Staying in control of our lives can be a daily struggle—especially this year, and especially for the half of us who live with a chronic condition. It’s time for a change. It’s time to work together to take back control. One way to start focusing on your health again is to see your doctor but there’s a lot to take in during a consultation with a health practitioner. Preparing yourself for the consultation helps ensure you leave satisfied. Check out www.thisislivingtoday.com to find our guide that helps you to prepare and suggests questions to ask in the session. The initiative and the website have been developed by Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH in collaboration with representatives from patient organizations and other experts, including Active Citizenship Network.

Coming with questions in hand can maximize the value of your appointment for both you and your healthcare team. A clear list will, of course, reduce the rush of the visit and ensure that important information isn’t missed, but it can also strengthen the relationship with your healthcare provider. Getting a full picture of the areas you’re unsure of will no doubt help you going forward. But sharing them also gives your care providers a clearer understanding of you as a whole person and how your condition specifically impacts your life. Your questions may vary depending on your condition or individual appointment, but you can use these as a guide to write down your own set of relevant inquiries before your next meeting. To download the “Guide to the 14 questions to ask your healthcare professional in your consultation”, click here.