October is undoubtedly one of the most visible health awareness months that there is.  Everyone sees and hears “Think Pink!”  According to breastcancer.org, 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop breast cancer during her lifetime.  More importantly, though is that the rate of survival is increasing.  The primary reasons for this are early detection, awareness, and improved treatments.  Take time to recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month in your office, and be sure to talk to your patients about it, for themselves, their wives, mothers, sisters, daughters and friends.  Offer handouts that remind them to do self-checks, or to make an appointment.

For additional patient education and awareness products on many health topics, visit 4imprint.com/healthcare.

Hospitals can be a scary place, especially for kids.  Recently my daughter had a procedure done at a local children’s hospital and she was in good spirits walking in, but when it came time for vitals and medication, she wanted nothing to do with it.  Lucky for us, this hospital works with children every day, and was able to offer some comfort for her.

The nurse let her pick a sticker after her vitals were taken.  After she was given medication, another nurse came in with random toys, not just to play with, but she could choose one to take home!

The staff also provided us with a blanket, handmade and donated by a local group, for use in the hospital and to take home.  My favorite part, I must admit, was the ipad 2 they let us – err, I mean her – use throughout the procedure to keep her occupied.  It also worked well to keep me preoccupied and less worried.

Keeping kids occupied and feeling secure during a difficult appointment can be comforting, and allow the nurses and doctors to do what they need to do.  Things like balls, toys and coloring books can make the day easier for everyone – patients, parents, and staff.

I won’t soon forget the nurses and staff that took care of my daughter. She was a real trooper the entire day and the results were extremely positive.  Now we’re just trying to convince dad to buy us an ipad!

Warm temps and the bright, long days are here!  I don’t know about you, but I’ve been waiting for this weather through a very long winter.  But now that we’re spending more time playing in the sun, it’s definitely to time to take some extra precautions.

Before we head outside for the day, I cover my kids in sunscreen, and then I make sure to reapply multiple times throughout the day.  I want to be sure to protect their skin from the dangers of the sun, whether it is painful sunburns today, or the risks of skin cancer down the road.

In addition to protecting their skin, I am very careful to shield their eyes from the bright UV rays. My oldest loves sunglasses so much so that we just picked up her new prescription sunglasses!

Of course, I do need to set a good example, so not only do I put on sunscreen and sunglasses, but I am sure to wear a cool hat or visor for days in the sun also.

Be sure your patients and their families understand the risks of the sun, and the affects to their skin and eyes.   Hand out a UV Safe Indicating Card, making it easy to understand how intense the UV rays are, and one of many sun protection items so they are prepared for their outdoor activities all summer long!

I was sitting at the pediatrician’s office this past weekend – yes, my baby has her first ear infection – and my toddler wanted to color while we waited.  But she wondered why there were no coloring books or crayons on the table.

The office manager heard us, and gave my daughter an individual box of crayons and a coloring page printed off of the internet.  It so happens that they no longer keep these on the table.  It’s a way to limit the germs transferred between children.

As a parent, I think this is a great idea – each child gets their own crayons to color with and take home with their picture, and the doctor’s office gets to advertise on imprinted crayon boxes.  They could even get their logo printed on individual coloring books.

What is your office doing to keep patients relatively germ-free?  What extra steps are you taking?

Many of us, myself included, are often too busy to remember to make appointments with our healthcare providers on a regular basis. I do love getting those reminder postcards in the mail, though, since that is often my cue to call! But with all of technology – smart phones, cell phones, etc. – I wonder how many physician and dental offices use these mediums to communicate with patients?

One of my coworkers goes to a local dentist who regularly sends text messages to patients, including appointment reminders, satisfaction surveys, and Happy Birthday messages. The office recently sent her a Happy Birthday message for her husband, too, which served as a convenient reminder to her that she needed to make appointments for her family. Of course, the dental office phone number was right in the message, making it easy to find.

Your patients may or may not appreciate the friendly reminders, but it would certainly be worth finding out. It could be an easy way to differentiate yourself from competing offices.

For the past year or so, it has been difficult to not hear all of the discussions around Healthcare and Healthcare Reform. It is not always easy to understand, and patients just want to know what it means for them.

I’m no different. I am one of those patients who trusts my doctors, and rarely questions them as long as I get an answer. But I also like to be aware of my options and what is available, and given the changes occurring in our health system, I believe there are many others who just want to understand their options, too.

What types of options do you offer to complement your patients’ traditional course of care? Offering treatments and services complementary to the traditional methods gives your patients input in their care, making your relationship more meaningful and positive.

If you offer complementary services, take a look at the recently published 4imprint newsletter outlining how you can communicate these care options to your patients.

Exciting news to get your message out even faster!  Some of your favorite healthcare promotional products are now available in 24-hours.

If you are building a pediatric office or family practice, take a look at the Kidz Bandage Dispensers in fun solid colors or designs.  Hand them out at health fairs or community events to attract new patients , or give them to existing patients at their back to school exams.

Or choose one of the many products in our 24-hour store.  Check out www.4imprint.com/healthcare for more ideas.

I spend a lot of time in the doctor’s office, since I will soon be adding to my family (baby # 2!).  At a recent appointment, I was thinking about how pleased I am with our physicians.  I had options when I chose our family doctors, and I made the right decisions for my family.  Just as I do research when purchasing a TV, refrigerator, or vehicle, I was able to do research before deciding which doctor to see.

If I am doing research, so are other patients.  So where are we getting this information?

Since almost 75% of the United States population uses the internet, it seems reasonable that this is a key source of information.  There are a number of government websites, such as AHRQ website, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and Medline Plus, that provide insight for patients on what questions to ask and how to check the quality of a doctor.   Patients can also check the websites or social media sites of a particular organization to understand what they offer.

In my case, I also talked to family, friends, and coworkers for their input on particular physicians.  Real-life examples and experiences can have a huge impact on the decisions we make when it comes to healthcare.  Some of this may even be communicated through Facebook, Twitter, and even traditional email, where word travels quickly.

Do you know what patients are saying?  For ways you can appeal to potential patients check out 4imprint’s Healthcare newsletter.

We were at a local amusement park for Father’s Day, and as the mom of a toddler, I always have hand sanitizer close by.  I used it after every ride, and before and after our picnic. Throughout the day, I thought it would have been a great way for healthcare providers to keep their contact information accessible to their patients.

With so many types of hand sanitizers available, in different sizes, shapes, and even colors, it is easy to find one that will fit your message.  Imprinting your practice logo and contact information will keep you close to patients.  See which one will work for your practice!

It seems that every spring, summer, and fall are full of opportunities to run or walk to raise awareness for some very noteworthy causes.  The participants actively raise contributions and donations, and then commit their time to partake in the event.  Why not thank them for their support and promote your healthcare practice and team participants with a t-shirt imprinted with the event information?

T-shirts, like the #6729 Hanes Tagless, come in many colors and sizes, and make great giveaways for participants, with event details imprinted on the back.  Or try the #10510 Sport Bottle, as a way to keep them hydrated throughout the event.

One of 4imprint’s new products, the Marathon Kit (#109089), includes everything runners need to stay in the race – Blistex, antibacterial wipes, blister cover, and bandages in a convenient nylon bag.

So many ways to get your name out, and thank them for their commitment!