Most of us will be extremely lucky to spend fifteen (15) minutes with our doctor and this time is often much shorter in countries/communities where the doctor-patient ratio is so low that at best it can be described as criminal.

We are now in the second half of 2026, and I highly recommend that you see a doctor not only when you are unwell but as a means to assess your state of wellbeing and take the needed precautions. It is critical that you find a good primary care doctor who is knowledgeable and proactive and will also be able to coordinate specialist care that you may require.

To make the most out of our time with the doctor we need to PREPARE. If your condition is an emergency, then you do not have the benefit of time to prepare.

A MUST DO!

Kindly ensure your personal hygiene is excellent.

• Take a good bath and brush your teeth
• Wear clean clothes that also make undressing easy, especially if you need to expose some areas for inspection/examination.

This may sound ridiculous, but the opposite does happen in real life.

Remember that doctors are human and when you are unkempt you may not get adequate contact with your doctor.

RESEARCH ON THE SYMPTOMS

If you have access to the internet or a book worth its salt you may read about your symptoms or wait to read after your doctor tells you your diagnosis.

Remember that if you need to research on the internet, it is essential that you use a reputable site.

IN TUNE WITH YOUR COMPLAINTS

1. Write down your complaints/symptoms if you think you may forget
2. If you have had a similar problem and have the results of any investigations e.g. Laboratory tests, x-rays, CT scans etc kindly carry them along
3. Let your doctor know if you react to any drugs
4. Be truthful about any medications you have taken for the condition, if you do not remember the names make sure you go with the containers
5. If you have any other medical conditions (and medication) make the doctor aware
6. Remember to make a note of the following
   1. When did the symptoms/complaint begin?
   2. How long have you had these symptoms?
   3. Is it getting worse?
   4. Does anything make the condition worse?
   5. What makes you feel better?
   6. Is anything related to their onset?
   7. How often does it occur?
   8. How long does it last e.g. in pain conditions as well as rash, allergies etc
   9. Does anyone else in your family have them?
   10. How do they affect your daily life?
   11. Is it related to work or home?

You may need to modify these slightly when you have skin lesions, swellings etc. This list is by no means exhaustive, and you may not need to find answers to all of them before getting help, but they will definitely help you ace the visit to your doctor.

If your doctor books you for surgery, do not leave his presence without finding out the following:

1. Will you go home on the same day of the surgery?
2. Will you need assistance to go home or can you drive unsupervised for instance
3. What form of anaesthesia will you be given?

Then, if your visit is for a medical examination, do remember that also being aware of disease conditions in your family will help your doctor select the appropriate tests and make the whole experience and time useful.

Finally do not leave your doctor without finding out:

• How much physical activity/exercise you require; the Almighty “FITT” prescription
• What you need to eat or avoid
• Some basic information regarding SLEEP

See you in the consulting room soon.

AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, ENSURE HYGIENE, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)

Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel

Health Essentials Ltd (HE&W Group)/Medics Clinic

(dressel@healthessentialsgh.com)

*Dr. Essel is a Medical Doctor with a keen interest in Lifestyle Medicine, He holds an MBA and is an ISSA Specialist in Exercise Therapy, Fitness Nutrition and Corrective Exercise. He is the author of the award-winning book, ‘Unravelling The Essentials of Health & Wealth.’

Thought for the week – “The next big thing in Healthcare in Ghana is the Medics Clinic. Visit https://medicsgroupgh.com/ for more information.”

References:

1. www.patientedu.org
2. www.healthclubsgh.com