Making Medical Talk Make Sense

 

      Many times you can leave the doctor's office feeling more confused when you went in. Excessive medical jargon can make conversations surrounding your health even more difficult. Health professionals have a tendency to throw out terms such as "benign" which not everyone understands what they mean. I want to discuss these confusing medical terminology and make it easier for non professionals to feel confident in their healthcare. While medical jargon can be confusing for patients, there is a reason it exists. It helps doctors and other health professionals communicate clearly and effectively. 

     My first suggestion to understanding this more, is to ask your healthcare professional to simplify. It may seem daunting but most likely they will understand and try to explain in more simple terms. Next I want to emphasize the importance on asking questions. It is your health you are entitled to understand your diagnosis and treatment plans in their entirety. While us as patients have ways to make understanding this jargon easier, healthcare professionals have work to do as well. 

   Individuals with low health literacy are at a higher risk of missing important health screenings or misusing prescriptions. This poses a great threat to individuals. This threat can increase in more sensitive demographics such as those in poverty, the elderly, or more rural areas. Doctors and other healthcare professionals need to clear, simple, and accessible language to all of their patients. 

   So the next time you go to see a doctor, ask questions. Don't be afraid to ask them to simplify the information. Take your health into your hands and don't feel bad for not knowing. Doctor's have spent years of schooling to know what they do. Feel free to let them know you need more of a simple explanation to feel comfortable. And with that I will be ending this blog. Stay Safe, Stay Informed. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Spotting Misleading Health Information

               With an uprise usage of social media and other platforms, medical information is more likely to get  skewed. Today, I will be discussing ways to weed out the misinformation and find reliable sources. The first way to identify reliable information is checking the source. Finding trusted federal sources are a good place to start such as the CDC. Once you identify the source, look at the authors who wrote the article. An individual with expertise in their chosen field such as medical professionals or scientist are more likely to have reliable information. After identifying your source, you should cross reference its information with other sources. Be aware of titles that play on your emotions, title that entice fear can often have its own agenda. Trusted health information should be based on strong, concise evidence that back its claim. Examine the article for contradictions to itself or other reputable sources. It is important to...
Read more

Fight the Stigma: Communication on Mental Health in Different Cultures

         While mental health is a universal issue, it is perceived and treated variously across different cultures. There are stigmas, misinformation, and cultural beliefs can cause barriers to seek help. Effective communication is essential in increasing treatment for mental health challenges. The first step in addressing these concerns is understanding cultural perceptions on mental health. In some cultures mental illnesses can be seen as a sign of weakness or being a failure. In others mental health concerns can be associated with spiritual or supernatural entities. Additionally, intense cultural expectations on independence and family honor can discourage individuals speaking up about their mental health concerns.  In addition to the cultural expectations, language can also become a barrier. Some cultures lack the words for mental conditions, making it harder to explain their concerns.           Stigma can be described as a...
Read more

Staying Mindful and Healthy

         While mental health is just as important as physical health, it can often get overlooked. Maintaining good mental health is crucial for reducing stress and leading an overall healthy life. Whether you are struggling with anxiety or just want to learn about small lifestyle changes that can make a huge impact, this guide is for you.                                                                                                                                                            ...
Read more