Blood is an essential part of our bodies’ natural life support system. It’s a medium which flows through every cell in our bodies and it holds the key to some of the most intricate details of our being. Blood sustains us and is one of the best and most entrusted indicators of health-related issues.
Know What Your Blood Says About You
Doctors often order blood tests on patients because blood contains vital information regarding their conditions. It tells doctors whether their patients’ vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes are balanced. It also reveals evidence of patients’ eating and social habits, as well as their settled tendencies and addictions. Blood analysis can help doctors gauge the effectiveness and functionality of internal organs, as well as reveal other intricate details regarding the body and its health.
Help your doctor help you by becoming your own health advocate. Get involved and play an active role in managing your healthcare and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Request a copy of your blood test results each time your doctor orders them. Knowing what your blood says about you can help you prevent illness and potentially save your life. As with many health-related conditions, early detection is the key.
Become an Active Participant and Observer
A typical blood test layout will list the elements and chemicals, etc. being tested with their acceptable ranges. Immediately next to the acceptable ranges, the results will show actual values for these same elements, chemicals, etc. present in your blood at the time of testing. Obtaining a tangible copy of your test results will allow you to actually see for yourself, what your levels are in relation to what they should be. If you do have a condition which requires multiple follow-up tests, continue to request copies of the lab results as your treatment continues. Staying in touch with your lab results will help you follow along (with your doctor) so you’ll know when you’re improving and what changes you’ll need to make to get your results within the acceptable ranges.
Staying in Charge
Your physician has charge over managing your healthcare and treating you for any health-related issues. As the patient, you too can be in charge of your healthcare management by taking the following measures:
- Stay current on all scheduled doctor’s appointments.
- Take all medications as prescribed (by your doctor).
- Follow your doctor’s orders.
- Obtain a second and third medical opinion (if necessary).
- Obtain a copy of all blood tests results ordered by your doctor.
Point to Ponder
This article is intended for informational purposes only. It does not mean to imply that blood tests are the only indicators of health-related issues nor does this article take the place of a doctor’s advice. Before making decisions regarding your health, seek the consultation of a well-trained, medical professional.
Demetria Bagner - Demetria Bagner (a kidney transplant recipient since 2007) is a poet, writer, self-taught artist, and former scientist. She grew up in Egg ...
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