If you have a health condition, taking an active role in managing your health is crucial for not only controlling your condition, but also enhancing your well-being. Here's how you can advocate for your health effectively to ensure you receive the care and support you need. 
 

1. Educate yourself: Take the time to learn about your condition and potential treatment options. By familiarizing yourself with medical terminology, you can equip yourself to feel comfortable asking well-informed questions during appointments. Seek out credible information from reputable sources such as government websites and patient advocacy organizations.  

2. Set clear goals: Define what you want to achieve in managing your condition, and why. Whether it's improving your quality of life, reducing symptoms, or preventing complications, setting specific and achievable goals will give you direction and motivation.  

3. Know your rights and responsibilities: Learn about your rights as a patient and advocate for yourself if you feel these rights are not being upheld. Don’t be afraid of being assertive in advocating for your health. At the same time, recognize your responsibilities, such as adhering to your treatment plan, attending appointments, and communicating openly with your health-care providers.  

4. Stay informed about medications: Understand the medications prescribed to you, including their purpose, dosage, and potential side effects. Make sure you take your medications as prescribed and ask your health-care provider if you have any concerns or questions. If you use a medical device, such as an inhaler or glucose monitor, ensure that you’re using it properly. 

5. Prepare for appointments: Before your appointments, write down any questions or concerns you have and remember to bring any relevant medical devices or records. It can also help your health-care professionals if you keep a journal of your symptoms or experiences with your condition over time.  

6. Communicate with your health-care team: Work with your health-care professionals to set realistic goals and develop a treatment plan that aligns with your needs and preferences. During your appointments, don't hesitate to ask questions or seek clarification if you don't understand any instructions or medical terminology. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information during an appointment, take notes or ask for a copy of the information/instructions you receive. 

7. Be realistic and honest: Honesty is key in managing your health, so maintain transparency with your health-care team about your symptoms, experiences, and any challenges you are facing. If you have concerns about a treatment plan or think you’ll be unable to follow a recommendation, express your thoughts openly and work with your health-care team to find alternative solutions. 

8. Engage your support network: Don't hesitate to lean on your family, friends, coworkers, or classmates for support. Educate them about your condition and how they can help you manage it. From reminding you to take medication, accommodating your needs, or providing emotional support, having a strong support network can make a significant difference in your journey. 

Advocating for yourself when you have a health condition requires active participation, effective communication, and collaboration with your health-care team. By taking ownership of your health and advocating for your needs, you can achieve better control of your condition and improve your overall quality of life.  

Remember, you are your best advocate, and your voice matters in your health-care journey. 

Additional resources: 

• Check your benefits booklet to determine how much coverage you have for eligible health-care services under your plan. 

• Dealing with a health condition can have a negative impact on your mental health. All OTIP plan members can access wellness programs free of charge to assess their risk for a mental health disorder, access substance-use support, manage stress and more. 

• Do you or someone you know have asthma? Check out this comprehensive guide on self-advocacy from Asthma Canada for people living with asthma.