As a health educator and patient navigator for the American Cancer Society's colon cancer screening initiative, I have seen first-hand the impact a health educator can have on a patient's health. Although overlooked in many healthcare settings, health educators are an important part of the health care team. Health educators not only educate but work to bridge patients to outside services, build vital relationships within the healthcare system, and provide social support for patients. Health educators play an important role in eliminating barriers that may hinder patients from obtaining the health services they need.
Education is a key component of what a health educator does, but helping patients cope and deal with mental anxietiesthat are associated with getting a procedure like a colonoscopy exist as well. I see this as'cold feet" but reassure my patients that the anxieties of getting a colonoscopy are normal and expected. I also get the'what if" and'this happened to my friend" questions/concerns that causes patients to feel even more anxiety and fear. But, I have learned how to eliminate those anxieties by using gestures, humor, and demonstrations as I educate. The moment that I enter the exam room and show the excitement of getting a colon cancer screening and begin to educate, the patients' attitudes immediately change. Patients will open up to me and share concerns about their health and want to know more about getting a screening. This openness tells me that the anxieties that were so evident minutes earlier are no longer present.
From my experience, many patients are reluctant to getting a colonoscopy due to fear, but this is where a health educator can make their biggest impact. During my time of service, I want to challenge myself to learn more about the mental anxieties patients may face while encountering medical procedures and how to eliminate them.
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This post was written by CHC member 
Education is a key component of what a health educator does, but helping patients cope and deal with mental anxieties that are associated with getting a procedure like a colonoscopy exist as well. I see this as'cold feet" but reassure my patients that the anxieties of getting a colonoscopy are normal and expected. I also get the'what if" and'this happened to my friend" questions/concerns that causes patients to feel even more anxiety and fear. But, I have learned how to eliminate those anxieties by using gestures, humor, and demonstrations as I educate. The moment that I enter the exam room and show the excitement of getting a colon cancer screening and begin to educate, the patients' attitudes immediately change. Patients will open up to me and share concerns about their health and want to know more about getting a screening. This openness tells me that the anxieties that were so evident minutes earlier are no longer present.