“Talking with your Doctor: A Guide for Older People” The National Institute on Aging has published a free, self-help medical guide for senior adults. More than interesting reading, this no nonsense, down-to-earth guide will not only help seniors stay healthy, it may save their lives.That's because the book addresses sensitive health issues that many seniors are often too embarrassed to discuss. Such neglect may hasten their demise. Learn how to communicate effectively with your doctor and take an active role in your health with the help of the National Institute on Aging’s booklet, “Talking with your Doctor: A Guide for Older People.” First issued in 1994, the new edition includes valuable guidelines on evaluating health information on the World Wide Web. In the past, the doctor typically took the lead and the patient followed. Today, a good patient-doctor relationship is more of a partnership, with both patient and doctor working together to solve medical problems and maintain the patient's good health. This means asking questions if the doctor's explanations or instructions are unclear, bringing up problems even if the doctor doesn't ask, and letting the doctor know when a treatment isn't working. The 30-page booklet is chock full of tips in areas such as: Choosing a doctor you can talk to and why it matters. Tips for good communication such as preparing for an appointment. Tips for giving and receiving information to and from health professionals. Getting started with a new doctor by sharing medical history, medications. Talking about your health in both physical and emotional terms. Discussing sensitive subjects: depression, sexual function, incontinence. Perhaps, the most important issue addressed by the booklet is the topic of "Discussing Sensitive Issues". That's because embarrassment can be a health hazard. In a 1998 Harris Poll conducted for the Take Time to Talk Advisory Council, 93% of physicians agreed that serious medical problems could be averted if patients were more willing to talk about their health problems. Two-thirds of the physicians reported difficulties treating patients who are too embarrassed to talk about their problems. Here are the top five health conditions that patients reported being too embarrassed to discuss with their doctor. Urinary Incontinence (13 million adults) tops the list (average patient waits 2-3 years to seek help). Enlarged prostate (50% of males age 60-plus) was often a taboo topic for patients. Sexual dysfunction (30 million men), majority find it too embarrassing to discuss. Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) (13 million adults) too embarrassed or frightened to seek help. Gynecological Problems, (vaginal infections complicating menstruation and menopause) ranked fourth. These problems are common and treatable, yet unreported or untreated due to embarrassment. Support for the Harris Poll was provided by Pharmacia & Upjohn of Kalamazoo, Michigan in an effort to strengthen physician-patient communication. For a copy of NIA's "Talking With Your Doctor", call the NIA Information Center weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. toll free at 1-800-222-2225 or TTY 1-800-222-4225. The NIA is part of the Department of Health and Human Services’ National Institutes of Health. The NIA is the lead federal agency supporting and conducting biomedical, social, and behavioral research and training related to aging and the diseases and special needs of older people. See related articles in AgeVenture archives. Doctors Address Patient's Spiritual Needs How to be a Power Patient at Next Doctor Visit Strengthening Doctor-Patient Relationships AgeVenture News Service, www.demko.com BACK TO TOP