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Personal Health Issues
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Personal Health Issues

Personal Health Issues

This guide provides an organized overview of essential topics related to personal health management, patient rights, and navigating the healthcare system.

Overview of Personal Health Topics

Managing your health involves more than just medical treatment; it requires understanding your rights, communicating effectively with providers, and evaluating the information you receive. The following topics are central to navigating personal health effectively:

  • Advance Directives (includes Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders, Living Wills, and Resuscitation Orders)
  • Choosing a Doctor or Health Care Service
  • Clinical Trials
  • End of Life Issues (includes Death and Dying, Terminal Care)
  • Evaluating Health Information (includes Finding Health Sources I Can Trust, Finding Trustworthy Information, Identifying Health Misinformation)
  • Health Literacy
  • Medical Ethics (includes Bioethics)
  • Palliative Care
  • Patient Rights (includes Informed Consent, Ombudsman Programs, Privacy, Second Opinion)
  • Patient Safety
  • Personal Health Records (includes Confidentiality, Electronic Health Records, HIPAA, Patient Portals, Patient Records, Privacy)
  • Talking With Your Doctor (includes Communicating With Your Healthcare Provider, Second Opinion, Talk to Your Doctor)
  • Understanding Medical Research (includes Medical Research)

Frequently Asked Questions

living will is a legal document that outlines your specific wishes for end-of-life care, such as whether you want life-sustaining treatments like mechanical ventilation or tube feeding. A durable power of attorney for health care (also called a health care proxy) designates a trusted person to make medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated and cannot speak for yourself. You need both because a living will covers specific scenarios, but a proxy can make decisions for situations not explicitly covered in the living will, ensuring your wishes are honored even in complex or unforeseen medical circumstances.
Under HIPAA, your health information is protected, and providers cannot share it without your written consent, except in specific cases like public health emergencies or when required by law. You have the right to request a list of all disclosures made of your health information in the past six years. To secure your records, use strong, unique passwords for any patient portals, enable two-factor authentication if available, and regularly review your account activity. If you suspect unauthorized access, report it immediately to the provider’s privacy officer and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR).
Write down your specific concerns, questions, and any symptoms you have experienced since your last visit. Bring a list of your current medications, allergies, and relevant medical history. If you are seeking a second opinion, request a complete copy of your medical records, including test results and imaging, to share with the new provider. During the appointment, ask your doctor to explain the rationale behind their recommendation and what the potential risks and benefits are of alternative options. This preparation helps ensure a focused, productive discussion and demonstrates that you are an active participant in your care.
Look for sources that cite peer-reviewed studies, reputable medical institutions, or government health agencies like the CDC or NIH. Check the author’s credentials and the date of publication to ensure the information is current. Be wary of sites that make absolute claims, use sensationalist language, or primarily aim to sell products or supplements. Cross-reference information with at least two other reliable sources, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) or a major medical university’s website, to verify accuracy. If the information contradicts your doctor’s advice, discuss it with your provider rather than acting on it independently.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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