March 30th is National Doctors Day, and what better way to celebrate than learning to communicate better with your doctor? Many people are nervous when they visit the doctor and information is not always presented in the best way.

When it comes to talking to your doctor, honesty is the best policy. This is the only way to give them the information they need and to get the best possible treatment.

Getting the Most Out of Your Doctor Visit

Often the time allocated for a doctor visit is short, so you have to be to the point when communicating. It is not that your doctor has better things to do; they just need to see a number of patients in a day.

You can help by being prepared with what you wish to discuss. The more direct and upfront you are, the more efficiently they can diagnose and treat you. When you do your part, you no longer have to feel powerless in the whole process.

When it comes to talking with your doctor there are a few important tips to remember. Not only will these tips help you open great lines of communication with your doctor, but you will also develop a better overall relationship with them too.

1. Always Rehearse

Rehearsing what you want to discuss is often helpful for issues that may be embarrassing. If a topic makes you uncomfortable, then rehearse what to say before your visit. The more comfortable you get talking about the issue, the easier it will be for you to relay the information to your doctor.

Remember: To get the best treatment you need to be open with your doctor, so get comfortable with the uncomfortable. You’ll thank yourself later.

2. Stay Focused

Because visit times are short, make sure you stay on topic and focused on the issue at hand. If you have several things you need to discuss, maybe prioritize them and schedule different visits. This allows the doctor to focus on one concern at a time, so you can get the best possible treatment options. Going off topic can be a distraction and can negatively impact the treatment you get.

3. Be Honest

Along with being direct, be honest. Regardless of your embarrassment or reservations about sharing certain things, your doctor is the one person you must always be honest with. They are not there to judge—they are there to help. You and your doctor can only do this if they have all the facts. So don’t be afraid to tell them everything.

4. Ask Questions

It is important to ask questions upfront and not save them until the end. Once your doctor has made a diagnosis, they will be mentally moving on to the next step. You do not need to interrupt them, but as they discuss the diagnosis with you ask questions so you can be sure to get focused and detailed answers.

5. Don’t Go Alone

If you need emotional support for a troubling issue, go with a friend. Not only can they support you, but they can help remember to ask questions and help remember any directions the doctor gives you.

Remember that doctors are people too. Establishing a human connection with them first is the best way to develop a relationship with them.

Rather than diving right into the medical issues, start with a greeting and ask how they are. As small as this may seem, it goes a long way in developing a positive rapport with your doctor. They want to get to know you and help you, and remembering that they are human too is a great first step.

Getting to Know the Doctors of 1MD

1MD prides itself on creating the most powerful, clinically proven natural supplements on the market today. That is why we have forged strong partnerships with some of the most innovative and forward-thinking, board-certified doctors in the medical industry to guarantee our formulas are not only the best available to consumers, but to ensure they contain a clinically effective daily dose that is scientifically proven to work.

Our board-certified doctors come from all walks of life, adorned with a wide variety of honors, awards, and esteem, from their peers and their patients. From gastroenterology and cardiology, to medical nutrition, pediatrics, and immunology, our respected medical advisory board are not only meticulous craftsmen of 1MD premium supplements, but they are also loyal 1MD customers.

Dr. Mike Fenster

Dr. Mike Fenster is a board-certified Cardiologist, a professional chef, and published author as well. His research in joint health was inspired by the growing number of degenerative joint diseases cases as well as his own personal experience with joint issues.

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Dr. Brian Greenberg

Dr. Brian Greenberg trained at UCLA as a Pediatrician and Allergist/Immunologist. His specialization and over 25 years of practice has given him the opportunity to successfully treat allergic disorders in children and adults. He lectures extensively across the country on allergies and asthma and belongs to several boards and organizations that work to promote better health.

As our leading expert on allergies, Dr. Greenberg is the formulator of our groundbreaking immune-supporting supplement: Simple-X.

Dr. David Kahana

Dr. David Kahana is certified in Pediatrics and Gastroenterology and also has extensive training and certification in Medical Nutrition. His peer-reviewed journals are well-renowned and he has also written for several textbooks regarding nutrition, colon cancer prevention, and inflammatory bowel disease. His strong focus and dedicated research to gastrointestinal issues and health allows him to lecture, train, and provide innovative studies into ways to improve gastrointestinal health for all ages.

His research and knowledge of inflammation has helped us to develop some of the best supplements, such as the Complete Probiotics, which is clinically proven to improve gut health and prevent gastrointestinal issues, and MediZyme, a unique supplement on the market that combines powerful digestive enzymes with probiotics.

The Bottom Line

Your doctor is one of the most important resources when it comes to your health and well-being. There is only so much you can do yourself to promote good health, and it helps to have a reliable doctor on hand to take over when illness or complications strike.

Take the time to work on communication skills and develop a better relationship with your doctor. Working together, you are guaranteed to be in the best possible health.

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