Happy Pumpkin Wednesday!

Happy Pumpkin Wednesday Friends!  You're over halfway through the week and getting close to being halfway through October.

While almost everything about the fall is completely wonderful, the beginning of fall/winter can sometimes mean cold and flu season.  While you may be able to get by with chicken noodle soup and over the counter cold medicines, if you do end up having to go to the doctor, follow Pumpkin's advice for a successful appointment.

Pumpkin is a savvy cat.  She knows that the changing landscape of the healthcare sector makes it even more important to be prepared before you even step foot into the doctor's office.

It wasn't long ago in fact that Pumpkin needed to go to the vet, aka, the kitty doctor, for a pesky eye problem....

The ol' squinty eye syndrome

However, like most cats, Pumpkin, is not a fan of going to the cat doctor.  

I don't want to go!!!!

Nonetheless, she knew that she would eventually be put in her carrier and taken to the vet, so she figured it was better to roll with it than fight it.

I tried to trick Lindsay into taking the scary fake cat to the vet.  She wasn't fooled.

Pumpkin was well prepared for her appointment.

She identified and wrote down all the health questions that she had since the last time she saw her vet.  With the rising costs in health care, she knows its best to cover as much as you can with your physician while you are in the office and already paying for the appointment.  While is there no guarantee you won't need to schedule a second procedure, or come back to the office, there is nothing wrong with engaging in a meaningful dialogue with your doctor.

Look at me.  I'm serious...about my health. 

Also, keep records and notes together at home regarding your medical care.  While you don't need to have all your paper medical records with you, its helpful to keep records of what doctor you saw when, and any procedures you had done, or medicines you were prescribed.  Doctors and vets aren't psychic, they only know what you tell them, or what they might be able to glean from medical records they can get from your other physicians.  You won't waste an appointment if you are able to supply the necessary details.

Now where is the Pumpkin file?  I swear I saw it here somewhere!

And don't be afraid to take a friend or family member with you if you don't think you'll be able to remember everything or are nervous about speaking with your doctor.  Write down any instructions for when you go home, no one is trying to test your memory.

Do friends or family treat each other like this?

So go forth and stay healthy!

Looking forward to a wonderful Thursday!