Take Control of Your Health!

			
			
			

			     
     Charlotte 
"My family has a history of chronic disease, so I am taking the steps to lower my risk. I try to watch what I eat and get regular exercise, and I make sure to visit my doctor and dentist regularly. I try to encourage my family to do the same."
 -Al, Fresno, CA 
 

			

			

				
				
Be a Proactive Patient
We all want to have the best health care possible, but we aren’t all doing everything we can to get the best care. We can do better by learning to be proactive patients. Proactive patients get the right care to treat illnesses – and to prevent them. They make sure to get the information they need to keep themselves as healthy as possible.  
Here are some tips that will help you be a more proactive patient as you interact with the health care system. 
Before Your Visit
At the Doctor’s Office
After Your Visit
If You Are Having Problems Affording Medical Care
If you don’t have insurance and have trouble paying for your medicine, you may be able to get help. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance is a program developed by America’s pharmaceutical companies that helps people who can’t afford their medicines get help through the public or private assistance program that’s right for them. Call 1-888-4PPA-NOW or visit PPARx.org to see if you may qualify for help. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance also has a list of health clinics in your community that may be able to provide assistance on its Web site (www.pparx.org ). 
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