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As an athlete, your physical health is your top priority. If your body isn't in peak condition by the time
your event starts, you won't be able to give your best performance, whatever your sport is. When addressing health concerns, it's important that you're able to advocate for yourself, ensuring you get the information you need to stay fit. This guide provides some pointers and resources you can use to take the reins over your health as an athlete.
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Educate yourself about your insurance
Insurance helps to cover the cost of medical treatments as well as preventive care. Understanding your insurance and how it works can help you make the most of it. For example, if you're located in the United Kingdom, this guide to the National Health Service, NHS, can help you get started. It covers everything from how to register with the NHS to what kinds of costs your NHS coverage includes.
Take advantage of free preventive care
Preventive care is an important part of good health and athleticism. Regular physical exams allow doctors to pinpoint possible signs of disease early and then take action. For example, if you have high cholesterol, which increases your risk of stroke and heart disease, you can bring it down with lifestyle changes like diet and exercise. This guide explains what kind of free screenings you can get with the NHS.
Look to specialists for athlete-specific issues
Athletes may face unique health issues, such as muscle sprains or joint problems. For example, tennis players are susceptible to the so-called "tennis elbow," which happens when the elbow tendons are overexerted. When you're dealing with sports-related injuries, it's advisable to see a sports medicine specialist. This roundup of UK doctors who focus on athletic injuries can be a good starting point when looking for such an expert.
Maintain a copy of your own medical records
While your doctor will have a copy of your medical record on file, as an athlete it's also advisable to maintain your own records. This way, if you have to see another healthcare professional, like a sports medicine specialist, you can give them your patient history. Save PDFs of your records on your phone, so you can access your documents from the doctor's office. You can keep all your records in one file by using a PDF merging tool (click for more).
Don't be afraid to ask your doctor questions
Conversations with your physician should never be a one-way discussion. Be prepared to ask questions, especially after you've been given a diagnosis of any kind. Improved Diagnosis offers a list of questions to ask when you've been diagnosed, such as what additional tests you may need, what treatment plans are available, and if you need to be referred to a specialist.
Know when to get a second opinion
A second opinion may be necessary in various cases. See another healthcare professional if you've undergone treatment but still have symptoms, if you're diagnosed with a rare disease, or if you've been advised to undergo a risky treatment path—for example, one involving surgery. Here are some other reasons why you may want to consult another doctor. You don't have to rely on just one!
Take charge of your everyday health
Advocating for your own health starts with taking charge of your daily well-being. There are small steps you can take every day to improve your general fitness, like cooking nutritious meals and incorporating physical activity into everyday tasks. For example, instead of taking the elevator at work, take the stairs. Stylist provides additional ideas for how to get more physical activity in your day.
If you're an athlete, you want to do all you can to take care of your body, and so advocating for your own health is essential. Trust the tips and resources above to help you lead the way with your health and well-being.