Many people have bucket lists. Whether it’s some random ideas in the back of your head to an actual written out list placed somewhere safe. It’s extremely helpful to share your bucket list with your doctor. It helps direct your health plan so that you can climb that mountain, run that marathon, or try skydiving.
Why a Bucket List Matters
By sharing your bucket list, doctors can help cater your health goals to cross things off your list. It can also make you realize that you need to change your habits. For example, if you want to run a half marathon and are a continual smoker, obviously that isn’t going to work.
Dr. VJ Periyakoil co-published a study in a Journal of Palliative Medicine to discover more about Americans’ bucket lists. The study suggests 6 prevailing themes of list items. Things like wanting to travel, write a book, running a marathon, surfing, and more.
Why You Should Talk to Your Doctor
People think that they shouldn’t approach doctors about this sort of thing because it doesn’t seem relevant. But that’s just not the case, the connections can come in surprising ways.
Periyakoil says, “Many people—especially those who are not in perfect health—may underestimate the extensive coordination required to make their bucket list wishes possible.”
Read more here.