Handwashing is probably the number one way to make sure germs don’t spread, and infections don’t happen. Although most people working in hospitals and many visitors do a great job of remembering to wash their hands when they enter a room, even the best get busy or may forget.

When you are in the hospital or at a visit with your doctor, take care that anyone entering the room washes their hands before touching you or any of your equipment. If you see someone not wash their hands when they enter, speak up if they are about to touch you or anything in the room. Simply ask, “Would you kindly wash your hands or use the hand sanitizer before we continue?” This question can go a long way to keep you safe from infection. 

Keep a list of your current medications and their dosage in your wallet or your purse. Doing this will allow you give this information to any doctor you may need to see.

Knowing what medications you are taking helps doctors to make sure any new medicines they prescribe for you will work safely with what you are already taking.