Don't Fudge the Facts When You Visit Your Doctor

Most adults understand the importance of seeing their primary care provider at least once a year for a routine checkup, bloodwork and health screenings.

In addition to reviewing your medical and family history, taking your weight and blood pressure, your doctor will likely ask questions about your lifestyle, diet and habits – both good and bad. Your honest answers ensure that your provider has the information they need to provide you with the best, safest care possible.

“For these conversations to be truly helpful, it’s important to be completely honest and candid, even though you might be tempted to ‘adjust’ the truth about certain things that make you uncomfortable or you think are embarrassing,” says Babak Moini, MD, internal medicine specialist at University Hospitals. “Your doctor has seen and heard it all and is not there to judge – just to help you achieve and maintain optimal health.”

Five Things You Probably Don’t Want to Talk About

Smoking and Tobacco Use

Most people know that smoking is bad for them. People who smoke may be tempted to either deny the habit completely or report smoking far less than they actually do. “This is a great example of how not being truthful can impact your health,” says Dr. Moini. “There is a very effective lung cancer screening called low-dose lung CT. If a patient misrepresents how much they smoke and for how long, they may disqualify themselves from a potentially life-saving screening.”

“In addition, there are many other health conditions associated with smoking that your doctor might not consider if they don’t know your history,” says Dr. Moini. “Knowing the truth will help them to decide which screenings and treatments are appropriate, particularly if you are having heart or lung symptoms.”

You should also tell your doctor if you vape, use chewing tobacco or nicotine replacement products as these behaviors can also affect your health.

If you are scheduled for a surgical procedure, it is especially important that your doctor knows about your smoking habits. Smoking can interfere with healing and increase your risk of infection after surgery so you may be required to quit for at least two weeks prior to the procedure for your safety.

Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol use is another area where patients may feel the urge to deny or minimize their drinking habits. However, it is crucial that your doctor knows if you drink alcohol, how much and how often.

“Chronic alcohol use can contribute to the development of many serious health problems including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, digestive problems and certain cancers,” says Dr. Moini.

As with smoking, alcohol use is also an important factor to consider before any surgical procedure. If your alcohol use is substantial, there is a risk of withdrawal during the surgery which can put your life at risk if your team isn’t aware and prepared to deal with possible complications.

Recreational Drug Use

Perhaps the most widely denied behavior is the use of non-prescribed drugs like marijuana, cocaine, pain killers or sedatives. People may fear judgment or even legal consequences if they admit to using drugs for recreational purposes.

“The first thing patients should know is that anything you disclose to your doctor is confidential. Any information you share is privileged and private – the only goal is to protect your health and guide your treatment,” says Dr. Moini. “Knowing which substances you regularly use is crucial when developing care plans. Not disclosing your usage can lead to ineffective treatments and potentially life-threatening drug interactions.”

Bowel Habits

As a rule, most people are reluctant to discuss their bowel habits. However, it’s important to let your doctor know if you are experiencing recurrent, intermittent or persistent diarrhea or constipation. Symptoms such as these could be a sign of digestive disorders, nutritional imbalances or colorectal disease. Further testing, including colonoscopy may be recommended.

Mental Health

Your mental health is just as important as your physical well-being. In fact, chronic stress, anxiety or depression can often lead to physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, digestive problems, insomnia and pain. Telling your doctor about any mental health issues you are experiencing will help them determine the underlying cause of any physical symptoms, prescribe the appropriate treatments and, when indicated, refer you to a behavioral health specialist for additional care.

And, if something is worrying you that doesn’t come up during the appointment, speak up! Even if you think it’s unimportant, it could be a meaningful piece of your “big picture” and provide vital information to your doctor.

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Developing a trusted relationship with a primary care provider is the best way to maintain optimal health. University Hospitals has a vast network of primary care providers at convenient locations across the region.