 Valerie the Volunteer
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 Connie the Consumer
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V: (Notices someone entering the Center. Looks at her, smiles.) Hi! I'm a volunteer here at the Center. How can I help you this morning? |
C: I'm not too sure. Umm, I'm going through the change and I'm trying to decide what to do. |
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V: (Walks toward the client and paraphrases the question.) To help you find information I need to make sure I understand your question. I know some people call menopause the change. Are you talking about menopause? |
C: Yes, I just don't know what to do. |
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V: (Asks an open-ended question to find out what the clients needs.) Hmm, tell me a little bit more about what you are trying to decide. Maybe we have some information that will guide you. |
C: I know some people take things to help. | |
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V:(This client isn't helping much! Asks another open-ended question.) What does your doctor say or what have you found out already? |
C: I've read a couple of magazine articles, but they were didn't tell me what I wanted to know. I don't go to the doctor much. I thought there might be things I could try first without spending money on a doctor. |
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V:(Basic information on the topic may help this client help herself.) Sounds like you need some basic information to get you started. Let's see, I'm pretty sure that MedlinePlus has a collection of articles about menopause. Let me show you how to find this page on the computer. You know, you should consider talking over what you find with a healthcare professional to make sure it applies to your particular situation. |
C: Well, let me just look at this information. I'm not very good with computers. Will you help me? |
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V: Sure. I'll get you started, and I'll be nearby if you need more help. Our computer is around the corner here. I'll click on this link to get to MedlinePlus. I think the best way to find this information is to look by Health Topics. I'll select M, and then Menopause. The information is arranged by narrower topic. When you click on one of these links it will open the information in a new page, so you should always be able to get back to this page to find another article. Let me know when you need help. |
C: OK, thanks. |
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V: (Returns later and checks to see how the client is doing.) Did you find some helpful information? | C: Yes, I guess so. See, I'm mostly worried about getting fatter. Seems that gaining weight is part of what happens. Says to watch what you eat and exercise. Tried to make it sound easy! Ha! |
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V : Oh, I see. Is there any other information I can help you find? | C:How about an inexpensive place to go for exercise? |
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V : Sure. I think we could find that in the NC Health Info website. Let me show how to look. | C:Really? I was just kidding, but sure. It can't hurt to look! |
Objectives
