Making the most of health appointments

When seeing your GP, doctor, or other health care person, write down in advance what you need to say, or want to ask about. Make sure you get your notes out and work through them.

I ask my doctor, dentist and others to send me my appointment confirmation and reminders by text.

Keep a checklist of health issues such as oral hygiene, eyes, ears, chiropody. Don’t neglect them.

Have regular checks for sight, hearing etc. When these change, i can have a big impact.

I tell the doctor all the stuff I want to say quickly, before I get tired. 

Ask for time to make notes there and then. Or ask the doctor to write down what she or he wants you to do.

Ask the doctor to look at you when she or he is speaking.