The Myra Rubenstein Weis Health Resource Center is dedicated to supporting the health education needs of the community. An annual benefit funds the Resource Center as well as the Living in the Future (LIFE) Cancer Survivorship Program, including sponsorship of the Myra Rubenstein Weis Cancer Survivorship Seminars.
Located at Highland Park Hospital, the Resource Center is a private place to obtain information when making healthcare decisions. Visitors are welcome to stop by to browse our collection and enjoy our relaxing environment between appointments or during other idle time in the hospital.
Our personal, confidential assistance is available free of charge to help you find the health information you need. Our hours are Monday through Friday from 9a.m. to 4p.m. For more information or to request services, call the Resource Center Coordinator at 847.480.2727 or email mrwresource@northshore.org.
EMPOWER Yourself: Take Charge of Your Health
As a healthcare consumer, it’s important that you take ownership of your care. EMPOWER yourself by playing a vital role in making your care safe by becoming an active, involved and informed member of your health-care team.
Educate yourself about your condition, the medical tests you are undergoing and your treatment options. Ask questions – get answers.
- Collect information about your condition from your doctor, health resource center or respected website.
- Write down important facts your doctor tells you so that you can look for additional information later.
Make sure that the doctor, nurse or other staff member checks your wristband before giving you medicine, performing a test or drawing your blood.
- Know what medications you are taking and why you take them.
- Be familiar with what your medications look like and question your care provider if it looks different.
- If something doesn’t seem right, speak up – you have a voice in your care.
Participate in all decisions about your treatment.
- Keep a notebook with information on your medications, medical history and questions and answers from your healthcare team.
- You and your doctor should agree on what will be done during each step of your care.
Own your health – you, a family member or friend are your best advocate.
- Your designated advocate can ask questions that you may not think of while you are under stress.
- A social worker, nurse or chaplain may also be very helpful.
Work with your healthcare team including physicians, nurses and other staff members by becoming an active and involved participant.
- Your health is important – don’t worry about being embarrassed if you don’t understand something that your care provider tells you.
- Remember, it’s your body and you have the right to know.
Each member of your healthcare team needs to know the big picture.
- Although the team routinely meets to discuss your care and treatment, anything you can add will help – no one knows you better than you do.
- Let it be your job to help keep everyone on the team informed.
Remember, patients who take part in decisions about their health care are more likely to have better outcomes and enjoy a healthier quality of life.