Doctors and medical professionals are here to help you feel better and manage any health conditions, but that can be difficult when patients lie to their doctor about their daily habits. Today, we take a look at four health habits that patients commonly lie to their doctors about. How many of these are you guilty of?
Lying To Your Doctor
Whether it’s out of embarrassment or because you believe your doctor may think differently of you (hint: We really only want this information for professional use to help you stay healthy), here are four subjects where people bend the truth when asked by their doctor.
1. Their Diet – Most Americans try to eat healthy, but few people follow through with that plan on a daily basis. Life gets busy, and sometimes it’s easier to grab fast food or take a TV dinner out of the freezer for a quick meal. Tell your doctor about a regular dietary week, including snacks, so they can get a better idea of what you might be over- or under-consuming.
2. Their Alcohol Intake – Two of the most common phrases uttered in a doctor’s office when we ask about alcohol intake are: “I have an occasional glass of wine with dinner,” or “I’ll have a beer or two on the weekends,” but rarely does this paint a picture of actual alcohol consumption. Between holidays, graduation parties, celebrations, reunions, anniversaries and nights out with friends, you’re probably in more social settings with alcohol than you realize. Your doctor isn’t going to stamp your medical records with “Alcoholic,” they just want to know so they can better understand what might be going on in your body.
3. Their Symptoms – Surprisingly, lying about symptoms go both ways. Some people hide the extent of their symptoms because they don’t want to have surgery, take time off work, or simply because the idea of being diagnosed with a condition is scary, so they play off symptoms as if they are no big deal. On the flip side, some people think they’ll only get the treatment they believe they need if they exaggerate their symptoms, and it’s no surprise that doing this can be problematic.
4. Their Exercise Habits – Similar to eating a healthy diet, most people tell their doctor they try to get 30-60 minutes of moderate to intense activity every day, but “trying” and actually doing it are two separate things. Exercise truly does have wonderful health benefits, and oftentimes conditions can be treated simply by getting off the couch and working out. Playing in a softball league or walking the dog shouldn’t really count as exercise either. We’re talking about activities that get your heart rate pumping.
So if you lied to your doctor about any of the above topics, don’t feel too bad, because you’re not alone. Just remember that the doctor is there to help you get the best care possible, and that can only be done if you are open and honest about your true lifestyle choices. The next time you’re in the doctor’s office, do right by yourself and be honest with your doctor.
