Ep.53 How to Advocate for Yourself at the Doctor: Tips Every Woman Should Know

Through socialization and culture women are taught to take care of others and typically do not prioritize their own health.  Researchers did a study where they gave women a list and asked them to rank it based on need.  Children, pets, elderly parents, partners were all prioritized (in that order) over themselves.  After doing research on women post-hysterectomy, Susan Salenger was intrigued by the fact that women were intentionally taking a backseat to everyone around them.  More research and ten years later, Susan's book Sidelined: How Women Manage & Mismanage Their Health, was published.  She dives into not only the historical relevance of women and how we view healthcare, but she also includes a full resource guide and tips for better managing our overall health and major issues that can arise.  This eighty year-old, 4 foot 10 inch dynamo isn't finished making her mark on the world.  Her next project is tackling menopause and the differences in cultural perceptions and symptoms around the world.  I'm telling you, this is interesting stuff!In this episode Susan Salenger and I discuss:- How stress interferes with our overall health - Tips for getting the most out of doctor appointments:     Be more succinct when explaining symptoms     Write all your questions/issues down before the appointment (Doctors usually                 appreciate this.)     Bring someone with you     Don't be afraid to get a second opinion     Do extra research- Women are prescribed more medication than men and are also making 80% of the healthcare decisions for families, but more dollars go toward research for male specific disease.- 85% of patients leaving a doctor's office don't understand everything that the healthcare provider said.You can find Susan Salenger's book Sidelined: How Women Manage & Mismanage Their Health anywhere books are sold.Instagram https://www.instagram.com/susansalenger/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/suesalengerhttps://www.susansalenger.com_________________________________________If you’re doing “all the right things” and still feel stuck, adding a layer of support may be an option. I’ve partnered with a trusted telehealth platform offering modern solutions for women in midlife—including micro-dosed GLP-1 and other peptide therapies.https://elliemd.com/michelefolan - Create a free account to view all products.Follow us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/askingforafriend_pod/✨ Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://michelefolanfasterway.myflodesk.com/i6i44jw4fqLike to connect? Email me at [email protected] Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.