Patient Self-Care Guide # 2

It is important that you actively participate in actions to take care of your health, therefore, we invite you to read these general recommendations.

At CELAGEM, our reason for being is you.

Dear Patient: The following are different ways that you can get involved in your health care:

With regard to medications.

Make sure all your doctors know all the medicines you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, and diet supplements such as vitamins and herbs.
It also allows your doctor to keep your file up to date, which can help you receive better medical care.
Make sure your doctor knows about any allergies or adverse reactions you have had to medications. This can help keep you from getting a medicine that could harm you.

Make sure you can read the prescriptions your doctor writes for you. If the formula or prescription is not legible, please ask that it be changed to one that can be easily read.
Ask questions about your medications and ask for easy-to-understand information about medications, both when your doctor prescribes them and when you receive them at the pharmacy:

What is the medicine for? How should I take it and for how long? What are the possible side effects and what should I do if they occur? Is it safe to take this medicine with the other medicines I take or with dietary supplements? What food, drinks, or activities should I avoid when taking this medicine?

If you have any questions regarding the directions for use of the medicine, please ask. Drug labels can be difficult to understand. For example, ask if "four doses a day" means you should take the medicine every six hours throughout the day and night, or if you can take it during waking hours.

Ask your doctor about the best instrument to measure liquid medicine (how to measure it, if required). Also ask questions if you are not sure how to use it. Research shows that many people do not understand the correct way to measure liquid medications. For example, many use small kitchen spoons, which often do not measure a true teaspoon of liquid. Special instruments like numbered syringes help people measure the proper dose. Being told how to use the instruments can help you even more.

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS …

Express your questions and concerns. You have the right to ask questions of anyone involved in your medical care.
Make sure all professionals involved in your care have your important health information. Don't assume that everyone knows everything they should know.
Ask for a family member or friend to accompany you if required (someone who can help get things done). Even if you think you don't need help now, you may need it later.

Know that "more" does not always mean better. It's a good idea to find out why a test or treatment is needed and the ways it might help you. But it is also possible that you would be better off without doing it.
If you are screened, don't assume that not giving you news indicates that all is well. Ask for the results yourself.
Remember that hand washing is the most important and effective strategy to reduce the risk of contracting infections, including COVID19.

The use of a mask during your stay in the clinic is mandatory, for your safety and that of others.
Maintaining social distancing, limiting physical contact as much as possible and covering yourself with the inner part of your forearm, your mouth when coughing or sneezing, are effective measures in the prevention of infections such as COVID19.