O.D. to O.D.

“ARE YOU WELL?”

ASKING THIS QUESTION CAN TELL YOU A LOT ABOUT YOU AND YOUR PATIENTS

Scot Morris
O.D., F.A.A.O.
Chief Optometric Editor

I COMMONLY use the question “Are you well?” as an ice breaker when I walk into an exam room. I do so not only because I truly want to know, but because it provides a lot of information about what is going on in that person’s life. Specifically, that person’s words and his or her body language as a response is uttered lets me know what I’m dealing with.

Sometimes, I get the enthusiastic, “I am great!!” and I know that this exam is going to be fun. That upbeat personality is contagious and no matter what kind of day I was having — it just got better.

ANOTHER TYPE OF “FINE”

Then there is the downward gazing, “I am fine” that tells me that person really is not “fine,” but is trying to be nice. These people are the ones I see as a challenge because it might just be my responsibility to make it better than “fine.”

As a result, I spend a little time trying to cheer up these individuals. I do this by asking about their family, their jobs, their projects, their aspirations and throw in a little humor along the way.

Then, of course, there are the “not good,” replies, which can be the result of some illness or any other array of life events that are making this person not feel “well.” These are the people I try to console and make their visit in my office the best it can be.

The simple three-word question “are you well?” can tell you a great deal about someone. Try using it in your office. Try using it in your everyday interactions with people outside your office. You might be amazed how much you can find out about someone just by asking.

BUT WHAT ABOUT YOU?

That brings me to my next subject — what happens when someone returns the question and asks — how about you Dr. ____? Are you well?” The physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological ramifications of the answer to that question are far reaching.

I would hope that we all are “well.” But how do you answer that question? Where is your gaze? How enthusiastic are you? How much are you willing to divulge, or do you give the “fine” answer?

FROM FINE TO WELL

Taking it one step further, how do we be “well?” Are we eating the right foods in the right proportions? Are we exercising? Do we get a physical and make sure our bodies are working the way they are supposed to? Do we feel in control? How are we psychologically? Are we happy? What will it take to make us happy?

As we approach the new year, I want each of you who read this column to take an hour during this holiday season to reflect on how you would answer that three-word question and what steps you need to take to improve your wellness and happiness.

After all, life is short, and you should be happy! OM.