2016, according to the Centers for Disease
Currently, Patterson is enrolled in a clini- Control and Prevention.
cal trial. She aims to overcome the stigma Set a good example so that children don’t skip dental
related to such research within the Afri- exams when they become adults. Make family appoint-
can-American community. African Ameri- ments for everyone to visit the dentist for checkups and
cans and other ethnic minorities are vastly routine cleanings. Be positive when talking about it with
underrepresented in these trials, limiting children, even if you harbor your own anxieties about den-
what researchers can learn. tal care. Consider the alternative: when you skip regular
“There is still a fear of participating in dental checkups and cleanings, it becomes more likely
studies, which is understandable when that a small problem will grow larger and become more
you think about the history with terrible, expensive to treat. bernardbodo/stock.Adobe.com
unethical trials like Tuskegee,” Patterson • Eat breakfast together: A healthy breakfast can set It’s important to teach your children good dental habits and the best way to do that is by setting a good example.
says. “But I wanted to be the one to say the tone for a healthy day and may even reduce one’s
look – I’m doing this, and it’s okay.” cravings for sugary snacks later. Sugary and sticky snacks emphasized finding ways to make brushing teeth fun for Sanders also emphasized making sure kids brush for
Patterson says she’s come a long way can remain on teeth for hours, providing time for bacteria small children. two minutes, and said there are several timers and Smart-
from “accepting” the disease as her family’s and acids to begin causing their damage, leading to tooth Davis has a 2-year-old and said he encourages his son phone apps which play music or find other ways to count
destiny and is encouraging other African decay. Beyond breakfast, you can set a good example by by having an assortment of different-colored toothbrushes. the minutes kids spend brushing. One such app she rec-
Americans to do the same. packing tooth-friendly healthful lunches with fruits and His son chooses the toothbrush. Davis added he some- ommended is the Oral B’s Disney Magic Timer app.
“We need to raise awareness about vegetables for yourself and your children. times lets his son hold another toothbrush while Davis “(The apps are) something for them to do to make
African Americans’ increased risk for • Drink water: Making water your household’s go-to brushes his son’s teeth, just so his son gets the hang of brushing fun,” she said.
Alzheimer’s and encourage participation in beverage will also help limit your family’s exposure to how the toothbrush feels in his hand. For flossing, she recommended using slackers, small
research that can help us understand the sugary alternatives. It can also provide an ongoing way to For older kids, Davis stressed the importance of making plastic sticks with a stretch of floss between two prongs at
reasons behind it. I now look at Alzhei- rinse your teeth between meals and after snacks, to limit sure children brush for the recommended two minutes and the end. Those are sometimes easier for small kids to use
mer’s as a disease that can be cured,” says the length of time food particles remain on the teeth. that they brush the teeth in the back of their mouths as than unrolling a string of floss, she said.
Patterson. • Brush and floss: Follow the American Dental Associ- well as the front teeth. She added that families should make sure to schedule
ation recommendations found on their website for brush- “They brush the front pretty good and then they don’t appointments with their dentists’ office regularly.
ing twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing at quite make it all the way back there,” Davis said. “Summer’s a great time to see the dentist,” she said.
least once daily. Don’t just remind your children to brush Once the kids have brushed their teeth for the night, More tips for families can be found at cigna.com/dental.
their teeth, join them on occasion so that they can see that they shouldn’t have anything to eat or drink that will leave You can be a great role model for your children when
it can be fun. Incorporating a two-minute timer as part of more sugary residue on their teeth as they go to bed. it comes to dental health. With a positive attitude, you
the ritual can make it more of a game. “For sure, no juice or anything after you brush your can help your kids form healthy habits that last a lifetime,
Sanders and Columbus dentist Dr. Bo Davis with teeth,” he said. “... And then avoiding sugary stuff that’s which in turn will help them keep their teeth for their
Columbus Bright Smiles added some tips of their own and going to stick to your teeth.” lifetime.
8 Sunday, June 2, 2019 The Dispatch C www.cdispatch.com Health & Wellness Health & Wellness The Dispatch C www.cdispatch.com Sunday, June 2, 2019 5
6 Sunday, June 2, 2019 The Dispatch C www.cdispatch.com Health & Wellness Health & Wellness The Dispatch C www.cdispatch.com Sunday, June 2, 2019 7
6 Sunday, June 2, 2019 The Dispatch C www.cdispatch.com Health & Wellness Health & Wellness The Dispatch C www.cdispatch.com Sunday, June 2, 2019 7
8 Sunday, June 2, 2019 The Dispatch C www.cdispatch.com Health & Wellness Health & Wellness The Dispatch C www.cdispatch.com Sunday, June 2, 2019 5
4 Sunday, June 2, 2019
How one volunteer is helping end a family cycle of Alzheimer’s
Statepoint
J C
acqueline Patterson, 66, knew from a
young age what Alzheimer’s looked
like, but didn’t call it by its name until
she started caring for her mother, Ruby, in
2008.
“When I took on caregiving responsibili-
ties for my mom, the only thing I knew was
that this is just something that everyone in
my family gets – we accepted it,” Patterson
recalls. “But once I saw my mom die from
the disease, I made it my mission to learn
as much as I can and educate as many
people as I can, especially African Ameri-
cans who are disproportionately impacted
by the disease. I don’t want anyone to go
through what I did.”
Patterson has a long family history
of Alzheimer’s disease. Her grandfather
had the disease, and of her mother’s nine
sisters, six passed away with Alzheimer’s
or dementia and three are currently living
with the disease. Patterson’s father, Mat-
thew, also passed away from the disease.
“At that time, it didn’t occur to any of us
that this was a disease,” Patterson says.
“Once I began to look more closely, I real-
ized there was more to it. It really hit home
once my mother developed the disease.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Asso-
ciation, there are currently more than 5
million Americans living with Alzheimer’s
disease, the sixth leading cause of death in
the U.S. Disproportionately impacting Af-
rican Americans, older African Americans
are twice as likely as older white Ameri-
cans to develop the disease.
By the time Patterson realized her moth-
er was showing symptoms of Alzheimer’s,
she was already in the late stages. “Her
doctor said that it was just normal aging,
but I knew there was more going on –
something was obviously very wrong.”
Patterson, a high school biology teacher,
retired early to be a full-time caregiver
for her mother. Frustrated with the lack of
information and support services available,
she reached out to the Alzheimer’s Asso-
ciation where she was able to learn about
the disease and access needed resources
like respite care.
After Patterson’s mother passed away,
she made it her mission to educate oth-
ers about the disease and end the cycle
within her family. She started volunteering
with the Alzheimer’s Association, meeting
with physicians serving rural and minority
populations, sharing information about the
The Dispatch C www.cdispatch.com Health & Wellness Health & Wellness The Dispatch C www.cdispatch.com Sunday, June 2, 2019 9
How to help kids develop healthy dental habits
Statepoint and Dispatch Staff
“We need to raise awareness
opying adult behavior is a part of childhood devel-
about African Americans’ in- opment. While you may not always love it when
your child repeats everything you say, when it
creased risk for Alzheimer’s comes to healthy dental habits, you can use this to your
advantage.
and encourage participation “It’s easier to teach a younger child good oral health
in research that can help habits than to break an older child of poor ones. En-
courage your children to take good care of their teeth by
us understand the reasons showing them how well you take care of your own,” says
Dr. Michael Hahn, a licensed dentist and Cigna’s national
behind it. I now look at Alz- dental director. “Tooth decay is one of the most common
chronic diseases among children in the U.S., but it is also
heimer’s as a disease that largely preventable.”
Dental professionals locally agree.
can be cured.” “Of course, (kids) do what they see their parents do,”
said Jessica Sanders, an office manager with Dr. Lindsey
Jacqueline Patterson H. Warner’s practice Warner Family Dentistry in Starkville.
“Parents that take good care of their teeth – a lot of times
kids keep up with that and follow along.”
importance of early detection and diagno- To help instill good dental health habits in children, Dr.
sis and making resources available to those Hahn suggests parents and guardians lead by example in
living with the disease. Since her mother’s the following ways:
diagnosis, she has earned a Master’s degree • Go for regular dental checkups: More than one third
in Public Health and is working towards a of adults in the U.S. ages 18 to 64 failed to visit the dentist
Jacqueline Patterson, speaking at an Alzheimer’s Association event.
Doctorate of Public Health. at least once in 2016, according to the Centers for Disease
Currently, Patterson is enrolled in a clini- Control and Prevention.
cal trial. She aims to overcome the stigma Set a good example so that children don’t skip dental
related to such research within the Afri- exams when they become adults. Make family appoint-
can-American community. African Ameri- ments for everyone to visit the dentist for checkups and
cans and other ethnic minorities are vastly routine cleanings. Be positive when talking about it with
underrepresented in these trials, limiting children, even if you harbor your own anxieties about den-
what researchers can learn. tal care. Consider the alternative: when you skip regular
“There is still a fear of participating in dental checkups and cleanings, it becomes more likely
studies, which is understandable when that a small problem will grow larger and become more
you think about the history with terrible, expensive to treat. bernardbodo/stock.Adobe.com
unethical trials like Tuskegee,” Patterson • Eat breakfast together: A healthy breakfast can set It’s important to teach your children good dental habits and the best way to do that is by setting a good example.
says. “But I wanted to be the one to say the tone for a healthy day and may even reduce one’s
look – I’m doing this, and it’s okay.” cravings for sugary snacks later. Sugary and sticky snacks emphasized finding ways to make brushing teeth fun for Sanders also emphasized making sure kids brush for
Patterson says she’s come a long way can remain on teeth for hours, providing time for bacteria small children. two minutes, and said there are several timers and Smart-
from “accepting” the disease as her family’s and acids to begin causing their damage, leading to tooth Davis has a 2-year-old and said he encourages his son phone apps which play music or find other ways to count
destiny and is encouraging other African decay. Beyond breakfast, you can set a good example by by having an assortment of different-colored toothbrushes. the minutes kids spend brushing. One such app she rec-
Americans to do the same. packing tooth-friendly healthful lunches with fruits and His son chooses the toothbrush. Davis added he some- ommended is the Oral B’s Disney Magic Timer app.
“We need to raise awareness about vegetables for yourself and your children. times lets his son hold another toothbrush while Davis “(The apps are) something for them to do to make
African Americans’ increased risk for • Drink water: Making water your household’s go-to brushes his son’s teeth, just so his son gets the hang of brushing fun,” she said.
Alzheimer’s and encourage participation in beverage will also help limit your family’s exposure to how the toothbrush feels in his hand. For flossing, she recommended using slackers, small
research that can help us understand the sugary alternatives. It can also provide an ongoing way to For older kids, Davis stressed the importance of making plastic sticks with a stretch of floss between two prongs at
reasons behind it. I now look at Alzhei- rinse your teeth between meals and after snacks, to limit sure children brush for the recommended two minutes and the end. Those are sometimes easier for small kids to use
mer’s as a disease that can be cured,” says the length of time food particles remain on the teeth. that they brush the teeth in the back of their mouths as than unrolling a string of floss, she said.
Patterson. • Brush and floss: Follow the American Dental Associ- well as the front teeth. She added that families should make sure to schedule
ation recommendations found on their website for brush- “They brush the front pretty good and then they don’t appointments with their dentists’ office regularly.
ing twice a day for two minutes each time and flossing at quite make it all the way back there,” Davis said. “Summer’s a great time to see the dentist,” she said.
least once daily. Don’t just remind your children to brush Once the kids have brushed their teeth for the night, More tips for families can be found at cigna.com/dental.
their teeth, join them on occasion so that they can see that they shouldn’t have anything to eat or drink that will leave You can be a great role model for your children when
it can be fun. Incorporating a two-minute timer as part of more sugary residue on their teeth as they go to bed. it comes to dental health. With a positive attitude, you
the ritual can make it more of a game. “For sure, no juice or anything after you brush your can help your kids form healthy habits that last a lifetime,
Sanders and Columbus dentist Dr. Bo Davis with teeth,” he said. “... And then avoiding sugary stuff that’s which in turn will help them keep their teeth for their
Columbus Bright Smiles added some tips of their own and going to stick to your teeth.” lifetime.
10 Sunday, June 2, 2019 The Dispatch C www.cdispatch.com Health & Wellness Health & Wellness The Dispatch C www.cdispatch.com Sunday, June 2, 2019 3

Eight tips to make the most of your next doctor’s visit Five warm weather weight loss blunders to avoid
Statepoint and Dispatch Staff conditions, but patients must fully commu- Statepoint dulging, alternate one or two drinks with fizzy seltzer over
ice and a lime wedge.

A
nicate their concerns and health history in

V
isits to the doctor can be very pro-
ductive with a little preparatory work
in advance of the appointment, say
experts.
“For some people, visits to the doctor
can be daunting or even scary, but there
are steps you can take beforehand that
will improve the experience, foster com-
munication, and, in turn, improve health
outcomes,” says Barbara L. McAneny,
M.D., president of the American Medical
Association (AMA). “By being open and
honest with your physician and by asking
questions, you can play a key role in pre-
venting the progression of chronic disease
and in charting a healthier course.”
Here are eight ways to get more from
your next doctor’s visit:
1. Know your history. A family health
history can help your physician and other
health care practitioners identify whether
you’re at a higher risk for particular condi-
tions and diseases. With this information,
they can make informed care decisions,
from recommending particular treatments
or diagnostics to helping you plan lifestyle
changes that will help keep you well.
Before your next visit, gather as much
information as you can to share with your
doctor.
“A doctor’s responsibility is to know
and understand the entirety of a patient’s
medical history,” said Dr. Ashley Harris,
chief medical officer at Baptist Memorial
Hospital-Golden Triangle. “That being said,
a provider is most interested in those as-
pects of a medical history that are of con-
sequence to their patient’s ongoing medical
care. ... Additionally it is important to think
of all medical problems — it is easy to for-
get that things like obstructive sleep apnea
or GERD can be very important to your
doctor. ... A report of your medical history
should be concise but complete.”
2. Be honest. Your doctor will likely ask
you about such health habits as alcohol,
tobacco, and drug use as well as the
amount of exercise you get. It is important
to be honest and accurate when answering
these questions. Ask your doctor if you use
tobacco, drugs or alcohol and need help
quitting.
Harris said a doctor’s job is not to judge
or make moral decisions about a patient,
but to provide information and care that is
helpful, not harmful.
“Patients should be confident that they
Before visiting your doctor, be prepared with questions about your health concerns.
can be open and honest with their doctors
without fear of judgment,” he said. “Hon-
esty regarding alcohol and substance abuse
is critical because these substances can
have significant physical and emotional im-
pacts over time. Additionally, certain pre-
scription medications must be used with
caution or avoided altogether in patients
that consume alcohol or other substances.”
3. Make a list. Even if you are just going
in for a regular check-up, make a list of the
things you want to discuss during your visit
and bring it to your appointment. Topics
may include symptoms you’ve experi-
enced, ailments you’ve suffered and more.
However, Harris says, keep it short and
to the point. Focus on two or three things
that are causing you the most discomfort or
concern.
“Being specific about ... new symptoms
or concerns allows your doctor to focus
their attention on addressing those issues
aggressively,” he said. “Being open and
up-front about your goals for the visit will
improve the likelihood that your doctor can
meet your expectations.”
rocketclips/stock.Adobe.com
4. Get screened. Ask your physician
about needed health screenings based on
your age, sex and other risk factors includ-
ing family history. Healthfinder.gov is a
good resource for finding recommended
preventive services.
“Certainly, patients should be proactive
and engaged in their own health,” Harris
said. “I would encourage any patient that
has a question about health screening to
ask their doctor. Think of the patient-doc-
tor relationship as a partnership with the
ultimate goal being a long, healthy life.”
5. Learn your risk and take action.
Talk with your doctor about your risk for
developing type 2 diabetes. Before your
appointment, you can take a free online
self-screening test at DoIHavePrediabetes.
org to learn whether you have prediabetes.
During your visit, your doctor will need to
confirm a prediabetes diagnosis and can
help you develop an individualized plan to
prevent it from progressing.
Doctors also have access to tests, data-
bases and other research that can go a long
way in diagnosing or preventing chronic
order to give their doctor a clear picture of long with warm weather comes picnics, cookouts • Blunder 4: Perspiring to lose: When you exercise in
and other parties that can take a toll on your healthy the heat, you may think you can feel the pounds melting
their risks, Harris said.
lifestyle. off with each bead of sweat. And if you weigh yourself
6. Get immunized. Many immuni-
To help you stay on track while you’re enjoying the right before and after a workout, you may see a difference.
zations require boosters after time has
sunshine and good times, Courtney McCormick, manager, The problem is as soon as you replace the fluids you’ve
passed, so make sure you are up-to-date
Clinical Research and Nutrition at Nutrisystem, is sharing sweated out, you’ll see on the scale that you’ve lost little,
on your immunizations.
the top five weight loss blunders people tend to make this if any, weight. Your best bet is to maintain a steady activity
“Each stage of life presents the ongo-
time of year and simple tips for avoiding them. level every day so that you get at least 150 minutes of
ing need to assess/reassess immunization • Blunder 1: Crash dieting: The thought of putting on a
movement a week. Regular activity keeps your metabolism
status,” Harris said. “Additionally, certain swimsuit may entice you to crash diet. Crash diets are not
burning continually, even if you’re just walking inside an
medical conditions put you at greater risk only unhealthy, they tend to slow metabolism, making it
air-conditioned mall.
for diseases that can be prevented with difficult for you to drop more than just a few pounds. Also,
• Blunder 5: Loading plates with BBQ favorites: Back-
immunization. Remember that immuniza- any weight you lose short-term will be regained as soon yard barbecues bring out many favorite classics, like potato
tion against preventable disease remains
as you resume eating normally. It’s best to stick with your salad and coleslaw. While those dishes start with healthful
the single most effective intervention that healthy lifestyle year-round. Have a bad day? That’s okay. vegetables, they get weighed down with excessive satu-
we have in our arsenal.” Make favorite drinks healthier with simple ingredient
Vow to get back on track the next day. swaps, says Julie Chrisley. rated fats from mayonnaise and sour cream. What’s more,
7. Get help. Tell your doctor if you • Blunder 2: Ordering smoothies and frapps: When the the loads of sugar in popular barbecue sauces can heap
haven’t been feeling like yourself and you
weather turns hot, a blended drink can seem like an ideal don’t overdo it on the sugar, I will use a little bit of honey calories on a lean chicken breast. To manage intake, avoid
think you might be suffering from depres- morning or afternoon pick-me-up. However, those from as a sweetener instead,” said Julie Chrisley, Nutrisystem creamy salads and dip chicken in BBQ sauce instead of
sion. Sometimes a history of mental illness
coffee shops and convenience stores tend to be loaded ambassador. slathering it on before grilling.
in the family can help doctors diagnose with sugar and fat. A 16-ounce serving may have more • Blunder 3: Not watching alcohol intake: Alcoholic For more tips and tricks for staying on track with weight
and treat you earlier, Harris said. than 200 calories and 50 grams of sugar. Quench cravings beverages can be very refreshing in warm weather, but loss and healthy lifestyle goals, visit leaf.nutrisystem.com.
“It is helpful for your doctor to know by ordering unsweetened or lightly sweetened iced coffee even a light beer or white wine is more than 100 calories, To overcome the most common warm weather weight
about your risk factors for certain diseases or tea or opt for a protein shake. and today’s popular sweet drinks like hard cider and wine loss blunders, it’s best to know what they are, as well has
— be they genetic or environmental,” he “Being from the south, I love my sweet tea. To be sure I coolers have as many 180 calories each. To avoid over-in- have go-to strategies to avoid them.
said. “This understanding evolves as part of
an ongoing, long-term relationship (be-
tween a patient and doctor).”
8. Know your numbers. Track health
data such as your height, weight, body
mass index and blood pressure in order to
share trends with your doctor and take ac-
tion if needed. Visit LowerYourHBP.org to
learn about your blood pressure numbers
and the life-altering risks of uncontrolled
high blood pressure — also known as
hypertension — and find a list of questions
to ask your doctor to help get your blood
pressure under control.
For healthy patients, having your doctor
track your health data is sufficient, said
Harris. However, high-risk or at-risk pa-
tients should be a little more diligent.
“Patients with chronic diseases such as
HTN or diabetes may be asked to track
their blood pressure or blood sugars more
closely,” he said. “It is best to keep this
information in a (physical or electronic) log
along with information such as the date or
time so that trends can be recognized. It is
critical that you remember to bring this in-
formation to your doctor’s appointments so
it can be used to guide decisions regarding
your medical treatment.”
By being prepared with the right ques-
tions and information, you can make the
most of your next doctor’s visit.
2 Sunday, June 2, 2019 The Dispatch C www.cdispatch.com Health & Wellness Health & Wellness The Dispatch C www.cdispatch.com Sunday, June 2, 2019 11
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Health
12 Sunday, June 2, 2019 Health & Wellness

Trinity Healthcare residents Nancy Gillis, Hattie Mitchell

and Katie Heurkamp participate in a game of noodle ball. Sunday,June 2, 2019
Photo by Chris McDill/Special to The Dispatch