Grande Ronde Hospital | Life & Health | Winter 2018

Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; National Institutes of Health A conversation worth having Talk openly with your health care provider A great tool for staying healthy is surprisingly low-tech: Talk to your health care provider. You need to share information, communicate concerns and understand your care plan. To get the most out of every office visit: >> MAKE AN APPOINTMENT or message your provider with MyChart. More info at grh.org . Be candid. You may feel uncomfortable talking about sexual problems, bladder control and other sensitive issues, but it’s important to talk openly about what- ever affects your health. Your provider is there to help—and has probably dealt with the same issue many times before. Ask away. If you don’t understand something, ask questions until you do. After your visit, if you’re uncer- tain about anything, contact your provider. Don’t wait until your next appointment to understand a diagnosis or treatment. Get another perspective. Someone else may think of questions or raise concerns that don’t occur to you. Ask a family member or close friend to go with you, especially if a problem is serious. Show up prepared. Do you have a new symptom? Have you noticed a possible side effect from a medicine? Do you need help kicking tobacco? Write down your questions and concerns and bring the list with you to discuss. TLC for your winter skin Winter is no time to neglect your body’s largest organ: your skin. In fact, it’s when your skin needs more pampering than ever. Here’s why: Cold, dry air can suck the moisture right out of your skin—and that can cause your skin to flake, itch, crack and even bleed. The good news: These simple steps from the American Academy of Dermatology can soothe winter skin— and keep it from drying out. Shower smart. Limit shower (or bath) time to 5 or 10 minutes. Use warm water—not hot. Wash with a fragrance- free, gentle cleanser, and pat your skin dry with a towel. Moisturize your thirsty skin right after washing. Moisturizers work best on damp skin. So apply them just a few minutes after bathing or washing your hands. Glove up. Protect your hands by wearing gloves every time you head outside in the winter. Also be sure to wear them when you do tasks that get your hands wet. Check the ingredients on skin care products. Deodorant soaps, alcohol-based toners and scented prod- ucts all can irritate dry skin. Slather on sunscreen. Yes, you still need to wear it even in the winter. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen any time you head outdoors. Protecting your skin year-round from the sun’s harmful rays is another way of pampering it. 2 q GRH Dermatology Clinic coming Spring 2018. Watch for more news at grh.org .