When it comes to daylight savings time, I always relate it to sleep. I would much rather “fall back”, and get that extra hour of sleep. It seems more rewarding to think of turning back the clock for an extra hour of some much-needed rest.
Right about this same time of year, the daylight hours get noticeably shorter. Before you know it, here in our area of Hopewell, Fishkill, and Wappingers Falls, you will probably be walking to your car in the dark after work.
This time of year is always challenging for me. My never ending to do list seems a lot more jumbled, and I have to be extra careful about prioritizing. If you live anywhere in the Hudson Valley, there are always chores to be done outside. Between work and family, it’s hard to find the time to do them.
Just as prioritizing your to do list is important, it is equally valuable to organize your concerns when visiting us at Hollowbrook Foot Specialists. I want to address your needs, and if you come in prepared, your visit will be much more productive.
Here are a few tips to get the most out of your office visit:
1. Before coming to your appointment, jot down a list of your top 2 or 3 questions. Many symptoms in medicine are related, and sometimes treating one thing may help other problems as well – so pick the top problems and we will address them first.
2. ALWAYS have a list of the medications you are taking, the dose, and how frequently they are taken. Make sure you include all herbal remedies, vitamins, supplements, and over-the counter medications.
3. Don’t be afraid to say that you don’t understand something. We want to make sure you understand your treatment and anything you need to be doing between visits. Whether it is taking a medication, changing a dressing on a wound, or doing stretching exercises – it’s important to participate in your recovery.
4. Bring a notepad to write down important points. It is easy to forget things once you leave, so taking notes during your appointment can jog your memory later.
As a friendly reminder, Hollowbrook Foot Specialists would like to suggest that everyone in Dutchess County set their clocks back by 1 hour this upcoming Saturday night before bed to mark the end of Daylight Savings Time on November 3, 2013.
By David J. Schlam
