 Valerie the Volunteer
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 Connie the Consumer
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V: Hi! I'm a volunteer here at the Center. Can I help you find some information? |
C: Oh, OK, I guess. I'm here waiting for my turn to visit a friend who is in the hospital and saw your sign. |
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V: Glad you came in. We have books and pamphlets and other resources about different aspects of women's health. Are you looking for something particular? |
C: Well, I don't know. It's just that I keep waking up with pain on one side of my face, and I thought you might have something in here that would tell what causes that. |
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V: So, you are interested in finding information about the cause of pain on one side of your face. Hmm, it can be difficult to find the cause of a symptom. Sometimes, you can find information that gives you some possibilities. Often, you do need to see a health professional for a definite answer. |
C: Well, I was hoping I could figure something out on my own. I've never had migraines. Can you just start getting migraines? | |
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V: Why don't you spend some time with our general reference books. Look in the index under face or maybe head, and see if there is a listing for information about pain specific to that part of your body. Since you are concerned about migraines, you could also look at information about migraines, or more generally about headaches. Do you think that would get you started? |
C: Yes, I think so. |
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V: OK. Let's start with the Merck Manual of Medical Information and the AMA Family Medical Guide. Let me know if you don't find the information you need in these books. There is a very good website with a Medical Encyclopedia that we could check. |
C: Really? I don't have much time right now, but I could look at the website later when I get home. |
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V: The website is called MedlinePlus, and it is put together by librarians at the National Library of Medicine. Here, this bookmark gives the web address. Do you have time to take a quick look now so you will know that you can find the information you want? | C: Yes, I have a few more minutes. |
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V: Our computer is around the corner here. There are lots of ways to find information in MedlinePlus. Try starting in the medical encyclopedia, and then select F for face. Oh, there is an entry for face pain, and look, many of the words in the article are linked to more information. Try checking M for migraine. Yes, that is listed as well. These should get you started. Do you think you can find these again when you get home? | C:Yes, it seems pretty straightforward, and it looks like it will be very helpful. Thanks! |
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V : Oh, I'm glad I could help you get started. Remember to check with your health care professional if you need advice on how to interpret or use the information you find. Would you mind taking a minute to fill our "Tell Us What you Think Form"? | C:Sure, and thanks again. |
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