When you think of health risks, smoking and being overweight probably top the list. But there's a surprising hidden health threat that affects up to 30 percent of adults over 65 — loneliness.

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by bacteria called chlamydia trachomatis. Chlamydia is the most frequently reported bacterial STD in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is known as a "silent" disease because it very rarely causes symptoms.

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way people work. Many workers have continued to go into their workplaces throughout the pandemic, adopting new health and safety measures. Others have found ways to work from home and may not have seen their coworkers or customers in person for many months. As the number of people who are vaccinated grows and the incidence of COVID-19 in the community drops, many workplaces that have been closed or operating with limited staff will reopen.

A meaningful chat with your physician could save your life—or at least help lengthen it. Even in this age of advanced scanning technology, your ability to clearly describe your health problems—and help your doctor understand them— is critical to getting the best possible care.

Here are some simple steps you can follow to ensure that you and your doctor are communicating correctly.