Central California Alliance for Health | Living Healthy | June 2019

HEALTHY 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 (800) 700-3874, ext. 5505, website www.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. 2019 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Editor Erin Huang Health Programs Supervisors Desirre Herrera and Mao Moua Health Programs Manager Deborah Pineda www.ccah-alliance.org When it comes to health care, patients play a major role. Practicing good communication with your primary care provider is an important way to embrace your personal health care journey. Clear and honest communication between you and your primary care provider 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 primary care provider is not always easy. Below are some examples of questions to discuss with your primary care provider if you have 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 for support. ❱  ❱ If you have any medical needs, such as wheelchair access, or require language assistance or interpreting services, let the office staff know. ❱  ❱ Ask what the office policy is for missed appointments. Talking with your primary care provider Question Example What am I seeing or feeling that I want the primary care provider 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?