Understanding your Health Appointments

by Heather McMillion, MS, RD, LD, CDCES

Health conditions and medications can be complicated. When we go to see healthcare professionals, we may hear words we do not know. However, it is important that we leave a medical appointment with a good understanding of everything that was discussed.

Know the medical problems you have. Understand your medication, including the name and amount of the medication and when to take it.

Your healthcare provider may provide other helpful information, including recommendations about diet and exercise. You may be asked to get follow-up lab work or set up appointments.

If we do not understand an explanation or instructions, we should say so. We can ask for information to be repeated. We can ask that something be explained in a different way or more slowly. We can ask for information to be translated. We can ask to bring someone with us for assistance. We are our own best advocates.

It can also be a good idea to take notes during appointments. If a lot of information is being provided, it may be too much to remember later.

Whether in the village clinic, on the phone or computer, or at the hospital, taking steps to better understand our problems and treatments helps us take better care of ourselves and improve our health.

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One easy way to improve our health is to eat healthy foods. Try these delicious salmon patties that are a good source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Salmon Patties

Ingredients

• Salmon fillet, skin and bones removed

• 1/2 medium sized onion chopped or minced

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or chopped toasted bread

• 2 tablespoons mustard

• 1 egg

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375˚F.

2. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.

3. Shape salmon mixture into four patties.

4. Place patties on greased baking sheet and let cook in the oven for 15-20 minutes.

Follow along!

Heather McMillion, MS, RD, LD, CDCES is a Registered Dietitian/Clinical Diabetes Educator for the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation.