HealthEd 4 Everyone

Did you know that noticing the world around you can help you feel calm? It brings you back to the present moment and into your body. That's called grounding, and it works for kids too.

One fun way to do it is rainbow grounding: look around and name something for each color. It doesn't matter which color you start with, and it's okay to do just a few. (The game I Spy works the same way.)

More quick calming tools: https://buff.ly/TIbk0Cn

A huge thanks to our volunteer Nate Murray for making this post!

Slowing down your breathing tells your body it's safe to relax even if you feel anxious. But this can be hard for kids (and adults) to learn.

Try this calming tool: Imagine blowing bubbles. Put each worry into a bubble and watch them float away.

This can help your child connect to their breathing and return to the present moment. Practice before they need it, so they can get the hang of it.

More tools for kids like this: https://buff.ly/m5m5CHn

🙏🏽 Big thanks to LaTanya Wraggs for making this post!

This grounding exercise brings you back to the present moment. It can help you feel calmer when you're anxious or overwhelmed. It's hard to learn something new when you're upset, so practice it when you're calm. That way it's ready when you need it.

Save this for when you need it. Get more anxiety tools: https://buff.ly/sYsMp0Q

🙏🏽 A big thank you to our volunteer Nate Murray for making this post!

Was something called abnormal on your medical chart?

Abnormal just means different from most people. Sometimes that difference matters. Sometimes it doesn't.

Any illness is abnormal, since most people are healthy. But not everything abnormal is an illness.

To find out what it means for you, ask your medical team:
- What does this mean for my health?
- What are the next steps?
- Should I be worried?

🔗 Learn more: https://buff.ly/vGHfwsH

🙏🏽 A big thanks to our volunteer Raul for making this post!

Ever go blank when the nurse asks what medications you take?

It happens to almost everyone. And your medical team needs an accurate list so they can check for side effects, watch for interactions, and sometimes suggest a better treatment.

Try one of these easy ways to remember:
- Bring your pill bottles
- Take photos of the labels
- Write it down

Don't forget vitamins & supplements!

More tips in our Before Your Visit guide: https://buff.ly/51BZhxw

🙏🏽 A big thank you to our volunteer LaTanya for making this post!

The wait in the ER can be long. It can feel even longer when you don't know what's happening. Sometimes updates fall through the cracks when the ER is busy.

It's okay to ask for an update. You could say something like, "Can you help me understand what's happening in my care?" This way you can find out what's happening and ask any other questions you might have.

More in our free ER guide: https://buff.ly/rZB1pIy

🙏🏽 A big thank you to our volunteer Nicholas for making this post!

Should you bring someone with you to medical appointments?

If you want to, yes. You don't have to navigate appointments alone.

Here are 3 ways someone can support you:
1. Bring them with you. A trusted friend or family member can help you remember your questions, bring up concerns, and take notes.
2. Have them join by phone. Tell the person who takes you back to the room that you'd like someone on the phone during your appointment. They'll let you know when to call.
3. Record the appointment. Ask staff first and explain why. You can share the recording with your support person afterward.

More on preparing for your appointment: https://buff.ly/51BZhxw

🙏🏽 A big thank you to our volunteer LaTanya for making this post!

Heading to a doctor's appointment? Here's a quick checklist of what to bring. Let us know if we should add anything!

More on preparing for your appointment: https://buff.ly/Iw5Ir8M

🙏🏽 A big thank you to our volunteer Angie for making this post!