Manage Your Health

Finding some action you can take can make a difference in helping you maintain a positive attitude about yourself and your body:

Confused about Healthcare Reform? The Kaiser Family Foundation offers an online tutorial explaining how the health reform process works.  This is a very detailed overview, which provides a primer on how our government works.  Narrated by Alan Schlobohm, a senior program administrator at Kaiser, topics include a review of the role of the president, highlights the key leaders in the administration and the Congressional committees, and how Congress' annual budget resolution might affect health reform.  Schlobohm also reviews how the House and Senate combine plans and vote before the final bill reaches the president's desk. Learn more.

• Learn about you Health Insurance options.
• Ask the ICA about finding a Healthcare Provider in your area.
• Find the right doctor -- one who is not only knowledgeable about IC, but also supportive, interested, and innovative in finding ways to help you.  Prepare for your doctor’s visits.  Write down all of your questions and symptoms in advance.
• Take time to learn About Your Medicines.
  • Create a Pill Card
  • Investigate Patient Assistance Programs
• Make Pelvic Exams Easier -- print this page and share it with your doctor or OB/GYN.
• Group Disability -- If you are unable to work, apply for disability (Social Security or private insurance benefits).  See the ICA’s Resource Materials Guide for detailed information on how to make a successful claim.
• Join the ICA.  By doing so you will be able to learn all about IC, including the latest research and treatments, and you will be helping to fund much-needed IC research.
• Read books on living with chronic illness to help you to understand its dynamics.

Revised July 20, 2009