Weekly Assignment: Be a Better Patient

May 9 -- This week's assignment: Schedule a doctor's appointment. Happy Mother's Day -- and National Women's Health Week! When's the last time you saw your doctor? Been to the gynecologist? Or the dentist? If your medical records are overdue, schedule an appointment this week. (Monday is National Women's Checkup Day.)

Even if you do see the doctor regularly -- women are more likely to make appointments for themselves than men -- chances are you can still learn to be a better patient

Mina Ma, M.D., associate clinical professor of internal medicine and health services research at UCLAs David Geffen School of Medicine, and Samantha Feder, M.D., director of ambulatory gynecological care at NewYork City's Roosevelt Hospital, give the inside scoop here.

Do you have tips on how to talk to your doctor or make the most of your appointment? What's your typical experience with your doctors? Share your ideas and your thoughts here.


More from WholeLiving.com:
+ Find the Right Doctor
+ Straight Talk in the Exam Room
+ Placing a Dollar Value on Good Health


For more healthy strategies and previous weekly assignments, return to the Action Plan group page.