Central California Alliance for Health | Living Healthy | December 2017

2017 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. LIVING HEALTHY is published for the members and community partners of CENTRAL CALIFORNIA ALLIANCE FOR HEALTH, 1600 Green Hills Road, Suite 101, Scotts Valley, CA 95066, telephone 831-430-5500 or 1-800-700-3874, ext. 5505, website ccah-alliance.org. Information in LIVING HEALTHY comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. ccah-alliance.org Member Services Director Editor Health Education Coordinator III Health Programs Supervisor Jan Wolf Erin Huang Mao Moua Sandra Orozco Deborah Pineda healthy living staying healthy W hen it comes to health care, patients play a major role. One way to embrace your health care journey is by practicing good communication with your Primary Care Provider (PCP). Clear and honest communication between you and your PCP can help you both build a safe connection. This means you can voice your concerns and make informed choices about your health care. We know that talking with your PCP is not always easy. At right are some questions that can help you and your PCP address your health concerns during your visit. Other tips ■  ■ Bring a list of all the medications that you are taking. ■  ■ Consider asking a friend or family member to go with you. ■  ■ If you have any special needs, let them know. This includes special medical needs, such as wheelchair access or interpreting services. ■  ■ Ask what the office policy is for missed appointments. Some offices will have a charge if you miss an appointment. Question Example What am I seeing or feeling that I want the doctor to check? My left ear aches each time I blow my nose. When did it begin? It started about a week ago when I first caught a cold. What makes it better or worse? It feels worse when I blow my nose and feels better in the morning after I shower. What questions do I have and what worries me? When will I start to feel better? Does the medicine have side effects? Communicating with your Primary Care Provider