Making the Most of Your Doctor Appointment
Discovery Commons at Bradenton
May 11, 2021
Florida - Sarasota, Bradenton & Charlotte Counties
Email US
Click to Email Us
For More Information on Discovery Commons at Bradenton, CLICK HERE!
Your doctor may have told you that you should get an annual physical. Almost 45 million Americans do and that number is even higher for seniors. And of course, aging often leads to aches, pains, and illnesses that send you to the clinic more often than that.
The annual physical rule has recently come under scrutiny with many experts saying it really isn't necessary for younger folks. Obviously, you'll want to consult with a doctor if you're having any problems or changes in your health. But the general consensus is that annual physicals are a good idea for people once they reach the ripe old age of 50.
So whether its a yearly appointment or an interim visit for illness or injury, are you getting the most out of your visits? Well, many people don't. But it doesn't have to be that way.
So how do you make the most of your appointment? Here are some ideas.
What to Do During a Doctor Appointment
Be Prepared. This may be the Boy Scout motto, but its also the best advice for those planning a doctor visit! Your appointment will be scheduled for only a certain amount of time so you'll want to make the most of it.
What's up? When you make the appointment, give them a brief idea of the reason for the visit so they can allow enough time. They'll typically reserve a longer time for a physical, but for other appointments be sure to mention all
the reasons so you have time to discuss them with your doctor.
Starting new. If your'e a new patient, bring along a personal and family health history. Sometimes they'll send you a form in advance. If so, complete it at home and make a copy to keep for future use. Bring your previous medical records or have them sent to your new doctor in advance.
Get physical. If you've got an annual physical coming up think about any health issues that may have been bothering you. If you have enough time, be aware of your body leading up to the appointment and write things down no matter how small they seem. Sometimes things hurt or act up during one part of the day and then improve. Arthritis may be worse first thing in the morning or during the night, so you may forget to mention what's not hurting when you see your doc). Or allergies might be sporadic and youd like to get a prescription for when they're bad, but you aren't feeling it in your air-conditioned doctors office, so its easy to forget.
Keep track. If you've been having any health problems keep a record of when it all began, when the problem occurs, and how severe it is. This is an especially effective way to track migraines, digestive issues, or other conditions that crop up frequently but not regularly. Knowing when they occur will help you and your doctor to determine what may be triggering the problem.
Write it down. Write a list of things you may want to ask or discuss even if they seem minor. Sometimes one condition may be related to another and you'd never realize it until your doctor becomes aware of both symptoms and puts two and two together.
Don't go alone. Take someone with you to your appointment. If your memory isn't what it used to be or you are diagnosed with something unexpected or even frightening, that person can take notes and ask questions to help you remember and take further action.
Doing drugs. Bring a list of your medications not only prescriptions, but also any vitamins, herbs, supplements, or over-the-counter meds you take on a regular basis. This is especially important for seniors who travel or spend the winter in a warmer climate or who have just retired to a new community. Knowing your meds will help your doctor discover any possible drug interactions as well as what has worked and what hasn't side effects you may have, and whether you might be taking too many medications.
New drugs. If you get a new prescription, don't be afraid to ask what the common side effects are. What side effects would warrant calling your doctor? How soon can you expect the drug to work? And feel free to ask for clarification on when to take it, whether to take it with food, etc.
Don't be shy. Doctors are bound by patient confidentially, so you don't have to worry about anything you say. Yes, it might be embarrassing to discuss hemorrhoids, your sex life, or bowel movements, but there may be an easy solution that youll never know about if you never bring it up.
Be honest. Its tempting to lie about things you know you should do and don't do or things you do that you know you should not. Smoking, eating donuts, and cheese curds, not wearing your seatbelt, or having unsafe sex are some of the most common offenders. You get the idea. Again, you need to be honest or your doctor cant help you.
Get it in writing. If you get a new prescription, exercise, or other instruction, ask to have it written down. You might think you'll remember, but sometimes its a lot to take in all at once. Better be safe than sorry.
Cheat sheet. If this is a lot to remember, use the American Heart Associations new guideline nicknamed PACE:
Provide information about how you feel.
Ask questions if you don't have enough information. Clarify what you hear. Express any concerns you might have. And don't forget to make any follow-up appointments before you leave!
Other Articles You May Like
Some Sedentary Activities Are Good For Brain Health
Physical activity helps your brain, but did you know even some sedentary activities can ward off cognitive decline? Creative crafts, reading, and puzzles such as Sudoku or Scrabble keep your brain mentally stimulated. Try word and number games rather than TV or gaming. So, when you rest your body, make sure you're still engaging your brain. Summary: New research highlights that some sedentary activities, like reading or crafting, are better for brain health than others, such as watching TV or gaming. A study of 397 older adults found that mentally stimulating and socially engaging activities support memory and thinking abilities, while passive screen time is linked to cognitive decline.This insight is crucial, as 45% of dementia cases are linked to modifiable lifestyle factors. Researchers suggest swapping passive activities for more engaging ones to protect brain health, even during indulgent holiday marathons.Key FactsCognitive Benefits: Reading and social engagement improve brain function, unlike passive screen time.Preventable Risk: 45% of dementia cases could be reduced through lifestyle changes.Healthy Swaps: Small activity changes, like breaking up TV time with reading or movement, benefit the brain.Source: University of South AustraliaIts that time of the year when most of us get the chance to sit back and enjoy some well-deserved down time. But whether you reach for the TV controller, or a favourite book, your choice could have implications for your long-term brain health, say researchers at the University of South Australia.Assessing the 24-hour activity patterns of 397 older adults (aged 60+), researchers found that the context or type of activity that you engage in, matters when it comes to brain health. And specifically, that some sedentary (or sitting) behaviours are better for cognitive function than others.When looking at different sedentary behaviours, they found that social or mentally stimulating activities such as reading, listening to music, praying, crafting, playing a musical instrument, or chatting with others are beneficial for memory and thinking abilities. Yet watching TV or playing video games are detrimental.Researchers believe that there is likely a hierarchy of how sedentary behaviours relate to cognitive function, in that some have positive effects while others have negative effects.Its a valuable insight that could help reduce risks of cognitive impairment, particularly when at least 45% of dementia cases could be prevented through modifiable lifestyle factors.In Australia, about 411,100 people (or one in every 1000 people) are living with dementia. Nearly two-thirds are women. Globally, the World Health Organization estimates that more than 55 million people have dementia with nearly 10 million new cases each year.UniSA researcher Dr Maddison Mellow says that not all sedentary behaviours are equal when it comes to memory and thinking ability.In this research, we found that the context of an activity alters how it relates to cognitive function, with different activities providing varying levels of cognitive stimulation and social engagement, Dr Mellow says.We already know that physical activity is a strong protector against dementia risk, and this should certainly be prioritised if you are trying to improve your brain health. But until now, we hadnt directly explored whether we can benefit our brain health by swapping one sedentary behaviour for another.We found that sedentary behaviours which promote mental stimulation or social engagement such as reading or talking with friends are beneficial for cognitive function, whereas others like watching TV or gaming have a negative effect. So, the type of activity is important.And, while the move more, sit less message certainly holds true for cardiometabolic and brain health, our research shows that a more nuanced approach is needed when it comes to thinking about the link between sedentary behaviours and cognitive function.Now, as the Christmas holidays roll around, what advice do researchers have for those who really want to indulge in a myriad of Christmas movies or a marathon of Modern Family?To achieve the best brain health and physical health benefits, you should prioritise movement thats enjoyable and gets the heart rate up, as this has benefits for all aspects of health, Dr Mellow says.But even small five-minute time swaps can have benefits. So, if youre dead set on having a Christmas movie marathon, try to break up that time with some physical activity or a more cognitively engaged seated activity, like reading, at some point. That way you can slowly build up healthier habits.This research was conducted by a team of UniSA researchers including: Dr Maddison Mellow, Prof Dot Dumuid, Dr Alexandra Wade, Prof Tim Olds, Dr Ty Stanford, Prof Hannah Keage, and Assoc Prof Ashleigh Smith; with researchers from the University of Leicester, and the University of Newcastle.Author: Annabel MansfieldSource: University of South AustraliaContact: Annabel Mansfield University of South AustraliaImage: The image is credited to Neuroscience NewsOriginal Research: Open access.Should We Work Smarter or Harder for Our Health? A Comparison of Intensity and Domain-Based Time-Use Compositions and Their Associations With Cognitive and Cardiometabolic Health by Maddison Mellow et al. Journals of Gerontology Series A
Coldwell Banker Reaffirms Partnership with St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital for Fourth Consecutive Year
Having donated nearly two million dollars since the start of the partnership, the Coldwell Banker brand continues its commitment to fostering hopeColdwell Banker Real Estate LLC, a subsidiary of Anywhere Real Estate Inc. (NYSE: HOUS), extends its impactful partnership with St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital into 2025. The CB Supports St. Jude partnership has raised $1.97 million since its establishment in 2020.The inspiring story of David DiGregorio, an affiliated agent with Coldwell Banker Realty in Waltham, Massachusetts, truly reflects the spirit of the Coldwell Banker network. Recognized this year as the Stars of Hope top donor, a title he earned last year and in 2021, DiGregorios efforts serve as a powerful example of dedication, commitment and philanthropy. His generous contributions have not only significantly enhanced the overall impact made by the Coldwell Banker brand, but also have been instrumental in helping St. Jude give vital support to many families in need. The Stars of Hope recognition is honored annually to the top 15 percent of all participating agents who made donations in the CB Supports St. Jude program.The renewal of this program allows Coldwell Banker brand affiliated agents to keep donating a portion of every home sale or purchase to this worthy cause. This dedication guarantees that no family will face the financial burdens of treatment, travel, housing or food expenses while they work to bring their children home.QUOTES:We are deeply committed to the power of community and the profound importance of giving back. Our partnership with St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital exemplifies our unwavering dedication to making a tangible difference in the lives of families confronting unimaginable challenges. As we look ahead to 2025, we take immense pride in the collective impact we continue to achieve, knowing that every contribution brings hope and healing to children in need.Jason Waugh, President of Coldwell Banker Affiliates I am incredibly grateful to be part of a network that is truly committed to making a difference. Contributing to this cause has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career and seeing the tangible impact of our donations on the lives of these children reinforces the importance of our partnership with St. Jude.David DiGregorio, agent with Coldwell Banker Realty Waltham, Mass About Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLCPowered by its network of over 98,000 affiliated sales professionals in approximately 2,700 offices across 40 countries and territories, the Coldwell Banker system is a leading provider of full-service residential and commercial real estate brokerage services. The Coldwell Banker brand prides itself on its history of expertise, honesty and an empowering culture of excellence since its beginnings in 1906. The Coldwell Banker brand is committed to providing its network of affiliated sales agents with the tools and insights needed to excel in todays marketplace and is known for its bold leadership and dedication to driving the industry forward. The brand was named among the 2024 Womens Choice Award 9 out of 10 Customer Recommended Real Estate Agency. Blue is bold and the integrity and values of the Coldwell Banker brand give the Gen Blue network an unbeatable edge. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each office is independently owned and operated.
Affluent Appetite for Luxury Homes Drives Market Optimism for Many Consumers, According to New Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Report
Report features fresh insights from U.S. luxury consumers and identifies the top trends dominating the global luxury real estate landscapeColdwell Banker Real Estate LLC, an AnywhereSM (NYSE: HOUS) brand, and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury program, today released The Trend Report, showcasing increased consumer optimism in luxury real estate as the fourth quarter of 2023 welcomed fresh energy from luxury homebuyers.Over one-third of surveyed luxury consumers feel that 2024 will be a better time to buy or sell a home compared to 2023 indicating enthusiasm for luxury real estate as they pursue their dream home, according to the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Consumer Survey.Furthermore, the luxury market saw sales during the last quarter of 2023 increase nearly 4.2% for single-family homes and 14.2% for attached properties compared to the previous year, while new listings also increased by 14.2% for single-family homes and 7.2% for attached properties during the same period.[1] On average, luxury consumers surveyed plan on selling their home within the next 10 months.Alongside the luxury consumer survey, The Trend Report explores top trends leading todays luxury homebuying landscape, backed by additional insight and data from Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Property Specialists, the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing and Wealth-X.The top six themes shaping the 2024 luxury real estate market identified by The Trend Report are:Shifting out of Neutral: Influences on the Luxury MarketHave-It-All PropertiesThe Influence of AIThe High Earners, Not Rich Yet (HENRY) FactorForeign BuyersSmart HomesIn addition to the trends and consistent theme that wealthy Americans have a more positive outlook on the real estate market heading into 2024, key findings from the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Consumer survey include:Continued desire for affluent consumers to purchase a home abroadSocial medias tremendous role in homebuying decisionsLocation being the most important factor to consider when searching for a homeInternational InvestmentsAmerica continues to be a real estate safe haven for many of the worlds wealthiest and influential consumers. According to The Trend Report, international buyers purchasing real estate in the top 5% of the market in 2023 saw 25% growth, indicating that international high-net-worth consumers continue to see to value of investing in the U.S. luxury real estate market. The top international buyers include China, Canada and the United Kingdom, and the most favored cities to purchase within the U.S. are New York, Los Angeles, Miami, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.While international buyers look to America for their next property, wealthy Americans are also exploring opportunities abroad, with nearly 40% of survey respondents planning to buy a home in a foreign location within the next year and two-thirds of affluent consumers saying they plan to purchase a home abroad within the next five years. Europe is the top destination among luxury consumers (29%), followed by North America outside the U.S. (28%) and the Caribbean (23%).Social Media Influences Luxury BuyersSocial media is overwhelmingly influencing luxury consumers to purchase their dream home. A whopping 73% of affluent consumers say they have been influenced by social media to purchase a particular home they desire. Instagram (45%), YouTube (45%) and TikTok (44%) are the top social media platforms that have influenced luxury consumers to purchase their dream home.For the younger generations of luxury homebuyers like millennials and Gen Z, TikTok has especially become an enormously popular platform to connect with real estate agents to become more knowledgeable of the housing market through comprehensive yet digestible, bite-sized videos and virtual walkthroughs of homes. 64% of consumers aged 18-24 have been influenced by social media in their desire to purchase a particular type of home. In addition, 68% of consumers in this age bracket are most likely to have been influenced by TikTok in their decision to purchase their desired home.Discerning Tastes in Luxury LivingWhile high interest rates and low inventory may cause some consumers to settle or pause their home search altogether, luxury consumers have only become more selective when purchasing their newest property. Todays affluent buyers are more discerning than ever, prioritizing location, privacy, wellness amenities, lifestyle experiences and the latest technology.Notably, the top three amenities desired by luxury consumers according to the survey findings are privacy, breathtaking views and garage space. Location is top-of-mind for luxury consumers when choosing a home (45%), followed by price (39%). Wealthy Americans prefer mid-sized to large modern contemporary styled homes, ideally located on the West Coast.High-tech security systems, smart lighting and energy-saving solutions stand out as the top three preferred technologies among luxury consumers. Notably, the preferences in smart home technologies vary across age groups. Older generations (45+) lean towards prioritizing convenience, while the younger demographics (1834) express a preference for privacy and security. Individuals aged 3544 prioritize health tech systems, such as air quality control and water analysis sensors.To explore the Trend Report and full survey results, visit https://www.coldwellbankerluxury.com/.QUOTES:After a year of high interest rates, housing shortages and conflicted consumer sentiment, its encouraging to see such a positive outlook on the luxury real estate market for 2024. If lower mortgage rate trends combined with the new inventory momentum continues, luxury homebuyers could be inspired to move forward with their next home purchase. As they prioritize new amenities, features and even explore overseas options for their next property, Im excited to see our Coldwell Banker Global Luxury Property Specialists guide both buyers and sellers to achieve their dream homes.Michael Altneu, vice president, Coldwell Banker Global LuxuryIn contrast to the pandemic homebuying boom, were seeing luxury homebuyers more than willing to wait to find the perfect house in 2024 that meets every single one of their needs whether its privacy, wellness amenities, lifestyle experiences, latest technology or a combination of all those factors. Specifically, turn-key, move-in ready homes with easy access to the best luxury amenities provide buyers with instant gratification in attaining their desired lifestyle. Whether its purchasing the home that has it all or upgrading their current home with trending features, Im looking forward to seeing both buyers and sellers enjoying the decisions they make for their home this year.Jade Mills, president, Jade Mills Estates and International Ambassador of Coldwell Banker Global Luxury programMethodologyThe Coldwell Banker Global Luxury program collaborated with Censuswide, the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing and Wealth-X to provide insights into real estate trends, market sentiment, property investment and luxury spending preferences. Censuswide surveyed 4,213 U.S. consumers, 25% of which were luxury (1,053 respondents in total). Research was conducted between Nov. 27, 2023 and December 11, 2023. Luxury respondents were classified as those aged 18+ with a household income of $1M+, or who have bought a home in the U.S. worth $1M+ or are planning to purchase a home in the near future worth $1M+. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society which is based on ESOMAR guidelines and principles. For more information on how data was collected and defined, please refer to the full methodology on page 4 of The Trend Report.[1] This data is sourced from an analysis of 130 U.S. markets by the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing. For more information, please reference the methodology section on page 4 in The Trend Report.
Local Services By This Author
Discovery Commons At Bradenton
Memory Care 2614 43rd St. W., Bradenton, Florida, 34209Discovery Commons At Bradenton's SHINE Memory Care Program sounds like an exceptional resource for those seeking memory care services in Bradenton, FL. The program's national recognition highlights its dedication to providing top-quality care for individuals with memory impairments.The emphasis on fostering independence, confidence, and self-esteem is commendable. Celebrating small successes, focusing on positivity, and encouraging active participation in daily activities are all key components of creating a supportive and uplifting environment for residents.The commitment to stimulating mental activity, promoting physical exercise, and maintaining social and religious connections underscores the holistic approach to memory care. By addressing various aspects of well-being, residents can enjoy a higher quality of life and greater overall satisfaction.The focus on dining experiences is also noteworthy. Nutrient-dense gourmet meals contribute to residents' overall health and well-being, while the emphasis on active participation in dining promotes a sense of normalcy and social engagement. The provision of "Food on the Run" for residents who may struggle with mealtime focus or wander frequently demonstrates a thoughtful approach to meeting individual needs and preferences.Overall, Discovery Commons At Bradenton's SHINE Memory Care Program appears to be a compassionate and comprehensive resource for individuals and families navigating the challenges of memory impairment.
Discovery Commons At Bradenton
Assisted Living 2614 43rd St. W., Bradenton, Florida, 34209Senior Assisted Living is the perfect blend between luxury, convenience, and care. Youre housed in a picturesque, comforting community where you have the utmost freedom. On the other hand, you have access to personalized day-to-day care including assisted bathing and grooming to continence and medication management, amongst others. Our on-site amenities such as therapy services and 24-hour nursing care promote a high quality of life. With the vast array of dining, transport, and wellness amenities, we aim to prioritize your needs. It's clear that Discovery Commons At Bradenton recognizes the importance of holistic care for seniors and has integrated wellness and therapy services into their assisted living program to meet a variety of needs. Here's a breakdown of their approach:Comprehensive services: The wellness and therapy services offered cater to a wide range of needs, including those recovering from surgery, stroke, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and memory-related conditions like dementia or Alzheimer's disease, as well as Parkinson's disease. This comprehensive approach ensures that residents receive tailored care that addresses their specific health challenges.Improved mobility and activity: By participating in these services, residents can expect to increase their mobility and become more active. This can have a significant impact on their overall quality of life, allowing them to engage more fully in daily activities and maintain independence.Pain relief and fall prevention: The program aims to alleviate joint pain in areas crucial for mobility, such as the back, neck, shoulders, and knees. Additionally, by addressing mobility issues and building strength and balance, residents can reduce their risk of falls, which is particularly important for those who have experienced previous falls.Enhanced daily living: The ultimate goal of the wellness and therapy services is to improve residents' ability to manage their daily living activities. Whether it's simple tasks like grooming and housekeeping or more complex activities, residents can expect to receive support and guidance to help them