5 questions Black Women should ask their Provider at Each Doctor’s Visit

Black women are the most neglected group in health care, especially when it comes to preventive care. And although we live longer than white women, that longevity does not factor into why we have higher rates of breast cancer and heart disease — leaving us with a shorter lifespan than our white counterparts due to preventable illnesses.

1- How much information do you need from me in order to provide me with the best care?
When you go to the doctor, it’s important that you ask them how much information they need from you in order to provide you with the best care. A lot of times people don’t realize that their doctors are not mind readers and have no idea what’s going on unless they tell them. The more information that is shared between a patient and their provider, the better chance there will be at providing an accurate diagnosis or treatment plan.

• Symptoms
• Family history (including any genetic conditions)
• Lifestyle habits such as smoking or drinking alcohol regularly

2- What is your level of satisfaction with my current health plan?
Ask your provider if they are satisfied with their current health plan.
You’re paying for it, so it only makes sense to ask if they like what they’re getting for their money. If not, see if there’s another option available that would better suit the needs of both parties involved in this relationship: patient and doctor.

3- What are my options regarding birth control?
You have the right to choose the method that’s best for you. Your doctor will be able to provide information about each type of birth control and its side effects, as well as help you determine which option is most appropriate for your lifestyle.
Some women choose to use an intrauterine device (IUD), which can prevent pregnancy for up to 10 years without requiring any additional action on their part once inserted by a healthcare provider. Others prefer an implantable rod placed under the skin in their upper arm that lasts 3 years before needing replacement; this may be particularly good if you’re looking for long-term protection from pregnancy but don’t want surgery or hormonal methods like pills or patches/patches.
Pills are another popular option because they’re easy-to-use and convenient–but there are still benefits associated with other options: some women find them difficult because they must remember when it’s time take them daily; others experience uncomfortable side effects such as nausea during certain times throughout their cycle (not everyone experiences these symptoms).

4- How can I improve my health in order to live a longer life?
You should ask your healthcare provider if there are ways to improve your health so that you can live a longer life.
Exercise, diet, and sleep are important factors in living a longer life.
Your doctor may suggest that you eat healthier foods or start an exercise program, such as walking for 30 minutes every day. If this is too much for you, try walking 10 minutes each day until it becomes easier, and then add another 10 minutes until eventually reach 30 minutes total per day of physical activity. This can be done at home or outside; however, if it’s cold outside during winter months then consider using an elliptical machine instead since this type of exercise does not require any impact on joints like running does which could cause injury due to poor balance due to lack of oxygen (hypoxia) when working out intensely!

5- What screenings should I have for diabetes, heart disease, and colorectal cancer?
The following are the screenings you should have for diabetes, heart disease and colorectal cancer:

• Blood pressure
• Cholesterol levels
• Blood sugar (fasting glucose)
• Body mass index (BMI)
• Body fat percentage
• Height and weight measurements; this is how your doctor will determine if you’re at a healthy weight for your height. If not, he or she may recommend a diet plan or exercise program to help get there.

Your health is your most important asset, so it’s important to take care of yourself. By asking the right questions and getting the answers, you can make sure that your provider is providing you with quality care. Get the best age-appropriate care during this season of your life by asking great questions.