Northwestern Medicine - Empower Health

For many men, a little fib at the doctor's office may not seem like a big deal. In reality, bending the truth can be bad for your health. LITTLE WHITE-COAT LIES HEALTH IS A personal topic. As a result, conversations with a primary care provider can sometimes delve into details that many men are not comfortable sharing. If this sounds like you or someone you know, you're not alone. A survey conducted in 2009 found that roughly 25 percent of patients admitted to lying to their physicians. While this may keep secrets safe, it prevents doctors from doing their primary job, which is to keep you healthy. "Doctors have heard it all before," says Ilaxi P. Patel, DO, internist with Northwestern Medicine KishHealth Physician Group. "You should feel comfortable conveying any information to your primary care provider. If you don't feel that level of trust, maybe you should look for someone else." The Famous Fibs There are certain topics many men simply don't wish to discuss. As a result, these are the truth-stretching statements doctors most commonly hear from patients: "I rarely drink alcohol." Most doctors don't mind if you have a drink or two a day. However, being honest about alcohol consumption can help explain things such as weight gain or abnormal liver tests. "I'm only taking pills I'm prescribed." Whether they're legal or illegal, tell your doctor every drug that you're taking. This will prevent doctors from mixing in medications that could lead to a major problem. "I have no problems in bed." It's a private topic, sure, but addressing sexual problems is important for your well-being, your relationship, and the health of your sexual partner. Many sexually transmitted diseases, low sex drive, and erectile dysfunction can be successfully treated. "I feel fine." Downplaying symptoms can mislead doctors as much as exaggerating them can. Be honest about how you're feeling physically, emotionally, and mentally to help your doctor help you. Ready for an honest chat about your health? To find a doctor, visit kpgcares.org. 2 CANCER CENTER Our Cancer Center provides patients and families with education, support, and resources to deal with the many challenges presented by cancer. Generous donor support helps underwrite the cost of these programs. If you are interested in making a donation to improve the quality of life for those dealing with cancer, please contact the KishHealth Foundation, part of Northwestern Medicine, at 815.748.9954 or visit kishhealthfoundation.org. Look for a list of featured classes and programs in the Wellness Programs section toward the back of this issue. Most are free and require registration. Classes with low enrollment are generally canceled three days prior to the start date. Please register early. Register online at kishprograms.org. WELLNESS CLASSES & PROGRAMS We are an organization of caregivers who aspire to consistently provide high quality care, cost-effectiveness and patient satisfaction. We seek to improve the health of the communities we serve by delivering a broad range of services with sensitivity to the individual needs of our patients and their families. We are bonded in an essential academic and service relationship with the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. The quality of our services is enhanced through their integration with education and research in an environment that encourages excellence of practice, critical inquiry and learning. OUR MISSION

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