You are the person who knows your body best, and that’s why it is important for you to know all of your treatment options and feel empowered to discuss with your doctor.

Many studies have shown that Black Americans, particularly Black women, are more likely to experience negative health outcomes. Which is why it’s more important than ever to be informed about your options and feel empowered to advocate for receiving the best care for you.

This isn’t an easy task. It’s hard to even determine what questions to ask or which treatment options are out there for your condition. To get the treatment that’s right for you, it’s imperative that you do your own research and come to your appointments prepared with informed questions and up-to-date information.

Taking advantage of the plethora of objective healthcare information online and using tools, such as symptom checkers, allow you to better understand what you’re experiencing and the variety of treatment options available.

Everyone deserves the best possible chances at the best health outcomes. The information, doctors, and resources that can change the course of your care are out there, you just have to know where to look. By taking control of your patient journey and advocating for yourself, you can be sure you’re getting the best care and increasing your quality of life.

Patrick Howie

Writing since February 2022 · 1 story contributed