Health Advocacy

We all have the right and the responsibility to take charge of our health.  Be your own advocate and become directly involve in your health care.  Learn about communicating with your doctor, navigating the healthcare system, and addressing health issues important to your community.   Advocacy efforts not only support and promote your health, but also provide access to resources that mobilize you and your community members closer to the goal of reducing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, hypertension and diabetes.

Recent Changes in Your Health:

Pay attention to your symptom(s), especially if there are new symptoms.

• What is the location, duration, and character of the discomfort?
• What brings them on?  What worsens them?  What relieves them?

List all your medications and dosages.

• Include all prescription and nonprescription medications and over-the-counter supplements, vitamins, and minerals.
  • Consider bringing them with you to show your doctor.

Bring any hospitalization/emergency records and procedures reports with you.

Screening Tests for Health

Screening is a test or exam done to find out if a condition exists before symptoms start.  Screening tests can help prevent or find diseases early-on, when they are easier to treat. Which tests you need depends on your age, gender, family history and whether you have risk factors for certain diseases. For example, being overweight can increase your risk of developing diabetes.