What should I do if I have a health concern?

What to Do When You Have a Health Concern

If you have a health concern, you should seek immediate medical attention, especially for symptoms that could indicate serious conditions like chest pain, shortness of breath, or other concerning symptoms. 1

Recognizing When to Seek Emergency Care

Urgent Symptoms Requiring Immediate Attention:

• Chest discomfort or pain with radiation to arms, back, neck, jaw, or epigastrium requires calling 9-1-1 for ambulance transport rather than having friends or relatives drive you 1
• Shortness of breath, weakness, diaphoresis (sweating), nausea, or lightheadedness may indicate a serious cardiac event and require immediate medical evaluation 1
• Symptoms that persist or worsen after 5 minutes, despite uncertainty about their significance, warrant calling emergency services 1

When to Use Emergency Services:

• For symptoms lasting more than 20 minutes, hemodynamic instability, or recent syncope (fainting), immediate referral to an emergency department is necessary 1
• If you have been prescribed nitroglycerin, take only one dose for chest discomfort; if pain is unimproved or worsens after 5 minutes, call 9-1-1 immediately 1

Managing Non-Emergency Health Concerns

For Chronic Conditions:

• Regular medical evaluations are essential to understand any personal limitations 1
• For conditions like diabetes, routine monitoring for diabetes distress and other psychosocial factors should be part of regular care 1
• Be aware of risk factors for conditions like type 2 diabetes, which include age, obesity, lack of physical activity, and certain racial/ethnic backgrounds 1

Environmental Considerations:

• When exercising in hot weather (>70°F), slow your pace, be alert for signs of heat injury (headache, dizziness, faintness, nausea, coolness, cramps, palpitations), and maintain adequate hydration 1
• If temperature exceeds 80°F, exercise in early morning or late afternoon, or in air-conditioned environments 1

Communication with Healthcare Providers

Effective Communication:

• Clearly express your symptoms and concerns to healthcare providers 1
• For mental health or behavioral concerns, providers should take time to obtain detailed history and conduct comprehensive examinations 1
• Be prepared to discuss any changes in your health status, even those that seem minor 1

Follow-up Care:

• Adhere to recommended screening schedules based on your age, gender, and risk factors 1
• For chronic conditions, regular follow-up with appropriate specialists is crucial 1
• If you're on medications, be aware of potential side effects and monitoring requirements 1

Special Considerations

For Different Age Groups:

• Care approaches vary by age: neonates and infants require gentle, specialized care; children need age-appropriate techniques; adolescents benefit from privacy considerations; and older adults may need accommodations for pre-existing conditions 1

For Those with Special Needs:

• People with cognitive diversity or physical disabilities may require adjusted communication approaches and respect for personal space 1
• Victims of physical or sexual violence benefit from trauma-informed care approaches 1

Preventive Measures

Health Maintenance:

• Participate in appropriate screening programs based on your age and risk factors 1
• Maintain proper hand hygiene by washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using alcohol-based sanitizers with at least 60% ethanol or isopropyl alcohol 1
• Choose appropriate exercise based on your age and health status, with endurance exercises being a major component for most people 1

Remember that seeking timely medical attention for health concerns is crucial for preventing complications and achieving the best possible outcomes.