Help ease your child's fear of the doctor

1. Talk with your child beforehand. Let them know about the appointment well in advance. And explain why they have to go to the doctor.

2. Be honest. Describe what will happen at the appointment. You can use a doll to show what the doctor will look at. Knowing what might happen can help your child cope and build trust with their doctor.

3. Stay positive. Talk about the visit in a positive way. If they’re going because of a health problem, explain that the doctor is there to help them get better.

4. Remain calm. Your emotional cues play a big part in how your child handles doctor’s visits. So, try to model the behavior you want to see in them. When you have a relaxed and upbeat attitude, it can help reassure your child that there’s nothing to worry about.

5. Get them involved. They can help you write down symptoms or any other details about how they’ve been feeling lately. Ask if they have any questions they want to ask the doctor and add them to the list.

6. Praise them for being brave. You can even offer a small reward for making it through this important milestone, such as a sticker, crayons or a trip to the park.

Schedule your annual checkup

Get a head start on the new year! Schedule annual checkups for you and your family with your primary care provider (PCP) now. 

While you’re there, be sure to:

• Get key numbers checked. That includes your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels.

• Find out if you’re due for any preventive screenings.

• Ask if you need any vaccinations, such as the COVID-19 vaccine series or boosters.

Get the most out of your benefits

If you're an Aetna Better Health® member, you can find out more info about your plan. Just log in to your Member Portal to visit your account.

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5 ways to get the most out of a health care visit

Use these tips for remembering details, bringing up awkward topics and getting the best preventive care and treatment.

1. Make a list. Before your appointment, write down your health concerns and questions. That way you won’t forget anything when you meet with your provider.

2. Know your family’s medical history. It can offer clues about health issues you might come up against. If you have a family history of heart disease, for example, it can help guide your provider on which health screenings you might need and when.

3. Speak up. Talking about certain health issues can be uncomfortable. But don’t let that stop you from bringing things up. Remember: Your provider has heard it all before, and they want to help you. To do that, they need complete and correct information.

4. Bring along a loved one. Having a friend or family member by your side can be very helpful. They can be a second set of eyes and ears to help you remember details about your visit and to ask questions.

5. Record your conversation. Whether or not you have a buddy with you, you might also want to record your visit. It can help you recall and understand the information your provider gave you. Ask for your provider’s permission before you record.