Fitness & Exercise

Are You Too Embarrassed to Ask Your Doctor?

Make the Doctor-Patient Relationship Work for You continued...

If the doctor lapses into jargon, ask for an explanation. If he or she wants you to go on a special diet or take a medication, ask for more specifics. "You're paying the doctor for his or her time," Hubbard adds, "make the most of it."

While some doctors issue a sheet on which you can write your concerns, most recommend you limit your discussion to what you think the most important symptoms or problems are. Bring a list of questions if you think you might freeze.

"If there is some question in your mind about whether to bring something up," Hubbard says, "that probably means you should bring it up."

This is one time it is not good to save the best for last.

For more information on questions you can ask, go to www.webmd.com and click on the Newly Diagnosed icon at the top of the page.