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September 17, 2019

Hello,

As we celebrate International Patient Safety Day, below are some tips on how to be your own health advocate:

  1. Talk to your doctor. Break the ice with a warm greeting and get the advice.  Be honest about your health concerns. Safe healthcare starts with good communication.
  2. Do your own research. The more you know, the further yourself advocacy will go to get you the support you need and deserve.
  3. Always ask questions. If you are unclear about something or don’t understand, don’t be afraid to ask your doctor to explain it again.
  4. Know how your health insurance works. Knowing how your insurance works can help you navigate the health care system, minimizing unexpected medical bills.
  5. Learn about your family’s medical history. Since genetics play a major role in the development of many diseases, including Alzheimer’s, knowing your family’s medical history is a critical component in receiving better medical treatment.  You should also keep a copy of your own medical records.
  6. Educate yourself about medications and their side effects. Read about the prescriptions before agreeing to take them, and read all medication labels to ensure you are taking them properly.
  7. Know when to get a second opinion.  If you do not feel confident about a diagnosis, course of treatment, or feel that your concerns are not being heard, get a second opinion.

Getting involved in the decision-making process with your healthcare will build your self-confidence about your course of treatment and raise the likelihood of you receiving better health outcomes.  Good luck!

And now for even more news you can use.  Our first article explores how living a healthy lifestyle may reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s, even if you are genetically predisposed to the disease.  While our second article takes a closer look at how people with Alzheimer’s disease who are treated with opioid sedatives are at increased risk of developing pneumonia. 

To learn more and to ensure you and your loved ones are safe read the expert-reviewed articles below.

For more up-to-date information about Alzheimer’s, visit our website at www.alzinfo.org.

Thank you for your interest in learning more about the research progress being made at the Fisher Center.

Together we can end Alzheimer’s.

Sincerely,

Lucretia Holden
Senior Vice President