How to Talk to Your Doctor Without Pulling Out Your Hair

by Contributing Writer

You go to see a physician because you want to learn about the issues you may be having with your health. The reality is you will only have seconds to say anything about your situation. After this, a physician will have a question, comment, or may want to hear about your symptoms and not so much about your health history. Both can help and physicians know that redirect the conversation. If you wonder if your doctor even hears what you’re saying, more than 80 percent of proper diagnoses you are not alone. are made by effectively listening to Communication This is not everyone’s experience when patient’s health. When a person disagrees with what a physician says, they their patients. A list and notes can help a physician remember what they have already told you. If you have your story they go to see their physician, but it is a must respectfully and questions ready, a common one. There was a recent study conducted that showed over 74 percent of communicate it. Trust must be built and IN MANY CASES, physician will be ready to listen. physicians believe they have satisfactory communication with their patients. Less maintained between them. There are certain THERE IS A Honest and Accurate than 22 percent of patients treated by these same physicians believe their talks things a patient can do to communicate effectively DISCONNECT BETWEEN On the other side, it’s important to were adequate. In many cases, there is a with their physician. PATIENT AND remember your disconnect between patient and physician that is difficult to accept. Make Notes PHYSICIAN THAT IS physician has many patients who have not Working Together It may help if you have some notes about your DIFFICULT TO ACCEPT. told them the whole truth about their It is understood that the better a physician condition before you go symptoms. This usually and a patient can speak to one another, to your doctor’s appointment. When you happens when it involves something a the higher a chance a patient will get know the questions you want to ask, you patient doesn’t feel comfortable speaking the correct treatment. A physician and will listen more closely to the answers. about. These topics often involve a sexual patient must work together to improve the Patients have to realize that physicians question as well as the illegal use of drugs

or alcohol and more. It’s important to try They often follow various educational and work on developing a relationship models such as rapport, empathy, support, with your physician where you are partnership, explanations, cultural comfortable being competence, as honest and accurate about any issue involving your health. It is important to ask PATIENTS HAVE TO REALIZE THAT well as trust --which is better known as RESPECT. There is about the best way to contact your physician PHYSICIANS MAY WANT also acknowledge, introduce, duration, with any follow-up questions. Feel free TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR explanation, as well as thank you to communicate with your physician about SYMPTOMS AND NOT -- or AIDET. Some medical experts try your care as well as the experience you’ve SO MUCH ABOUT YOUR to teach physicians how to effectively had in their office. Physicians appreciate HEALTH HISTORY. communicate with their patients this type of honest communication. They believe it helps emphasize the Four them learn more about the care they are Es. This involves engage, enlist, educate, providing and how their office and empathize. This method is used as is operating. a way to help patients become active

Physician’s Barriers

Try to understand your physician is also facing things that put up a barrier for them when it comes to effectively communicating.

Patients being confrontational and resistant to answering questions by those who are providing them care.

They may unintentionally use jargon a patient could misunderstand.

It is possible there is a cultural barrier between a physician and their patient.

A patient or physician could simply have a lack of effective communication skills. This often involves not knowing when or how to respond to specific nonverbal cues.

There could be an avoidance of social and emotional issues.

All physicians have a fear of being sued.

Communication Models

Physicians are always trying to learn how to communicate better with their patients. participants in their health care plans. If you are experiencing a communication problem with your physician, you may need to seek ways to correct the situation. You should always work with a physician that makes you feel as if you can trust them. A doctor who makes you believe they are listening to what you have to say about your medical issues. At the end of a visit, you may want to go over with your physician what was discussed and make certain you are both on the same page. This can lead to a better understanding between the two of you and result in more effective communication taking place.

INSIDE COMMUNITY

AMERICAN PICKERS IN DENTON COUNTY

Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz and the team from American Pickers will be filming throughout the state during November and they will be coming to Denton County! This popular series is known for exploring the world of antique “picking.” The team is looking for leads. If you or someone you know has a large collection of hidden treasures, send them your name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to: americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 855-OLD-RUST.

INSIDE EDUCATION

HIGH SPEED TRAIN APPROVED

The Federal Railroad Administration has approved the high-speed train that promises to transport passengers from Dallas to Houston in 90 minutes. Texas Central Railroad, the company in charge of the project, expects to start construction in

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ONLINE

Denton ISD fans will have a new option for viewing team sports this fall. Varsity games will be streamed live on NFHS Network. This streaming service allows anyone interested in any Denton ISD high schools to subscribe to the Network for an annual subscription fee of $70. Not only will you have access to most athletic events, but you can also watch high school sports from around the nation. Visit www.NFHSnetwork.com and search, Guyer High School. the first half of 2021.

HOMEWORK HOTLINE

In partnership with Texas Women’s University and the Univeristy of North Texas, Denton ISD has opened the homework hotline. It is a free service offering over the phone and Zoom homework assistance to students who participate in the Dual Language and English as Second Language programs in grades 3-8. Students can receive support from approved volunteers Monday through Thursday between 4pm-8pm. Students are to call the hotline at 940.369.0466. photo courtesy of Jamie Wilson

HICKORY CREEK PD BREAST CANCER AWARENESS FUNDRAISER

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and the Hickory Creek Police Department is graciously raising money to bless a member of the community that is fighting breast cancer. If you would like to nominate someone you know who lives in the Lake Cities community, message Kristy Bleau with the Lake Cities Area Buzz Facebook group with the person’s name, contact information, and a paragraph about what they are going through. Most information will be updated in the Facebook group throughout the month of October.

ARTWORK DISPLAYED AT SCHOOL BOARD CONVENTION

Lake Dallas High School senior Lanie Schantz had her artwork displayed at the annual TASA/TASB Convention, placing her among the few in the state to have their artwork represented. This year the display took place virtually from Sept. 30- Oct.2, with many school representatives in attendance. Lanie’s artwork displayed was a painting titled, “Through the Chaos,” which investigates how making art helps counterbalance the stress of life as student-athletes. Congratulations, Lanie! photo courtesy of Anthony Tosie

LAKE CITIES TRUNK OR TREAT

Fri., Oct. 30 | 5pm-7pm Lake Dallas City Park

101 E. Hundley Dr. • Lake Dallas, TX 75065

Halloween family fun! Join your community for another year of festivities put on by sponsors Point Bank and many more. There will be food, candy, games, golf cart parade, costume contest, pumpkin decorating contest, balloons, and a special edition band (sponsored by visit www.LakeDallas.com/Trunk-or-treat.

the City of Corinth.) To enter the contests,

DISTRICT OF DISTINCTION, AGAIN!

This marks the second consecutive year Lake Dallas ISD has been named a District of Distinction for its visual arts programs and initiatives by the Texas Art Education Association, making the district one of just 43 in the state to earn the prestigious honor. photo courtesy of Anthony Tosie

MeetJOYFUL RESTORATION

photo courtesy of Joyful Restoration Wellness

We are a group of faith-based, licensed professionals that is devoted to health and healing of the body, mind, and spirit of each person. We believe our multi-faceted approach results in a more effective and efficient healing, and it is our desire to guide individuals, couples, and families toward better functioning in all areas of their lives. Our prayer is that each person may discover their inner joy along the journey to a healthier version of themselves.

Our vision is to create a holistic wellness facility that promotes physical, mental, emotional, relational and spiritual well-being from the inside out. We envision a community in which non-judgmental and compassionate professionals view all people as capable of change.

Our wellness services currently include counseling, chiropractic, and psychiatric care.

940.239.3575 | www.JoyfulRestorationWellness.com | 2214 Emery St., Ste. 510 • Rayzor Ranch, Denton, TX