Dear Jane,

I am taking my mother to the doctor but I was wondering what questions to ask while we are there so we can get the most out of her visit.

Margaret from Merchantville

Dear Margaret,

The following is an excerpt from "Talking to Your Doctor". This is an excellent article on how to get the most information from a doctor's visit in the short time you are there.

Today, patients take an active role in their health care. You and your doctor will work in partnership to achieve your best possible level of health. An important part of this relationship is good communication. Here are some questions you can ask your doctor to get your discussion started:

About My Disease or Disorder...

·         What is my diagnosis?

·         What caused my condition?

·         Can my condition be treated?

·         How will this condition affect my vision now and in the future?

·         Should I watch for any particular symptoms and notify you if they occur?

·         Should I make any lifestyle changes?

About My Treatment...

·         What is the treatment for my condition?

·         When will the treatment start, and how long will it last?

·         What are the benefits of this treatment, and how successful is it?

·         What are the risks and side effects associated with this treatment?

·         Are there foods, drugs, or activities I should avoid while I'm on this treatment?

·         If my treatment includes taking a medication, what should I do if I miss a dose?

·         Are other treatments available?

About My Tests...

·         What kinds of tests will I have?

·         What do you expect to find out from these tests?

·         When will I know the results?

·         Do I have to do anything special to prepare for any of the tests?

·         Do these tests have any side effects or risks?

·         Will I need more tests later?

Understanding your doctor's responses is essential to good communication. Here are a few more tips:

·         If you don't understand your doctor's responses, ask questions until you do understand.

·         Take notes, or get a friend or family member to take notes for you. Or, bring a tape-recorder to assist in your recollection of the discussion.

·         Ask your doctor to write down his or her instructions to you.

·         Ask your doctor for printed material about your condition.

·         If you still have trouble understanding your doctor's answers, ask where you can go for more information.

·         Other members of your health care team, such as nurses and pharmacists, can be good sources of information. Talk to them, too.

Source: National Eye Institute, www.nei.nih.gov (Original title: Talking to Your Doctor) borrowed from "A Place for Mom" a free caregiver service that assists caregivers in finding placement for their loved ones. 

Sincerely,

Jane Bohn, CSW
Director of Social Services
Riverview Estates
jane@riverviewestates.org

Resident and Volunteer of the Year

Spinach, cherry tomatoes, and fresh oregano make this a fresh side salad for summer cookouts.

Servings: Makes 6 servings.

Prep: 15 mins

Total: 1 hr

Ingredients

* 4 ears fresh corn on the cob

* 1/2 cup bottled reduced-calorie clear Italian salad dressing

* 2 cups shredded fresh spinach

* 2 cups red and/or yellow cherry tomatoes, halved

* 2 teaspoons snipped fresh oregano or basil

* 2 tablespoons finely shredded Parmesan cheese

* Fresh oregano or basil leaves (optional)

Directions

1. Husk and silk corn. Brush each ear of corn with some of the Italian salad dressing. Place corn on the rack of an uncovered grill directly over medium coals. Grill for 15 to 20 minutes or until tender, turning often. (Or place brushed ears in a shallow baking pan; bake in a 425 degree F oven for 30 minutes, turning once.) When cool enough to handle, cut kernels from cobs (you should have about 2 cups kernels).

2. In a large bowl, combine corn kernels, spinach, tomatoes, and the 2 teaspoons snipped oregano or basil. Add remaining Italian salad dressing; toss to coat. Spoon corn mixture into six small mugs or bowls. Sprinkle individual servings with Parmesan cheese. If desired, garnish with oregano or basil leaves. Makes 6 servings.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 82, Total Fat 2 g, Saturated Fat 0 g, Cholesterol 2 mg, Sodium 326 mg, Carbohydrate 15 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 3 g. Daily Values: Vitamin A 0%, Vitamin C 0%, Calcium 0%, Iron 0%. Exchanges: Vegetable 1, Starch .5, Fat .5. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

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