Money is what makes people do bad things, and as we get older, we have less and less of it. You should still remember that you need to stay healthy. Taking care of your health is the key to living a long and happy life.
The older we get, the more we think we know what's going on when we're sick and don't feel well. It is very important to know when you should go to the doctor's office. It's good to know how to take care of yourself, but if you wait too long, it might be too late. Over-the-counter medicines might not be the best choice. Studies that were done recently showed that some over-the-counter drugs have serious side effects. Your doctor can help you figure out which over-the-counter or prescription medicines will help you feel better.
You need to be able to work with the doctor when you finally give in and make that appointment or go to the emergency room. Your doctor needs to know what home remedies you've already tried so he doesn't give you something that will make your home remedies less effective.
Tell your doctor about all the times you've been sick before. He needs to know what treatments you've had in the past and what shots you've gotten. Keep records and dates handy if you can't remember. It's also important to know about the health of your family. Some diseases are passed down through families, so the doctor needs to know what to look for when making a diagnosis. Keep a list of all the drugs you are taking, including those you buy over the counter.
Write down any questions you might have for your doctor before you go. Ask him what he means. If he says or does things that you don't understand, always ask him why. Remember that a question you don't ask is a dumb question. Tell him if you are already taking a drug and you don't think it is helping. You can always get a second opinion if you don't agree with what your doctor says.
Checkups are a very important part of staying healthy. Routine checks may not seem important, but if something is wrong, your doctor may be able to catch it before it gets too bad. Make sure you get your flu and pneumonia shots every year as suggested. The shots might not keep you from getting the flu, but they can make you less sick if you do. Get out of the house. Older people get depressed more quickly than younger people. Take some classes on how to eat and work out. You will learn new things and meet new people there. The events will be good for everyone. If you don't want to take classes, you can meet people through a support group.
Most important, don't try to fix your own health. I know that because medicines and health care are so expensive, we can't get the care we need. Still, there are things you can use to help you get the care you need.
Even something small like a sore throat that won't go away could be a big problem, and it's very risky. So, don't keep trying to take care of it on your own. This is exactly what doctors do.
See your doctor, especially if you feel like your chest is being squeezed, are in a lot of pain, or can't see clearly. If you have trouble talking and swallowing, feel weak on one side or the other, dizzy, or confused, your doctor may find something more serious than you think. Also, you should see a doctor if you see blood in your urine or stools, feel sad for a long time, or have a fever that lasts longer than it should. Remember that taking care of your own health makes you more likely to age in a strange way.
