Get S.I.C.K.! Published June 19, 2007 By Jenni Osborne 354th Medical Group health education program manager EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- The 354th Medical Group is allowing beneficiaries a chance to request over-the-counter medications without making an appointment first. The program is called S.I.C.K., for Self Initiated Care Kit. The three parts of the program are the "Take Care of Yourself" handbook, the S.I.C.K. class and the S.I.C.K. Card. The Take Care of Yourself handbook contains information on common ailments, home treatments, when to make an appointment, what to expect at the doctor's office, and when to seek immediate medical attention. "Many base residents already have the book, but they may not know how to use the information to its fullest potential," stated Capt. Kimber Wright, 354th Medical Operations Squadron clinical nurse. "This program was developed to assist our beneficiaries with taking better care of themselves and their families." The class discusses how to use the book properly, the side effects and contraindications of the medications available through this program, and how to stay safe in our Alaskan environment. There are currently two classes per month scheduled through the summer for a trial, and more will be more scheduled this fall based on participation. All adult class participants who are eligible for care at the medical clinic will receive a card that allows them to request prescriptions for specific medications that could also be purchased over the counter. The Surgeon General of the United States in 1981 said, "You, the individual, can do more for your own health and well-being than any doctor, any hospital, any drugs, and any exotic medical devices." The most important members of the health care team is the patient and their family. Providing tools they need to take better care of themselves is important to the 354th Medical Group. For more information or to sign up for the class, please contact the Health and Wellness Center at 377-6662.