Routine Checkups Work, Ask Kareem

After disclosing his diagnosis with myeloid cancer, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, told journalists how routine checkups (for him every two years) help find his cancer early. His confidence in telling his medical story was utterly genuine. What a smart patient! He revealed that his symptoms were clues that something was awry with his health. His complete blood count (CBC) helped his doctor find the cancer. He further expressed his savvy by discussing his family history and that cancer was present. This is valuable knowledge for every patient.

Prevention and early detection in addition to education are key for great health. You must help your health care team with your health plan. Information like family history, your present medical and past medical history are the basic building blocks for your individual health maintenance plan. Take the time to put this down on paper and share with your present doctor and each new doctor you see. As you go along research your findings from medical records you have, and be sure they are accurate, correct and yours.

Routine checkups work. Ask Kareem.

by J.L. Richardson, MD, family medicine doctor and patient advocate, author of Patient Handbook to Medical Care: Your Personal Health Guide, recipient of Writer's Digest International Self Publishers award in reference books.

http://www.mypatienthandbook.com/
www.twitter.com/MD4U
www.blogtalkradio.com/drjfpmd - readings by author
http://short.to/vb5e - excerpts & bookstores on Google Books