Be an Empowered Patient!

Getting a new health diagnosis is a scary prospect. Sometimes it can take forever until a doctor properly diagnoses you and finally figures out what is wrong. It is more important that ever to be an empowered patient and take an active role in your medical care.  First, you know your body better than anyone. If something feels wrong, continue to speak up, even when tests or doctors think otherwise. Next, set goals for your health care. What are you hoping to accomplish? Collaborate and cooperate with all members of your treatment team. Research all your available treatment options. If you are well-informed you can take a more active, effective role. Read on at About.com for more important ideas on how to empower yourself in your medical care.