Episode 14: How to Be Your
Own Self-Advocate at
Your Next Doctor's Appointment
How well do you advocate for your health at doctors' appointments and in the healthcare system as a whole? We've got tips to help make it easier! In this episode of the YMyHealth Podcast Co-Host, Melissa Schenkman, and Family Medicine Physician, Dr. Jessica Gray from Lubbock, Texas, discuss the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, particularly for millennials. While being your own health advocate can be a challenge in our complex health system, self-advocacy in your healthcare is as important as eating healthy and exercising.
Dr. Gray emphasizes the need for patients to take an active role in their health by understanding their medical history, preparing for doctor visits, and effectively communicating with healthcare providers. The conversation also touches on the unique health challenges faced by women and the dangers of relying on online sources like Google for medical advice. Dr. Gray provides practical tips for navigating the healthcare system and encourages listeners to seek reliable information and advocate for their health needs.
Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to Health Advocacy
(02:54) Understanding Self-Advocacy in Healthcare
(06:06) The Importance of Women's Health Advocacy
(09:09) Overcoming Barriers to Self-Advocacy
(11:58) Preparing for Doctor's Appointments
(15:02) The Dangers of Consulting Dr. Google
(18:01) Finding Reliable Health Information
(20:55) Effective Communication with Your Doctor
Links:
Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/
Learn about YMyHealth's Founder, Melissa Schenkman, MPH, MSJ, here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman
Learn more about this episode's guest, Dr. Jessica Gray and the MedEdit Podcast here: https://www.instagram.com/drjessicagraymd/ and https://themededit.blubrry.net/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaZrxGKA53_8dzeGJ3L2alZ4Knru6UvEAdVOgzwCn3uu3WXC8zwdeKSAfG8_aem_tIoTZF-yhZwu9a3ef20Krg
Thanks again to our sponsor Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com/