When you visit the doctor, do you come away with answers to your questions or just more questions? To gain understanding of your medical needs, it's important for both you and your health care provider to speak and listen!

q Listen Carefully. It might help to have a friend or relative with you so that both of you hear what the doctor suggests. If you use a notebook to record your questions, use it to record the answers, too! Be sure that you understand what the doctor is telling you before you move on to the next topic of conversation or before you leave the office. Ask for informational brochures on the topics.

q Keep Records. Keep a record of your current medications and supplements and take it with you. Or put all the bottles in a bag and take them along. If you monitor your blood pressure, take those records to the doctor's office also. Many people have higher readings for blood pressure when they are at the doctor’s office. Your notes can help the doctor make a diagnosis.

q Keep Notes. Note your reactions to any medications you're taking.

q Be Honest. Be honest with the information you share. Quantify information with facts. Example: "My headaches occur in the evening; I have had a headache four evenings this week." "The pain in my knee happens when I walk down stairs." Don't dismiss symptoms or hide your concerns. Your provider needs your full information!