Reader’s Digest posted “14 Things to NEVER Lie to Your Doctor About” featuring Dr. Purvisha Patel.
The article includes Visha Skincare brand founder Dr. Purvisha Patel’s expert commentary on doctor-patient interactions.
How much you smoke, drink, eat, exercise and whether you use protection during sex or while out in the sun matters. Doctors weigh in on what matters most.
How much time you spend in the sun
Even on the coolest day of winter or when it’s overcast and raining, dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen or other forms of sun protection to shield your pores from harmful, dangerous rays. So when your doctor inquires about how much time you’re spending outdoors, they’re asking so they can understand your hobbies, habits and how much sun damage risk you’re exposing yourself to.
“Most people do not realize that they get sun exposure on a daily basis going in and out of their car, or going to get mail, as well as when they are actively outside whether for work or play,” explains Purvisha Patel, MD, a dermatologist in Germantown, Tennessee. “Skin cancer is caused by the sun, so getting patients to be compliant with sun protection is important and understanding their lives helps tailor their prevention techniques.”