Healthcare Independence: 7 Ways to Take Life-Changing Ownership of Your Health

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By Yhordan Serpentini | December 14, 2022

In this blog post, we’ll talk about why it’s beneficial to take ownership of your health, and how you can do it. We’ll also discuss the benefits of healthcare independence, as well as the advantages of being more knowledgeable and proactive when it comes to your health decisions. By the end of this post, you’ll have the tools and knowledge you need to become a healthcare-independent individual.

Healthcare Independence: How to Take Ownership of Your Health

1. Understanding The Importance of Healthcare Independence

Understanding the importance of healthcare independence helps you to become more aware of your body and its needs. Educating yourself about the various aspects of health and wellness is also essential for taking ownership of your health, as it will give you knowledgeable information to help you make smart and informed decisions about your diet, exercise, health, and stress management–all while prioritizing preventive care, as well as developing an action plan to stay on track.

Speaking of which, prioritizing preventive care is one of the best ways to stay healthy and independent. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, preventive care–or otherwise known as prophylaxis–are the measures taken to ensure disease and disability prevention. This includes getting regular check-ups, screenings, and vaccinations to stay on top of your health, as well as making wise choices about your diet and lifestyle to prevent chronic or life-threatening illnesses, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, or even cancer.

Developing strategies to manage stress in order to stay healthy, mentally or even physically, while maintaining a busy lifestyle is another key factor for taking ownership of your health. Finding ways to reduce stress, such as meditation and yoga, can help you stay healthy and balanced while managing the pressures of daily life.

Taking ownership of your health is essential for maintaining your independence, especially since you can only be healthcare independent if you are able to hold yourself accountable. Unlike relying on doctors to recommend lifestyle changes, or keep you up-to-date on your health, you are responsible for that role–so be wise with your decisions!

2. Develop A Relationship With A Healthcare Provider

Developing a relationship with a healthcare provider is essential for becoming healthcare independent, as ironic as it may sound. Having a healthcare provider, such as a doctor, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, can help you stay on top of your health, receive preventive care, and manage any existing medical conditions.

When you have a primary care provider, you become empowered to take control of your healthcare and be your own advocate, contrary to what others may believe about primary care physicians; they are on your side and care about your health and safety just as much as you do. 

Below are some tips to help you develop a relationship with a healthcare provider:

  • Learn about the importance of preventive healthcare. Your healthcare provider can help you understand the importance of preventive care, such as regular check-ups, immunizations, and screenings, in order to stay healthy and catch any health issues early.
  • Become an active participant in your healthcare. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and to speak up about any concerns you have. You should also feel comfortable questioning your healthcare provider’s recommendations and seeking second opinions if necessary.
  • Ask the right questions. When you are talking to your healthcare provider, it’s important to ask the right questions to ensure that you understand the answers. For example, instead of asking, “What drugs do I need?” try asking, “What are the benefits and risks of this medication?”
  • Stay organized and keep track of your medical records. It’s important to stay organized with your medical records, such as lab results, test results, and prescriptions. Keeping track of these records will help you become more independent and self-sufficient in your healthcare.

By creating this relationship with your healthcare provider, you can become not only more informed and educated about your health decisions, but also feel more encouraged to take control of your health. With the right knowledge, tools, and resources–which you will most certainly have access to with a healthcare provider on your side, you can become a more active participant in your health and healthcare.

3. Create A Healthcare Plan For Yourself

Creating a personalized healthcare plan for yourself can help you take control of your health and become more involved in the decisions that affect your well-being. The first step in doing so is to identify your health goals. This can include anything from maintaining a healthy weight to managing chronic conditions. Once your goals are established, you can create a plan to achieve them, including specific steps such as visiting the doctor regularly, following a diet, getting vaccinated, having an exercise routine, and understanding your insurance coverage and options.

Creating a support system is also helpful in developing a personalized healthcare plan. Reach out to family and friends for emotional and practical support, or ask for help when needed and stay engaged with your healthcare provider. Know that although you are attempting to take control over your health, that doesn’t mean you essentially have to do it on your own. Having others to help you on your health journey will get you to your desired goal more efficiently and effectively.

4. Start Tracking And Monitoring Your Health

Another factor you must consider is tracking and monitoring your health. There are many ways you can do this, of which some have already been mentioned, but you can also go a step further by staying up to date with the medical news–including staying abreast of the latest developments in healthcare and treatment options. Start by taking some simple steps to track and monitor your diagnostics. Weight, blood pressure, hours of rest, etc., are all important information that can really go a long way in one’s health. 

Gather your family’s medical history and take note of any chronic health issues you may experience. Make it a priority to schedule regular check-ups with your primary care physician, and keep track of your vital signs such as blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol levels. Note that you can schedule your own blood test for screenings or another laboratory test if you prefer that over a physician order–but be sure to update your provider with results for better, more up-to-date alternatives to guide you with your healthcare independence.

If you don’t have one, find a provider who is both knowledgeable and experienced in your specific healthcare needs. Stay up to date with medical news and developments in healthcare to ensure you’re informed and aware of potential risks and treatment options. By following these simple steps, you can gain a greater understanding of your health and become more empowered to make the best decisions for your body.

5. Know Your Body and Pay Attention To Your Symptoms

To be able to take charge of your own health and make the best decisions for your well-being, it’s imperative to know your body, as well as to pay attention to any symptoms that may arise. Understanding the signs of any illness or injury, and any occurring changes within your body can allow for fast action to be taken, early diagnosis, early treatment, and faster recovery. Having regular check-ups can be an essential difference, as some illnesses can still remain undetectable.

6. Know When To Seek Help From A Healthcare Provider

One of the first steps to healthcare independence is understanding what is within your control when it comes to your health. Taking the time to learn about how to self-diagnose minor ailments is a great step towards healthcare independence. Learning basic first aid and how to treat minor injuries can help you save time and money by avoiding unnecessary trips to the doctor.

That being said, it is also crucial to understand the limits of self-care and when it is a wiser choice to ask or seek medical advice. If you are experiencing severe pain, unusual symptoms, or something that is outside of your knowledge, it is important to seek help from a healthcare provider. This is especially true if you are taking any medications or supplements, as they can affect the way your body responds to self-care. Taking proactive steps to ensure your health is maintained is key to healthcare independence. 

7. Learn How To Make Informed Decisions About Your Healthcare

Being unfamiliar with medical-related subjects is very common, but it is also common to make uneducated decisions about one’s healthcare; don’t be a part of that group. If you want to take ownership of your health and be healthcare independent, you must make very well-informed decisions. There are a variety of educational options available to you, and it’s important to understand the basics of healthcare coverage as well as your own unique needs.

Start by researching the different types of healthcare coverage available to you and the pros and cons of each. This may include private and public insurance plans, Medicare, Medicaid, and other government-sponsored programs. Take the time to understand how each plan works and what the out-of-pocket costs may be. Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the various options, you can then create a plan of action to help you stay on top of your healthcare needs.

Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to be medical advice

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