Kessingland Surgery News
Issue 4

How to get the most from your Doctor

Try to prepare some questions beforehand about your condition and what you want to know.  Perhaps do some reading as this may raise more areas you would like to discuss and help you in the language you use in your questions.

When you talk with your doctor, ask specific questions.  If you ask questions about yourself and the way your condition is affecting you, it will be easier for your doctor to answer.  Try to stick to one topic at a time.  If you think of something new you want to ask, wait until you have finished with the first question before you start with the new one.  If you don’t understand a word or phrase the doctor uses, or something they say, ask them to explain it.  If you think it seems confusing you could try repeating back to the doctor what you think they mean, then they can see if you understood or not.  You may also find it useful to take some notes of what the doctor is saying to you or ask for some written information that you can take away with you.

 If you disagree with something the doctor says, give reasons why you disagree and try to give suggestions as to what you think might work instead and why.

If you find it uncomfortable asking questions, you could try:

Ø  Writing to the doctor – if there is a letter in your file the doctor is less likely to pass over the question.

Ø  Getting someone to ask for you, or having someone with you in your consultation.

 Agree with your doctor a timescale for reviews if necessary.  The doctor may want to see how the medication suits you first before he/she agrees a review date but remember, even if you do agree a date but something about the treatment is bothering you or you want to discuss a different issue before this date, contact the surgery for an appointment with a nurse or doctor.

Dr D Johnston

A Weighty Problem

By the time this article goes into print the seasonal festivities will be behind us.  Many will be counting the cost of too much festive fare with expanding waistlines and clothes that surely must have shrunk in the wash! 

To avoid the excess pounds becoming permanent fixtures an immediate action plan is needed.  Do not, however, launch into a starvation or fasting diet.  In winter weather with its attendant colds and sniffles a varied, healthy diet is a must and far easier to keep to.  The weight will then steadily come off and if you combine your eating plan with regular exercise (at least an extra 30 minutes daily) you will feel fitter and healthier – ready for Spring.

The following guidelines form a sound basis for weight loss – they may be obvious but will only work if you stick to them. Regard them as a permanent healthy living programme rather than a ‘diet’.

§    eat three balanced meals daily – to include breakfast

§    keep portions moderate and eat slowly so that your body has time to register when you are full

§    base your meals on complex carbohydrates, found in pasta, potatoes, brown rice and wholemeal bread, together with lean meat, poultry (without skin) and fish

§    add vegetables, salads, pulses and fresh fruit- raw vegetables and fruit in particular contain high levels of vitamins and help to combat colds and infections – aim for 5 portions daily

§    avoid fried and processed foods, pastry, cakes and foods with high levels of fat – particularly saturated fat – sausages, bacon and minced meat are high fat

§    cut down on alcohol – introduce several alcohol- free days per week

§    do not snack between meals

You can use the new surgery facilities to weigh in if you want to go it alone or, if you feel you might lack the necessary discipline, the doctors recommend that you join a reputable diet group which will give you ongoing support with like-minded people.