Women can gain knowledge that leads to a healthier life. Many times, women can choose self-care options, but there are situations that outside help is necessary. Having a health care team in place can provide women needed support.

Personal Story

My family has moved to ten different states. One of the first things I do after we unpack and get settled is to start building my new health care team in the new area. I do this because there are times when self-care isn’t enough to meet our needs.

One evening, during our first month in a new state, one of my daughters dislocated her shoulder. I had scheduled a medical doctor appointment to establish care, but I hadn’t yet learned which urgent care location or hospital was the best option to work with our insurance. It was a stressful, and painful, hour or two while I determined where to take her. We went to an urgent care, only to be re-directed to the hospital in the middle of the night. It was the start of building a health care team in our new city.

Reasons to Build a Health Care Team

The most important reason to build a health care team is to provide yourself support as you choose from the many options you have for health care.

• Only you can ask questions to gain knowledge that helps you decide the best course of action.
• Only you can make sure other team members know about the actions of different caregivers.
• Only you can follow through on the treatment plans.
• Only you can make the tough choices that sometimes must be made.

It is important to have people on your team that you trust. It is essential that they take the time necessary to teach you about your health need and available options, answer your questions, and speak to any concerns you or your family may have.

Possible Team Members

There are several categories of potential professionals you might want consider having on your team.

Health

• Primary Care Physician
• Physician’s Assistant
• Pharmacist
• Naturopath
• Herbalist
• Nutritionist/Registered Dietitian
• Health Coach

Woman’s Health

• Gynecologist
• Nurse Practitioner
• Midwife
• Doula

Dental

• Dentist
• Orthodontist
• Oral Surgeon

Body Work

• Chiropractor
• Personal Trainer
• Massage Therapist

Mental Health

• Counselor
• Psychologist
• Therapist

Behavioral Health

• Social Worker
• Life Coach

Emergency Services

• Urgent Care
• Hospital

Specialists

Specialists of many types, as the need arises:

• Endocrinologist
• Radiologist
• Physical therapy
• Weight Loss

Phone Support

• Nurse line
• Emergency Services

Tips for Building a Health Care Team

• You are the most important person on the team. You must advocate for yourself.
• Compile a health history for yourself and each family member to take with you.
• Talk with people at work, human resources personnel, neighbors, friends, etc. to get suggestions of individuals with the heart of a teacher.

You can locate team members by talking to others and interviewing them to see if they are a good fit. You don’t have to stay with a person who doesn’t meet your needs.

Action Step

Start building your health care team today. You’ll be glad you did!

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. Please encourage others by writing in the comment section.