All posts in Health

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR

Quite often when you visit the doctor and are asked, “Do you have any questions?”, you draw a blank. This is a very normal reaction. You may be visiting your physician for a specific problem but have other questions in regards to your health and medication. You focus on the reason for your visit and forget incidental questions. A good way to avoid this is to make a list before you leave for the doctor’s office.

Some things to put on your list could be:

• What would I like to know by the end of the visit
• Ask important questions first and take notes
• Make a list of your symptoms, questions, concerns and any past experiences with your problem. The symptom that is forgotten may well be the definitive one for diagnosis
• If you are prescribed medication, ask the name and what you are taking it for
• Are there alternatives other than medication
• Is there a way I can combine or reduce the number of meds I am taking
• What will happen if I don’t take the medication
• Are there any side effects or reactions I should report immediately
• Do you want me to report back to you once medication is finished
• Can medication be taken in any other form (ie: have trouble swallowing pills)
• Is there anything I should avoid doing while on this medication ie driving, air travel, exercise

If questions come to mind after your visit to the doctor and/or pharmacist who fills your prescription and you are unable to contact either, Health Links is a telephone health information service throughout Manitoba. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Specially skilled nurses offer health information and support to people who require assistant. They may also help callers decide if they need further help, such as an urgent care centre or an emergency department.

Call Health Links/Info Sante
Winnipeg: 204-788-8200
Toll-free: 1-800-315-9257

SENIOR EYEGLASS PROGRAM

The Manitoba Health, Healthy Living and Senior Eyeglass Program provides limited financial assistance to residents 65+ toward the purchase of eyeglasses.  One pair every 3 year period (or more often if there is a change in vision)

…benefits are based on a fixed fee schedule

…total allowable amount, based on schedule, is subject to $50 deductible.  Once applied Manitoba Health, Healthy Living and Seniors will reimburse 80% of the remainder allowable

…$50 deductible applies once a year (April 1 – March 31) per family. If additional glasses are required within the 12 month period, you do not pay the deductible again.

…claim forms are available from optometrists and opticians

For more information, contact:

Senior Eyeglass Program

300 Carlton Street

Winnipeg, MB   R3B 3M9

Phone: 204-786-7365

Toll Free: 1-800-297-8099 ext 7365

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.gov.mb.ca/health/mhsip/eyeglasses.html

Your loved one has always managed the maintenance and upkeep of their home but lately you’ve noticed that there are several areas that need attention.  Becoming a caregiver may seem overwhelming for just one person to tackle.  Asking for help from family members and others may be challenging but will often prove successful.

Here are a few suggestions to promote communication and alleviate burn-out of a caregiver by creating a greater sharing of responsibilities:

1.  Make a list of what you are currently doing.

2. Identify things your siblings, family members or others can do to help.  You never know, they may be feeling left out and wish to contribute.

3. Out of town family members could become responsible for online banking, income tax preparation, phone calls to professionals, etc.

4. Set up a meeting with your support group.  Give others a sense of working together rather than telling them what to do.  If possible, include your loved one in the meeting.

5. If you sense a conflict within your support group, don’t jump to conclusions and pre-judge that person.  Siblings may harbour feelings from the past.  Suggest everyone put aside differences and work together.

6. Adopt a common communication mechanism for sharing information (ie email, text, phone etc).

7. Set up a a shared calendar and ask volunteers to do certain tasks.

8. Have a communication book in your loved ones home for all to note observations, suggestions, messages, appointments, etc.

BOTTOM LINE:  Be good to yourself.  Stay strong and healthy.

The 3 R’s of Caregiving are:

1. RESPECT:  By respecting yourself, you ensure that your mind, body and spirit remain whole so that you can carry on the tasks of being an effective caregiver.

2. REALISTIC expectations: Do not lose perspective on the situation and undertake more than you are able to or should.  Delegate, prioritize and accept offers of help.

3. RESPITE: Take a break or find a breathing space in your day.  Be good to yourself as you care for your loved one.