Q & A with Dr. Peter Salgo MD, host of Second Opinion
Season 4 launches fall 2007 on PBS

Q: A recent report in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that older adults who cannot read and understand basic health information have higher mortality rates over a five-year period than those with better health literacy. What are some steps people can take to improve their understanding of health issues, especially when much of the medical information is in terms that are difficult for a lay audience to understand?

A. The study is interesting. And what it tells us is that there can be an unhealthy disconnect in the communication chain between health care providers and patients. It’s hard to ask questions of your doctor or provider if you don’t understand the information you’ve been given. It’s perfectly acceptable to speak up and ask for clarification. While your doctor is a great source of information, he or she is not the only source. Don’t be afraid to do some homework on your own. The Internet can certainly be a reliable resource. The trick, of course, is to understand which websites are reliable and backed by the credentials of qualified medical experts. Television news stories and programs like Second Opinion may actually be some of the best tools for educating a lay audience because they use language people can understand as opposed to medical jargon.

Q: The average appointment with a primary care physician is getting shorter and shorter. How can someone make the most of his or her annual doctor’s visit?

A. It’s best to think in advance of your visit about what you want and need to discuss with your doctor. Write your questions down on paper so you don’t forget them. Do some homework in advance of the appointment. Bring a pen and notebook to write down the answers. I know patients who like to bring a small tape recorder to their appointments. Most doctors I know think that’s a great idea! Consider  bringing a family member with you to help you keep track of the discussion. Most important is to feel heard. If you do not feel you are getting the amount of time you need from your doctor, it’s time to find a new doctor            .

Q: For some, adopting a healthier lifestyle requires major behavioral changes. If you were to recommend one step people could take towards better health, what would it be?

A The most important step is deciding that you want to change. The details of that change are almost less important. So many people are looking for a quick fix. They say, “I’ll quit steak and that will change everything.” These decisions tend to be short lived because they can’t be followed through. It’s a recipe for failure. You must examine those aspects of your life that need to change in order to be healthy and happy. If you do that, you are probably going to have a better chance at living.  If you press me, I’d say my number one recommendation is this: if you’re smoking, quit.

Q: How does Second Opinion differ from other health news and programming available on television?

A. For one thing, we’re 30 minutes long! When I was in commercial television, stories were two minutes long. Second Opinion offers a free and frank discussion and viewers get to hear differing opinions. From these debates viewers will feel the texture of the issue and draw their own conclusions. It’s information you can take away and integrate into your daily life.

Q:  Beyond watching Second Opinion, what can people do to improve their health literacy?

Your community can help. Many local hospitals offer free seminars and support groups. Attend those that interest you. A number of the large teaching hospitals and universities publish health newsletters to which you can subscribe. There are countless health magazines on newsstands, too. If you take an interest in your own healthcare you will not only be a better patient, but you will be a better advocate for yourself and your family.