Better Conversations With Your Doctor May Lead To Improved Heart Health

Monday, March 1, 2010

May Lead To Improved Heart Health (NAPSA)—Many people may not realize that a simple conversation could help improve their lives. In today’s busy world, it can be difficult to find the time to see your doctor, so making the most of each visit is important. If you have ever left your doctor’s office without getting answers to all your questions or understanding your treatment plan, you are not alone. Some people leave their medical visit without all of the information they want to help managetheir health. This is a troubling trend for the many Americans who maysuffer from heart disease, the leading cause of death in the United States. However, one way to help you be more successful in managing your heart health is by building a strong and active partnership with your doctor and the other membersof your health care team. A new program, Time to Talk CARDIO—Creating A Real Dialogue In the Office, was created to help build better conversations between patients and their doctors, physician assistants and nurses. Visit the program’s Web site, www.timetotalkcardio.com, to watch customized videos that show you helpful ways to talk to your health care team. It’s important to be on the same page with your doctor when it comes to your overall health any questions you may have. Time to Talk CARDIO is an care, and treatment plans for your heart health are especially important. Ask your doctor to explain medical information to you in plain language and be sure to ask educational program underwritten by Merck & Co., Inc. and developed in partnership with the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) Foundation, Canyon Ranch Institute and RIASWorks. To learn more about how you can make the most of your conversations with your health care team, prepare for your next visit and help improve your heart health, visit www.timetotalkcar dio.com for free information, tools and resources. 5 Steps For Making The Most Of Your Medical Visit Prepare a plan for your visit. This helps make sure that you cover what is important to you during the visit. Talk about your health concerns. Tell your doctor how you are feeling and about any health changes since your lastvisit. Ask questions during yourvisit to help you understand, and be sure to check with your providerfo makesure that he or she understandsyou. Problem-solve with your doctor and other membersof your health care team. End your visit by going over what you havetalked about and whatyouwill do. Ways To Improve Your Heart Health Get 30 minutes of aerobic exercise, such as jogging, swimming or walking, most days of the week. Talk with your doctor about setting healthy heart goals for LDL cholesterol, bloodpressure and blood sugar, and before beginning any exercise program. Limit foodshigh in saturatedfat, trans fat and cholesterol. Eat more: fruits and vegetables; whole grains; fat-free or low-fat milk products; andskinless chicken andfish. Eat less: high fat milk products; egg yolks; and fatty meats. For moreinformation, visit www.timetotalkcardio.com. @

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