This guide is for you to use at any given time, now or in the future. Here at Healthy Living – Batavia, we want you to be your best healthy self everyday. No matter the age, we want to be here for you when you need us or even when you don’t. We understand that sometimes a person may need more than the services provided here, like food insecurity, transportation needs, financial assistance, and more. That is what this personal navigation guide is all about. We want you to feel supported, heard, and understood at any point in your health journey. Oh, it is 100% judgement free too! Use it at your convivence without shame! It is your helping hand when you need it most.
What will you find in this guide:
You’ll find all major needs and concerns covered via the various resources collected over time by our team to support you for whatever you need.
Your own personal pocketbook of people who are “in your corner” to help you when needed.
All the Healthy Living Program’s essential components include registered staff on duty and what services we provide, and our contact information.
Organized by the counties of Western New York (Genesee, Wyoming, Orleans, Niagara) you can easily find what is local to you.
What this guide is NOT:
It is not a diagnosing or medically based tool to treat or diagnose any aliments or illness. You will need to discuss with a licensed health professional for a diagnosis of your current symptoms.
Using this booklet does not mean you are powerless by any means. We understand that asking for help is hard and can feel embarrassing. Just know that we are here for you free of judgement or prejudice.
It is not a complete guide to all resources around you, but we will continue to update this book in future editions.
LEAD Program (Lactation Education After Discharge) with Internationally Board-Certified Lactation Consultants
Lactation Support Line
MOMS Program (Medicaid Obstetrical & Maternity Services) to assist/promote healthy pregnancy and positive birth outcomes
Family Services:
Healthy Moms & Healthy Dads Program
Family and Friends CPR & Safety
Poison control, First Aid, other safety issue education
Hands-Only CPR on infants, children, adults
Doc., I Got a Question!
Self-Advocacy Questionnaire for you to use at your provider’s office.
Remember, this is your appointment and you are in control of your health. Note: these questions are broad, and all may not apply to your specific appointment. You can add your own questions in the next section.
Generalized Questions to Consider:
What can I do to improve my wellbeing with this new diagnosis or illness?
What type of lifestyle changes can I do at home to prevent further issues?
Can I request a certain provider to see me? I would prefer to see a male/female/Indigenous/LGTBQIA+ provider for my visit.
Can you please explain why you are recommending this testing or procedure to me?
Can you explain the test to me in a different way? I want to make sure I understand what is happening during the test.
Can you explain that word you used? I don’t understand what it means.
What is my job when performing this diagnostic test? What is your role, as my provider, in performing this type of diagnostic testing?
When will I get my results from the test? How long will it take for me to see the results?
Can you explain my results to me, and send me a written copy of them?
Can you explain what types of side effects I may receive while I am taking this medication?
How should I treat the side effects and how long do they last?
What goals do you have for my health in the next 1-2 years?
How can I contact you during after-hours if I need guidance or can address my concerns?
Cancer Services Program Related Questions:
What does the CSP program do and how can it help me in preventing cancer?
What if I am diagnosed with cancer after testing?
I don’t have insurance; do I need to pay for any of the prevention screenings?
I am of age to get my first mammogram. What can I expect when getting one done?
I don’t feel comfortable with getting a colonoscopy, are there any alternatives?
I always feel uncomfortable getting a pap-smear, is there any tricks you recommend or strategies you use to make the test less uncomfortable?
Do mammograms hurt?
I am nervous about receiving a mammogram and something abnormal being found; what can I expect if I receive abnormal results?
Do any abnormal results mean I have cancer?
How do I complete a at-home “F.I.T Test” kit? What do I need to do with the sample?
MOMS Program Related Questions:
What if I don’t have an Obstetrics/Gynecologist (OBGYN) Provider?
What if I don't have a Primary Care Provider (PCP)
What can I do at home to keep myself safe and healthy for both of us?
My partner is not supportive; how will this program help me get the support I need?
My family is not supportive; how will this program help me get the support I need?
I am concerned about post-partum depression, how will I know I have it?
Can you help me create a birthing plan for my family, myself, and my provider?
I have had a traumatic pregnancy/birth experience, and I am currently pregnant. What can the MOMs or Healthy Mom, Healthy Dad Program provide to help me navigate this pregnancy?
Nutrition Related Questions:
I love carbs, how do I reduce my carb intake and fulfill my cravings?
How many times a month is it healthy to have “cheat meals”?
What is a typical healthy plate of food?
How do I calculate portion sizes for my home cooked meals?
What kinds of low-calorie foods are available to me?
How can I stay healthy on a tight budget?
How can I incorporate more vegetables into the food that I like to eat?
How often are cooking classes hosted?
Can I schedule a 1-on-1 session with you?
When should I contact you for abnormal readings?
Diabetes Related Questions:
What can I do at home to help lower my A1C levels?
Do I need to give up all my favorite desserts?
Is it safe to continue eating my favorite fruits?
How often should I check my blood glucose (or blood sugar) levels?
I am terrified of needles! Are there alternatives to the traditional finger stick?
I have heard and seen commercials about Dexcom readers, what can you tell me about them?
What is the age range that you are willing to see in person?
Note: We ask that if you choose to print and fill this out, please bring it to the Healthy Living Office (211 E Main St, Batavia, NY 14020) in the blue box. We appreciate your participation; all answers are anonymous.