Kanye West’s mother died of plastic surgery complications because she had an existing condition that another plastic surgeon was afraid would lead to a heart attack. Mrs. West should never have gone through her surgery. Her death could have been prevented if she had been completely honest with her doctor. 

Many people, nearly half of all women, lie to their doctors. The most common things they lie about are drinking, smoking, drugs, drinking water, exercising, and sex partners. We may assume that these things don’t matter when it comes to our health, but sometimes it can mean the difference between life and death, especially if you are going into surgery. The show, The Dr.s, lists five things that people lie to their doctors about that can have serious affects to our health.

5. Not flossing everyday.

This doesn’t seem like a big deal, but the bacteria between your teeth can not only give you cavities but can also travel to your heart as plaque build-up and lead to a heart attack. Also, a dentist can always tell if you floss or not. Ever wonder how to get rid of bad breath…use a tongue scrapper to get rid of bacteria on your tongue. Brushing and mouth wash will not get rid of bacteria completely.

4. Not being honest about medications you are taking.

Many people may do this as a mistake because you forget all the medications you are taking. You should tell your doctor all the over-the-counter (OTC) medications you are taking along with any supplements or vitamins. Even specialists need to know what medications you are taking, such as genealogists and surgeons. OTC medications can have deadly affects when combined with certain prescription medications. Before you see the doctor, make a list of all medications you have taken in the last 30 days or any meds you taking regularly.

3. Wearing sunscreen.

Lying to your doctor about not wearing sunscreen may seem trivial, but if they prescribe specific medication that makes your skin more sensitive to light, it could cause a severe sunburn. Many times the prescription bottle will say that it can make your skin more sensitive to the sun or light, and at that point make sure you do use sunscreen anytime you go outside.

2. Smoking.

Doctors need to know if you have been smoking because surgical procedures and some medications can have a negative or deadly affect when you combine cigarette usage. Birth control, for example, can cause stroke or heart attack if you use it, smoke and are 35 years or older. In fact, you should not be taking birth control pills if you are 35 or older and smoke. Doctors can tell if you have been smoking because they can smell it on your clothes and body. They can also tell by listening to your lungs. 

1. Drinking alcohol.

Most people lie about how much alcohol they drink and how often they drink to their doctors. In fact, when you write down how much alcohol you use, doctors will many times double or triple that amount. Doctors are not there to judge and need to know how much alcohol you consume because medication or even street drugs can kill you if you use the wrong combination. It is not a doctor’s job to judge or turn you over to the police if you are doing street drugs or anything else illegal. Their primary concern is your health. Even if you have done drugs in the past, doctors need to know. Your life is not worth risking just because you want to appear good and wholesome to your doctor. Doctors see all kinds of things daily, and I’m sure nothing will surprise them.