Each year on September 11th, we were asked to display an American flag on this anniversary of our country's worst tragedy. We do this in honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, and for their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and for those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.
In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags; as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Our patriotism has always pulled us through some tough times. Our American flag is the fabric or back bone of this great country and together we can prevail. We should remember to do this every year.
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Questions to Ask Your Doctor For medications, tests, and treatments, you may want to ask: • What's the name of the medication (or test, or procedure)? • Why do I need it? • What are the risks? • Are there alternatives? • What happens if I do nothing? • (For medications) How do I take this? • How often? (For tests) How do I prepare?
At the end of the visit, ask: • Do I need to return for another visit? • Can I phone in for test results? • What danger signs should I look for? • When do I need to report back about my condition? • What else do I need to know?
Ask the specialist to send information about any further diagnosis or treatment to your primary doctor. This allows your primary doctor to keep track of your medical care. You also should let your primary doctor know at your next visit how well any treatments or medications the specialist recommended are working.
Are there any changes in your diet, medication, and lifestyle ~ are there changes in your health, aches, pains ~ your thoughts and feelings, have they changed ~ Concerns: At each visit your doctor will likely ask about your concerns. It’s a good idea to think about what you’d like to talk about before the actual visit.
Be sure you have a list of all your medications ~ even over-the-counter which would include vitamins. Your medication regimen may change over time so be sure it is always updated.
Not everything that happens is because of the PAH so don't think that you are necessarily doing worse just because you are having a bad day; even normal people have bad days. Also, try to think of yourself as healthy -- approach life with that attitude; it can't hurt and it may help. If you are being symptomatic make sure something isn't going on in your life to cause this: stress, tension, have you gained weight, are you retaining added fluid. Being symptomatic does not always mean you need an increase or change in you medication. Talk with your doctor to rule these things out.
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