10 Things You Can Do to Improve Your Health, Your Community, and Our Health Care System

1. Find a primary care provider.
Do not wait until you are sick and need to go to the Emergency Room (ER). ER care is expensive and it is impossible to establish a medical history if you only see the doctor working in the ER each time. Use local resources to find a medical home that offers a sliding fee scale for uninsured patients and establish yourself as a patient there. Preventative health care, and having a doctor who knows you, and your health care history, are two important pieces to managing your health. Community Health Centers are an excellent resource for primary health care.

2. Ask questions.
Patients who are partners in their own health care have better understanding of how to manage any illness or conditions and improve their own health and safety. Asking questions will help you at the doctor's office and when you get back home, where you make most of your decisions on your health every day. Check out this resource for ideas on questions to ask: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

3. Eat Well.
Changing what you eat can have a huge impact on how you feel and your overall well-being. To figure out a plan that works for you, talk with your medical provider. In the meantime, make small changes like eating more fruits, more vegetables, less soda, more water. Kate Thomas, Wellness Coordinator at Neighborhood Family Practice, says the best thing anyone can do to improve their nutrition is to: "Be realistic about the changes you want to make. Take small steps to reach your goal. The changes will last longer this way."

4. Get Exercise.
Anyone who wants to start an exercise program should talk with a medical provider before they start. Like eating well, getting exercise can be a gradual change that has a huge impact. Take small steps. Set realistic goals like 'today I will be more active than yesterday.' Maybe this means standing up and walking in place during your favorite television program, or maybe it means going for a walk around the block. Check out local resources that are available. In Cleveland's Stockyards neighborhood, there is a free walking program called The Stockyard Steppers. The Steppers, a group of about 30 community members, meet every Monday in the summertime at 7pm to walk together. They have tee-shirts, free raffle prizes, water bottles, and are always looking for more people to join them! The program will begin again in the spring of 2008. Call Laurel Domanski Diaz at 216-281-8945 ext. 285 for more information on this. Visit smallstep.gov for other small steps to improve your health.

5. Organize!
This photo shows a big fish eating little fish who try to get out of its way. Below that, the little fish organize themselves into a powerful bigger fish that is chasing away its enemy. This is the power of numbers. The issue of being uninsured is an issue that affects millions of Americans. It is an issue that, if we work together and organize, we can and will win! We Are the Uninsured is one way to join up with other uninsured people. There are many others too.

6. Register to vote. Then vote!
Voting is the fundamental right of each individual American. It is the most basic means by which we each have a voice in how our government works. By voting, you participate in a process that determines who will represent you, your family, and your neighbors in your community, your state, and your country. For more information on registering to vote in Cuyahoga County visit the Board of Elections. For more information on candidates, issues, and past voting records of candidates for any state, visit Project Vote Smart.

7. Engage your elected leaders.
Participate in the public policies that impact your life by making your views known to the people you elect to represent you. Sign petitions, meet with legislators, call, email, write letters. Ask their stance on health care issues. Remember that as a voter you have power. When many voters come together your power is even greater. Find out the 2008 presidential candidates positions on health care reform.

8. Find Action Alerts.
Many organizations' sole purpose is to do health care advocacy. Many websites have created easy ways for you to put in your address, then send an already-written email or fax to your elected leaders. There are always pressing issues that are becoming legislation in our statehouse in Columbus, or the state capital in Washington DC. Check out our Health Care Action Alerts section to find out some resources to stay on top of health care advocacy. Your voice is always needed!

9. Talk to your friends and neighbors.
Talk to your friends and neighbors about We Are the Uninsured, or invite them to a meeting. Use the opportunities that you already have in everyday conversation to learn about other people's thoughts and educate them on yours. Margaret Mead said: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever does."

10. Start small, with any of these ideas. But start!

Please contact Peggi Cella at 216-281-8945, ext. 260 or Rowena Ventura, at ext. 205, for more information.