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Do you know how to choose your health care provider?(NC)When the stakes are high,provider, says Jo-Ann Willson, pres- Are they highly rated or recom-do people reflect at length to makeident of the Federation of Healthmended, e.g. from friends or otheran informed decision? Not always. ARegulatory Colleges of Ontario.health professionals?recent British survey found that onFHRCO comprises Ontario's 24 Are they a member of a regulat-average it took people 21 minutes tohealth regulatory colleges, whiched profession? That's importantchoose a house. In contrast, con-together govern almost 260,000given the wide array of health caresumers typically spent eight timeshealth care professionals and holdproviders available in Ontario.longer to decide on a coffee table,them accountable for their conductRegulated professionals are held toand more than 10 times longer toand practice (see www.regulated-high standards for safe, competentpick a new TV.healthprofessions.on.ca).and ethical health care.In selecting a health careHere are just some questions to Do they speak the language thatprovider, the stakes are certainlyconsider when choosing a careyou're most comfortable speaking?high your health and well being.provider: Can you see them promptlySo what factors should you keep in Do they have the training andwhen needed?mind?background that meet your needs?In health care, you don't alwaysIdentifying the best provider for Do they encourage you to askget to pick your provider. But whenyou goes beyond the issues thatquestions and explain things clearly?you do, reflect on the qualities youFind the right fit with your health care provider by asking questions and doingoften influence other consumer Do they listen to your concernsdesire. If people deliberate long andsome research on their educational and professional background.choices, like cost or convenience.and respond appropriately?hard before buying a TV or piece ofsions are the ones we make as healthhealth care providers and just asBy considering the right ques- Do you feel treated withfurniture, then decisions on whatcare consumers, says Willson.important tend to be more satisfiedtions about experience, qualifica-respect?health professional to see should bePeople who make the right choicewith their health care and have bettertions, skills and rapport you can Do they make you feel comfort-at least as thoughtful.have a sound relationship with theirresults.find the right fit with any health careable?Some of our most important deci-BANISH CROWS FEETwith Botox & SAVE with ourTRY THEYEye Rejuvenation PackageEnjoy a complimentary,t #PUPY GPS DSPXT GFFUIncludes:two-week trial pass at the YMCAt &MBTUJEFSN &ZF DSFBN CZ 0CBKJ t B -VYVSJPVT )ZESBUJOH 'BDJBM XJUI FZF NBTL UP Now is the perfect time to recommit BMMFWJBUF ESZ XJOUFS TLJO mOF MJOFT BOE DSFQJOFTTto your fitness and well-being.t NPOUI TVQQMZ PG -BUJTTF UIF POMZ QSFTDSJQUJPO Bring this ad to the membership desk of your local QSPEVDU QSPWFO UP HSPX MPOHFS UIJDLFS EBSLFS MBTIFTYMCA Health, Fitness and Recreation Centre andexperience the YMCA for two weeks, absolutely free.Save Name: _________________________________________________________________________________OverDate of Birth: ___________________________________________________________________________$20BMM GPS $5000!Address: _______________________________________________________________________________Before________________________________________________________________________________________TMPhone Number: _________________________________________________________________________Email: __________________________________________________________________________________(bimatoprosttopical solution 0.03%w/v)Emergency Contact (Name/Number): ____________________________________________________Before________________________________________________________________________________________AfterCmon Oakville. Its time to Live Right Now! AfterThe YMCA of Oakville challenges Oakville residents and families to join theCBC Live Right Now movement and get healthier in 2011.Register at LiveRightNow.ca, and join the YMCA of Oakville community groupOffer expires January 31, 2011Mississauga Cosmetic Surgery ClinicOffer available at participating YMCA Health, Fitness and Recreation Centres in Ontario.Offer expires June 30, 2011. Limited to one free trial offer per person. No cash value; 247 Queensway West, Mississauga905.273.3045not for resale or transferable; non refundable. Photo ID required on first visit.www.antiwrinkleclinic.comF19 Thursday, January 20, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER www.oakvillebeaver.com