You look after your car and get it serviced regularly, because you want it to run well, maintain its value and last longer. It’s not a bad idea to start thinking the same way about yourself.

Find a GP

Just as you want a mechanic you can trust for your car, you need a GP you can feel comfortable with. Find one, and build up a relationship with them, so you can talk openly with them. They, in turn, can get to know you and your health needs. Think of your GP as your health mechanic. If you don’t know who to go to, ask your mates and family members who they recommend.

 Your car needs regular servicing to keep it running smoothly.

You need regular health check-ups for the same reason.

Have regular check-ups

Your car needs regular servicing to keep it running smoothly, and to pick up problems before they become expensive and hard to fix. You need a health check-up every year for the same reasons. An annual check-up with your GP can pick up problems that can silently creep up on you and do damage long before you notice anything. Book a long appointment, so your GP has enough time to check everything properly.

In the meantime, if you develop a health problem that doesn’t seem to be going away, visit your GP immediately.

Talk and be active

You’d expect a two-way conversation with your mechanic, so expect the same of your doctors. When you visit, tell them what’s wrong or what you’re concerned about. Get them to explain what they think the problem is, and any tests or treatments they recommend. Ask questions if you don’t understand or want more information.

Starting a new medicine

If your mechanic recommended a repair for your car, you’d ask why it’s needed and what it involves. Do the same if your doctor recommends that you start a medicine. Some of the questions you might ask are:

• Why do I need it?
• What will it do, and how will I know it is working?
• What side effects should I watch out for, and what should I do if I experience them?
• Is there anything else I should know about it?
• Are there any other treatments I could have instead?
  

Follow the instructions

To get the best results, you follow the instructions for when and where to put oil or coolant in your car. The same applies for medicines.

Don’t be tempted to adjust the dose yourself. Taking less than recommended or taking it less frequently means it probably won’t work or it won’t as well as it should. Taking more than recommended means you’re more likely to get side effects and it probably won’t work any better.

Don’t stop taking a medicine as soon as you feel better, unless advised by your doctor or in the instructions. Some medicines, such as antibiotics, must be taken for the full course to work properly. Others, such as heart and blood pressure medicines, must be taken regularly (usually every day) in order to prevent the health problem becoming serious in the long term.

If you’re worried that a medicine is not working as well as you hoped or is causing side effects, tell your doctor. They may be able to fix the problem by adjusting the dose, or changing you to another medicine.

Make a medicines list

Knowing your car’s service history makes it easier for your mechanic to look after your car. Similarly, each of your health professionals needs to know about all the medicines you are taking. Having this information helps them to diagnose any health problems you may have, and to choose the most appropriate medicines for you.

You’d expect a two-way conversation with your

mechanic, so expect the same of your doctors.

Keep a list of all of your medicines, including any you’ve bought from pharmacies, health food stores and supermarkets. Keep it in your wallet, so you have it on hand whenever you might need it: at the GP, specialist, dentist, pharmacy or hospital.

You can write your own list, or you can use the NPS Medicine List, which is a form with spaces where you can write the names and details of each of your medicines. The list can be ordered free of charge online or by telephoning NPS on 02 8217 8700.