| Holiday Gifts for Empowered Patients |
 | | It’s that time of year when we scramble to find the perfect gift for someone we care about. Here are some very different gift ideas – gifting your talents as an empowered patient:
The gift of time: When a loved one has health challenges, but difficulty with anything like transportation (to or from appointments), research (doesn’t use the Internet) or decision-making (isn’t clear on treatment options), then giving your time to lend assistance can be invaluable.
The gift of information: More and more patients want to participate in their own medical decision-making. But not everyone has the ability to be objective or find the information they need. If you are Internet savvy or know your way around a library, your ability to provide supporting information will be a gift well-received.
The gift of conversation: When families congregate for the holidays, it’s a prime opportunity to discuss advance directives and end of life issues. What do your loved ones wish for their final days? What do you wish for yours? Get the conversation going and you’ll be much appreciated.
Or, help someone you love contact others who suffer from similar medical problems. Help them join a support group, online or offline. Conversations with others who share the same challenges provide priceless perspective through their knowledge.
The gift of inquiry: Are you curious, and good at asking questions? Most patients never think to ask their important questions until after the doctor has left the exam room, or they’ve already arrived home. By helping someone prepare questions before seeing the doctor, you’ll make their appointments go more smoothly and you’ll help them be better informed.
The gift that saves a life: Organ and tissue donation saves lives each day; yet, thousands die every year because there aren’t enough organs available. Sign your driver’s license to be clear on your intent to donate organs or tissue to improve the quality of, or save someone’s life. Consider donating your bone marrow to save the life of someone with leukemia or a genetic condition.
A gift to give yourself: The best gift you’ll ever give yourself is the sense of satisfaction that comes from helping others. You have time, and ability. Gift them to those who are in need.
I wish you and yours much happiness – good health -- and joy this holiday season.
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Join the discussion in the patient empowerment forum. | | | |
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