Ashtabula County Medical Center | ACMC Pulse | Winter 2019

ACMC Pulse  • acmchealth.org 5 Four great questions for your doctor These questions can help you better understand your medical care and what you need to do to stay healthy. What treatments or tests do you recommend for me? Why do I need this medicine, therapy or test? Are there possible risks or side effects I should know about? What else can I do to improve my health? A TOOL FOR BETTER HEALTH Sources: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; American Academy of Family Physicians; National Institutes of Health 1 2 3 4 Cut this card out for your wallet. DISCUSSING A HEALTH ISSUE with a healthcare provider can be a confusing time for some people. It may be difficult to focus your thoughts, you may be worried or scared, or you could have other thoughts on your mind. Add in unfamiliar medical terminology and it is easy to leave a doctor’s office confused about what your next step should be. What to know and do Ashtabula County Medical Center Family Medicine Specialist Elaina Williams, DO—who sees patients ranging from children to senior citizens—said it doesn’t have to be that way. She exemplifies the ACMC difference by ensuring patients fully understand their diagnosis and treatment options. “It is important to me that patients, parents or loved ones understand what is going on,” she said. “Patients should always be empowered to make wise choices.” Dr. Williams enjoys talking with patients to give them better knowledge about what is going on with their health. She offers them choices for improving their specific condition, as well as their overall health. “When you are sick or injured, your body is going through a Empowering patients Great care starts with knowledge and understanding Primary care process to heal itself,” said Dr. Williams. “I want to help patients understand that process and the outcomes that are possible. That knowledge allows us to choose treatment options together that are suitable to the patient and treatment of the disease or injury.” Steps to better health Education is just the first step in helping patients make wise decisions about their health. Prevention also plays a large role in a patient’s health. “The right combination of healthy meals with moderate exercise can positively impact your health,” she said. “You feel better, you are more productive, you have a more positive impact on those around you—and you may not have to visit the doctor as much.” For some patients, however, eating right and exercising may not be enough to achieve optimal health. Dr. Williams works with each patient to ensure they have a complete picture of their health risks as they age. “I want patients to have control of their bodies and have options for treatment,” she said. “I want them to understand so that, together, we can make the right decisions for treatment.” GET A CHECKUP ACMC Family Medicine Specialist Elaina Williams, DO, is welcoming new patients at Conneaut Family Health Center. To schedule an appointment, call 440-997-6969 .