Lying to your doctor about lifestyle habits can harm your well-being. Experts say that up to 80% of adults deceive their doctors about how much they drink, exercise, or take medications. Failing to disclose this information makes it harder for doctors to diagnose and treat conditions.
Doctors want to know the truth so they can provide effective care. Dr. Katie Freeman notes that people often worry about discussing uncomfortable topics like bowel movements or urination because they think doctors will judge them. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.
Some common areas where patients lie to their doctors include:
1. Not taking prescribed medication: This is a common problem, with 50% of people on statins stopping their medication within the first year.
2. Uncomfortable treatment plans: If you’re worried about side effects or procedures, let your doctor know so they can help.
Experts emphasize that being honest with your doctor is crucial for effective care. They want to know about lifestyle habits like exercise and diet, as well as substance use, including alcohol, cigarettes, and drugs.
Substance use can impact multiple aspects of health, including sleep quality, cancer risk, and cognitive function. If a patient isn’t using a certain substance or is doing so in low amounts, the doctor may not be able to provide helpful information.
Other areas where patients often lie include:
* Embarrassing topics like bowel movements and urination
* Sexual health issues
Experts stress that being honest with your doctor promotes trust and encourages open discussions about lifestyle habits. With a trusted primary care physician, you can work together to make changes and improve your overall well-being.
Source: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/dont-lie-to-doctors-advice_l_68dd9392e4b0c450ba64e9aa