Working with your doctor to help you and the ones you love stay well is just as important as getting the treatment you need when you're sick. In fact, according to the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the single most important way you can help ensure the quality of your health care is to be an active member of the team.

Eight Basic Health Areas
According to the AHRQ's Personal Health Guide (www.ahrq.gov), there are eight basic areas of preventive care you should pay attention to and work with your doctor on through the years:

• blood pressure
• immunizations
• cholesterol
• weight
• colorectal cancer
• oral health care
• mammogram
• Pap smear

For example, have you started eating more salty foods lately and exercising less? It may have affected your blood pressure. Do you know how often your doctor would like your blood pressure checked? Do you know what levels it should be below or above? Can you think of three ways to try to keep your blood pressure under control without taking medication?

Your doctor can help you with these, and you can also find suggestions online in the Personal Health Guide. If you can work with your doctor to maintain a good blood pressure, you'll be protecting yourself from heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.

Other Personalized Health Areas
At the very least, talk with your doctor about the eight basic areas listed above. They are cornerstones. And there are other important areas related to your health that your doctor can help you with, such as tobacco use, physical activity, nutrition, depression, safety, and alcohol and drug use. In addition, your doctor can direct you to areas of your health you should keep an eye on based on your age, sex, and lifestyle, including:

• prostate exams for men after age 50
• skin checks for cancer
• hearing tests if you're over age 65
• diabetes test if you're overweight, had diabetes during pregnancy, or have a family member with the condition

	Helping Your Child Overcome the Fear of Doctor Visits Although routine visits to your primary care doctor or specialist are a good thing for the health and well-being of your child, your child may not view it that way. According to KidsHealth (www.kidshealth.org), kids often have fears associated with visiting the doctor. So, before the next doctor visit, if you can encourage your child to express his or her feelings, helping your child overcome his or her fears and misconceptions, the visit may be less stressful, more productive, and maybe even a learning opportunity for your child. Here are the some common fears your child may have about medical exams and what you can do about them: Pain Maybe your child thinks he or she will need an injection and that it will hurt. When you call to make the appointment, ask the doctor or nurse what will take place during the visit. Then be honest with your child about what to expect. The Unknown Your child may fear that his or her problem is much worse than you are saying. Explain to your child what to expect, whether it’s a routine exam or a special exam. Separation Many children, even into the teen years, fear their parent may leave them alone in the examining room. Explain the purpose of the visit and that you trust the doctor.