How to Talk to Your Doctor

26/10/2021

As both Health Literacy Month and Breast Cancer Awareness Month come to a close, it is important to keep awareness and prevention efforts at the forefront year-round. Therefore, we wanted to share some tips to help you get the best care and continue the conversation beyond October.⁠
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When we discuss health literacy, we are addressing the ability to collect and understand your health information so you can make the best decisions for your unique situation. The vast majority of adults (88%!) lack some skills necessary to manage their health and reduce their risk of disease. Does this number surprise you?⁠
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Having good health literacy skills allows you to:⁠
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✔️find reliable information about breast cancer⁠
✔️tell your healthcare providers about your needs & preferences⁠
✔️answer questions about your diagnoses & needs⁠
understand your choices: treatments, doctors, facilities, & services⁠
✔️decide which options are best for you, understand & stick to your treatment plan⁠
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Which tip do you find most helpful?⁠
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24/08/2021

Great tips for back to school.

This year, face masks are on most parents' list of back-to-school supplies. But which ones are most effective? Here's how to choose the right one for your child.

20/03/2021

Today is the International Day of Happiness!⁠ Is it a coincidence that it is also the first day of spring?⁠
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A year into the pandemic, it has never been more important to reflect on the things that bring us joy.⁠⁠
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In the comments below, please share something that makes you happy!

16/03/2021

It was an honor to interview Teonna for the blog this month. She shares her experiences living with and how systemic racism impacts people with the condition. Thank you for your strength, Teonna!

This month we are spotlighting an incredible patient advocate. Teonna is a sickle cell warrior, and she is sharing her story with us to raise awareness and understanding of the condition.

28/02/2021

with
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Today is !

There are over 6⃣0⃣0⃣0⃣ rare diseases in the world.

🌏 300 million people live with a rare disease accross the globe

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Rare diseases currently affect 3.5% - 5.9% of the worldwide population

🧬72% of rare diseases are genetic whilst others are the result of infections

🧒 70% of those genetic rare diseases start in childhood

Learn more about what is a

05/02/2021

February is Heart Health Awareness Month.⁠⁠
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The health disparities between men (XY) and women (XX) in heart health are stark. Until 1993, when Congress passed the National Institute of Health Revitalization Act, women were largely excluded from clinical research — this continues to impact what we know about cardiovascular health in women. Change has been slow.⁠⁠
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Heart complications take different forms in men and women. In this post, we highlight some of those differences. Knowing how symptoms differ, pushing for adequate care, and seeking a second opinion when something doesn't feel right, can save your life.⁠⁠
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Did you learn anything from this post? What information would you share with a friend?⁠⁠
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The Revitalization Act is one of the topics discussed in my upcoming course, "The History of Health Disparities and Current Impacts." The link to register is in my bio. The early bird discount is currently available, don't miss out!⁠⁠
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25/01/2021

We have such a long way to go to address women's health and research disparities.⁠⠀
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Did you know that the National Institute of Health did not require researchers to use female mice until 2019?⁠⠀
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The research gaps started in the '70's, and while efforts have been made to improve the situation, change has been slow.⁠⠀
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I cover this topic in my course, "The History of Health Disparities and Current Impacts." The course enrollment opens one week from today on February 1st! Subscribe to my newsletter (link in bio) to be the first in line to enroll. I will be giving away FREE copies of "Medical Apartheid" by Harriet Washington to the first ten people that register.⁠⠀
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22/01/2021

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month.⁠⠀
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More than 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer each year. Despite a national increase in cervical cancer prevention and treatment, Black women over 41% more likely to die from cervical cancer than white women.⁠⠀
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HPV vaccination and regular gynecological visits are important to prevention efforts. And how often you should have cervical cancer screening and which tests you should have depend on your age and health history. Talk to your doctor.⁠⠀
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With the COVID-19 pandemic many people are putting off their annual well visits. Have you seen your OBGYN in the past year?⁠ Maybe it is time to find a new doctor if you have struggled to feel heard in the past. What is your next step?⁠⠀
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Listen to your body. Trust yourself. ⁠⠀
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21/01/2021

Today! Join me for your lunch break at 1 pm EST to learn more about my upcoming online course.

See you there! 🤩

Link to IG: https://www.instagram.com/howtotalktoyourdoctor/

19/01/2021

I am excited to start this new Patient Spotlight series. On the third Tuesday of each month, I will highlight a new patient story. Michelle was the first to volunteer!

She talks to us about her experience living with a rare and severe bleeding disorder. I appreciate her uplifting perspective on the doctor-patient relationship and self-advocacy. Click below to learn more!

"As hard as it may be, don’t let a doctor try and convince you it’s all in your head or try and mask your symptoms. Go with your gut; we are very instinctual beings when it comes to our mind-body connection."⁠

Hi friends and followers! I am so excited to start this new spotlight series. Each month I will highlight a new patient story. Michelle and I met years ago when I was working at the National Hemophilia Foundation. She was a member of a youth leadership group and it is an honor to have her as my firs

15/01/2021

🗣 ANNOUNCEMENT 🗣

We are going live at 1 pm EST on Thursday, January 21st to share information about our upcoming online course "The History of Health Disparities and Current Impacts."

Christie will share an overview of the course including objectives, freebies, and registration information.

➡️ 1.0 CHES/MCHES will be available for this course.

➡️ Early bird registration will open on February 1, 2021.

➡️ Please post questions about the course in the comments below or send me a private message.

See you soon! 🥳

Link to our Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/howtotalktoyourdoctor/

08/01/2021

Readers describe debilitating symptoms that have continued for months after an initial diagnosis.