MEMPHIS — We caught up with experts from Methodist Hospital North to ask for their best piece of medical advice. Here’s what they said.
- “Follow up with your primary care physician to stay on top of your health.”
— Amara Elochukwu, M.D., hospitalist - “Get involved with your medical care and keep copies of all your medical records.”
— John Lochemes, M.D., orthopedic surgeon - “Tell your family your final wishes for end of life care. It might be a tough conversation, but it’s an important one to have.”
— Cynthia Griffiths, nurse practitioner - “My best advice is to exercise and don’t smoke. And if you do smoke, make a plan to quit.”
— Melissa Alsobrook, certified registered nurse anesthetist - “I encourage everyone to use the MyMethodist Portal via our website. Patients can update their information, view test results and communicate with their physician. When utilized, the patient portal really does make a difference in patient care because the information is in-hand and up-to-date.”
— Robin Coleman, clinical systems analyst - “Wash your hands!”
— Calvin Green, hospitalist - “Patients really should learn all they can about their disease or condition. The more educated a patient, the more involved they can be in their care.”
— Hiren Patel, medical student - “I recommend people get a yearly flu shot and schedule preventative screenings, like a mammogram or colonoscopy. It’s so important for people to stay current with their preventative screenings.”
— Elizabeth Jones, nurse practitioner, director of case management and care transition - “These three things can make all the difference – get a good night’s sleep, drink plenty of water and exercise daily.”
— Laura Hess, director of quality improvement, quality and patient affairs - “Be active and drink water!”
— William Richards, M.D., physician - “When faced with a procedure, look at the entire picture of care. Think past that one appointment or procedure. Think about post-care, and make a plan for how you’ll recover. That might include rehabilitation or having someone look after you. Be prepared with a plan, post-procedure.”
— Jeffery Harris, hospice administration - “Take care of yourself and work to stay in good health.”
— Christopher Ellington, M.D., cardiothoracic surgeon - “Create and embrace a lifestyle of health. From exercising to not smoking, lifestyle changes can make all the difference.”
— Herminio Balderama, M.D., physician, internal medicine - “Incorporating daily exercise, especially like a good walk, can make a real difference to your body and mind. Also, it’s so important to take time for yourself. Do things you enjoy and feel the feelings. This helps strengthen your mental health AND your physical health.”
— Steve Schaefer, director of facility services, plant operations - “Know yourself, know your body and report changes to your doctor.”
— Fadi Daher, M.D., nephrology specialist - “Make sure you see your primary care physician at least once a year, even if nothing seems wrong.”
— Chris Pokabla, M.D., orthopaedic surgery - “Get out and get active! Walking every day is my best advice.”
— Eduardo Basco, M.D., cardiologist - “Have a primary care physician and take your medications regularly. Issues can be handled as an out-patient and before the situation calls for you to go to the emergency room.”
— Melanie Gibson, nurse practitioner - “Go see your primary care physician once a year. Don’t wait until something is wrong. Just like your car needs regular oil changes, your body needs regular care.”
— Edna Bagoyado, nurse practitioner - “Keep an updated list of your medications in your wallet or on your phone. Include the medication name and dosage. Also, make sure your family knows your preferred pharmacy. Having this information handy can greatly impact your care.”
— Katie Wells, nurse practitioner - “Take more time for yourself.”
— Jean Simard, M.D., orthopaedic surgeon - “Exercise and if you take medication, make sure it’s on a regular basis as prescribed.”
— Brenda Richardson, M.D., cardiologist - “Maintain a healthy weight. Too much weight on your frame will cause stress on your joints.”
— Christopher Ferguson, M.D., orthopedic surgery - “Make necessary lifestyle modifications, like embrace a healthy diet and keep active. You can make a difference in your own health!”
— Lashonta Wells, nurse practitioner - “Weight management and exercise are so important.”
— Franklin Crumpton, PA-C, orthopedics - “Know your family history. This information can help your physician understand medical conditions that run in your family.”
— Sunny Rajput, medical student - “Listen to your doctor and follow their instructions. Also optimize the time you spend with your doctor — make the most of your time together. Come prepared with questions and take notes during the conversations and appointments.”
— Emmanuel Iloh, M.D., physician, internal medicine - “Laugh more! Laughter can be the best medicine so have fun in life!”
— Claro Diaz, M.D., cardiologist
