President Chuck started the meeting by thanking Del VandeKerk for filling in last week. We were then enlighten with some trivia about Shakespeare whose birthday (and death – same day) was recently observed. Although there is a current attempt by some to discredit Shakespeare’s legacy, the work for which he is given that credit stands on its own. Some Shakespeare quotes which we use every day include “Be all and end all”, “Dead as a door nail”, “Eaten out of house and home”, and “One fell swoop” (Norwegians know this as one swell foop.)
This is the last reminder to the membership that major awards nominations (Will J. Griswold Club Service, David C. Morse Sr. Community Service, Michael K Mischaikow International Service and the Karen W. Morse Vocational Service Awards) are being accepted by the executive committee for several awards. More details are available on the website, from Sandee or Click Here
Announcements:
Del VandeKerk wants the membership to know that the deadline for the next Service Fund Grant requests are due on May 9th.
Lisa Saar – Stop Hunger Now Update
Lisa was proud to announce the 43,000 meals that we packed will be going to feed children in Cambodia.
Marty Haines – Cruise announcement
This year’s rotary cruise will be setting sail for Eliza Island on 6/20. Please sign up if you would like to jump on board.
Thank you to Joe Coons, Chip Lockhart and Brian Griffen for bringing the Langley Ukulele festival at Bellingham High School on Sunday. It was truly a great performance, and the crowd certainly enjoyed it.
Guest of Rotarians:
Tim Farris introduced Andy Day with The Bellingham Fire Department
Teri Treat introduced our speaker Gordon Heinrichs
Program:
We were joined today by Gordon Heinrichs, Author, and Health Literacy advocate. Mr. Heinrich explained the importance of strong doctor-patient communication. Today there is too much miscommunication that often does little to benefit the patient. Providing medical information is good, but that in itself is not good enough. It doesn’t necessarily mean there was proper communication when the information was delivered. Some components of miscommunication include medical jargon, rapid delivery, limited English, too small (font), and also pills that may not allow you to think clearly.
Medical miscommunication is not a cheap, either. It is estimated that 100-200 billion dollars is wasted every year, which equates to 3-5% of every healthcare bill.
There are several things a patient can do to help facilitate better communication:
Prepare. Do a little research on your own before visit
Allow yourself time to ask questions.Remember these eight words – “Doctor, what I understood you to say was…”This will start the conversation.Don’t leave conversation until you have full understanding.
Identify miscommunication and tell your doctor.They will listen and it should help them communicate better going forward.
As an example of miscommunication he noted two ways a doctor could talk about a possible treatment. One is to say, “the treatment is very effective, but it doubles your risk of cancer.” The other way of saying is “the treatment is very effective, however it raises the risk of cancer from 1% to 2%.” Which is the clearer message?
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