PARTICIPATION: Talking about our health - Tips for kids and teens

Summary: You are never too young to start learning about your health so don't be afraid to ask questions.

1. Ask questions! 
You are never too young to start learning about your health, so don’t be afraid to ask questions! If you don’t understand something, ask again! Remember, it is your body and you have a right to know! 

2. Tell adults what you know
Children with an illness usually know a lot about their body. Tell others what you know and what you want to learn more about.

3. Be open and honest
For people to help you, they need to know how you feel. If you don’t want to know what’s going on, that’s okay. If you want to be more involved, remind doctors and other staff that you would like to receive information too.

4. Share your opinion your way!
If you don’t feel like talking, you can still share your thoughts in other ways – like drawing or writing. Let others know about the things you like to do.  

5. Working as a team
It is important to have people around you who can help, whether it be family members, friends or medical staff. Remember you are not alone! We know that when families, doctors and patients work together things turn out better for everyone.


*Based on findings from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Study.
 
Further Information:

Owner: Donna Koller, PhD

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