Insights from The Orlando Senior Help Desk: Empowering patients and their loved ones

When visiting a doctor or hospital bring along a notebook or tablet and take notes. It is important to ask question of your health care provider about the benefits and side effects of medications or procedures. I suggest that you, or a loved one, researches the same information online so that you feel well informed. There are times when a second opinion should be sought, especially preceding a surgery.

I recommend you bring along an advocate. Sometimes, it is hard to process so much new information. When a family member or friend comes to an appointment, that individual can help understand the...