Quality Health Care
Maintaining your health is important in enjoying an excellent quality of life, since your health impacts every facet of your day. Finding and receiving satisfactory health care helps you to stay healthy and to recover more quickly when you are ill. However, not everyone has access to high quality health care services. According to a 2007 study by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about out of five adults, or over 40 million people, do not have access to adequate health care services. How can you ensure that you receive the best quality of health care?
The most significant step in ensuring that you receive good-quality health care is to take an active role in making choices about your health care, using relevant health information. Taking an active role means:
• Researching your condition and recommendations by using reliable sources of information.
• Working with your doctor and health care team in making decisions.
• Taking personal responsibility for maintaining the state of your health.
To research health information, the internet is a wonderful resource. Just make sure to use reliable health information websites such as WebMD or sites affiliated with well-known hospitals and health care organizations. If you don’t have access to a computer, the local library is a valuable source of quality information about health issues.
Good communication with your doctor and health care team is a critical component of your health care program. Ask questions (create a written list, if possible) to fully understand your condition and options for treatment. Find out what your health care professionals have to say about scientific evidence concerning your condition. Don’t be afraid to obtain second or even third medical opinions.
Taking responsibility for your health requires a personal commitment to healthy practices. The top 4 steps you can take in this area are:
• Making healthy food choices.
• Staying active and getting exercise.
• Quitting smoking.
• Keeping your weight in a healthy range.