Use these tips to help make your children’s check-ups better, simpler, and safer!

1. Get your forms in order! Have all the school, daycare, and athletic health forms you need for each child so you know which doctors to see and what paperwork you will need to have signed.

2. Call ahead to schedule the appointments. If weekdays are a problem for you, find out if the doctor is available on weekends.

3. Give your child a head’s up. You may want to prepare him or her for what will happen (or not) at the doctor’s office.

4. Make a list of important information and bring it with you. This includes:

•    What medicines your child is taking. Include prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements (such as protein drinks).

•    Important facts about your child’s health. Include allergies, chronic illnesses, and any past surgeries, broken bones, etc.

•    Questions or concerns that you – or your child – may have about his or her health.

Hint: Make three copies of this list: One for you, one for your doctor, and one to give the front desk for your child’s file updates.

5. Check that your child’s records are correct and up to date. The lists you just made should square with what is in your child’s file.  This is especially important if your child sees more than one doctor or has been to a hospital or an emergency department.

6. Communicate with your child’s doctor!  Speak up when you have something to say — you are your child’s advocate!  Ask questions whenever you don’t understand something, whether it is a medical term or medication directions.

7. Take notes so you don’t forget what your doctor tells you.

8. Make sure you (and your child if s/he is old enough) understand important information such as medication directions, how to use an inhaler or other medical devices, or what to do if your child is referred to another doctor.

•    Ask your doctor to repeat instructions if you don’t get them the first time.

•    Check your understanding by saying, “Okay.  Let me make sure I’ve got this right,” and repeat back to your doctor what s/he just said in your own words.

•    If you go home and realize you have a question, contact your doctor immediately and ask for clarification.

9. Get your child’s weight and height. This is great information to have as many medications are often given by weight.  NOTE: these numbers can change throughout the year, so use them only as guidelines.

10. Finally – don’t forget to get those school, daycare, and athletic forms signed!

Bonus Tip: Do you know your child’s blood type? If not, this is a great time to find it out!

Say Ah! is thrilled to welcome Maureen Harrison, Jeanne Johngren, Michael Johngren, and Jill Povol to our Board of Directors, and Paule Joseph to our Medical Advisory. These marvelous individuals are dedicated to Say Ah!’s mission, and to supporting the growth and expansion of our much-needed programming.

Say Ah!’s Patient Workshop Extravaganza

Say Ah! has already led nearly two dozen “Patient 101″ workshops so far this year for the people of New York City and the Hudson River Valley, thanks to generous support from New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Allstate Foundation, and private donors.

These engaging and interactive seminars help people gain the basic skills needed to manage their health in today’s complex health care system. For many patients and caregivers, knowing how to ask questions, give important health information, take notes, and follow-up can make all the difference.  Contact us to schedule one for your clients, community members — or co-workers!

FREE Health Professional Development Seminars: Limited Time Only!

Say Ah!’s Tips: Now in Four Languages!

Say Ah!’s Tips for Talking with Your Doctor and Medication List are free and available in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, and Russian. Click here to download and disseminate them!

These easy-to-use and easy-to-read materials can help empower a wide range of patients and caregivers, including those with low literacy levels, reading and learning differences, and vision impairments, to get more from their doctor’s visit. Order Say Ah!’s printed cards (pictured) here!